Why Study in the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic, considered one of the most attractive countries in Eastern Europe, was established at the beginning of 1993, having formerly been a part of Czechoslovakia.

Formerly a communist state influenced by the Soviet Union, it has seen tremendous progress in recent decades, becoming the World Bank’s first former Eastern Bloc state of being classified as a “developed nation” in 2006.

Currently, the Czech Republic is an increasingly prevalent international study destination, with about 44,000 international students enrolling in its universities.

According to EU figures released in 2014, it is the 12th most popular Erasmus student destination in Europe.

There are numerous advantages to studying in the Czech Republic, including well-regarded colleges, low tuition and living costs, and, not least, a bustling and colourful cultural life.

About the Czech Republic

The Bohemian Massif, which climbs to heights of 3,000 feet (900 meters) above sea level, dominates the Czech Republic’s central European environment.

This mountain ring encircles the Bohemian Plateau, an immense elevated region.

The two most important rivers are the Elbe and the Vltava.

The country boasts a main level of human development in Central and Eastern Europe, earning the label of a “Very High Human Development” nation.

It is also considered the third most tranquil country in Europe and the most democratic and healthiest in the area.

The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe with a rich cultural past and way of life. The nation is landlocked, bordering Austria, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia.

Despite being an EU member, the Czech Crown is the country’s currency (CZK). In addition, the government is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The Czech Republic is especially renowned for its long tradition of creating high-quality musical instruments such as wind instruments, pianos, pipe organs, and string instruments; well-known brands include Amati, Petrof, Reiger-Kloss, and Strunal.

The Czech Republic has a thriving arts culture that includes opera, films, dance, and theatre.

During their free time, students can also visit many fascinating museums and beautiful gardens, and parks.

Noodle soup with liver dumplings, roast sirloin with cream sauce, goulash, and fried cheese are all famous Czech culinary delicacies.

Climate

The Czech Republic has a temperate climate with all four seasons.

Temperatures range from -4 degrees Celsius in January to 24 degrees Celsius in July. Colder temperatures can be found near the border mountain ranges.

Why study in the Czech Republic?

The Czech Republic is home to the oldest higher education institution in Central Europe, Charles University.

The institution, which is resided in Prague, was founded in 1348.

The three-cycle structure of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees is used in modern Czech higher education.

Universities and non-universities are the two types of higher education institutions.

Non-universities typically only provide bachelor’s degrees, whereas universities grant programs of study at all degree levels and academic subjects.

Higher education in the Czech Republic is provided by 26 public, two states, and 44 private institutions.

The two-state institutes are specialized schools operated by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior.

The institutions provide master’s degrees in different disciplines, including architecture, art history, sculpture, theatre, theological studies, engineering, computer technology, chemistry, physics, natural sciences, business, social sciences, forestry, education, and many others.

Many private universities specialize in specialized fields of study, such as management.

The Czech Republic has a long history of high-quality research and education, especially science, engineering, and medicine.

International students will find a friendly environment; currently, over 37,000 international students are enrolled in Czech schools.

Many applications are now available in English and other languages other than Czech.

Furthermore, Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees are becoming more popular; most MBA programs employ a case-study methodology.

Here are a few reasons why to choose the Czech Republic as your study destination.

Affordability

In comparison to other European destinations, studying in the Czech Republic is relatively inexpensive.

Prague has a thriving student population, and international students will find affordable housing in university residence halls or individual apartments.

When studying in the Czech Republic, food might be an unexpected significant expenditure, but the good news is that food and beverage prices in the CR are on the cheaper end!

Furthermore, Prague’s numerous churches, bridges, and castles give a free history lesson or amusement for students looking to save money while on vacation.

In the Czech Republic, travelling around Europe is quite affordable.

From strategically placed Prague, you can take a train to Budapest, Krakow, Milan, and other beautiful cities in Central and Eastern Europe for less than 50 euros.

When looking for study abroad programs in the Czech Republic, keep an eye out for foreign excursions!

Some program providers include these in the program fee, which is another cost-effective approach to see and do more during your study abroad program.

Top-quality education

Czech education and research may trace their roots back to the 14th century. Charles Institution in Prague was founded in 1348, making it the oldest university in Central Europe.

Today, Charles University is rated 291st in the QS World University Rankings 2019, followed by seven other Czech universities in the Top 1000.

No tuition fees

According to Czech legislation, tuition costs are waived regardless of nationality if you pursue a course taught exclusively in Czech at a public or state institution in the Czech Republic.

Unless you decide to prolong your studies beyond a particular term limit, choose a different course than the one you originally applied to, or study in a language other than Czech, the only enrollment charges you will have to bear are admission expenses.

Geographically attractive site

Because of its central location in Europe, studying in the Czech Republic entails having a “free ticket” to travel and explore a large portion of the Old Continent.

Aside from the charming Czech villages, the neighbouring nations – Austria, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia on the border, Switzerland, Hungary, and Italy – are unmissable tourist temptations that can only be readily accessed from a centralized location like the Czech Republic.

Cultural diversity

The Czech Republic, located in Europe, is a country that straddles numerous civilizations of various backgrounds.

While studying and living in the Czech Republic, you will come across historical remnants of Slavic, Germanic, and Jewish groups that influenced Central-European culture and lifestyle.

Visiting museums, going to literary cafés, stumbling into old churches and cathedrals, and meandering through historic districts will be part of your everyday routine while studying in the Czech Republic, supplementing your lessons and social life with your new foreign friends.

Academic diversity

With an increasing number of courses taught in foreign languages, mainly English, a growing number of international students are coming to the Czech Republic to pursue Undergraduate or Postgraduate degrees.

Another reason for this is that Czech institutions are becoming increasingly internationalized, with investments in partnerships and cooperative activities with European Union nations and others.

More than 37,000 international students have now enrolled in Czech higher education institutions. Making new acquaintances will be a breeze for you!

Higher Education System

The degree structure in the Czech Republic is comparable to that of the United States.

The following degree programs are available:

• Bachelor’s degree (3 to 4 years)
• Master’s Degree (4 to 6 years)
• Doctorate (usually three years)

The country is home to over 70 public and private higher education institutions, providing Czech language courses geared exclusively for international students.

All students who have finished their secondary school and successfully passed an entrance exam are eligible for admission to Czech institutions and institutions (each institution specifies its exam).

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, which permits seamless credit and degree transfer to universities around Europe, has been accepted by most Czech universities.

The government’s advertising portal for international students is Study In The Czech Republic (http://www.studyin.cz/home/).

It is a fantastic site that contains digital catalogues for every Czech institution and institution.

Student Life in the Czech Republic

For students drawn to the natural beauty of the Czech countryside, the hilly republic offers various national parks as well as a variety of recreational activities, such as:

• Climbing
• Cycling
• Caving
• Skiing
• Water sports
• Fishing
• Hiking

However, one of the country’s most alluring resources is its capital.

The Czech city of Prague, located in the geographic centre of Europe, has long attracted visitors with its gorgeous architecture, a plethora of eateries, and a bustling nightlife scene.

Prague’s strategic position also provides students with the option of flying, taking the train, or taking the bus to all of Europe’s leading cities.

Living in the Czech Republic

Whether you study in your native country or abroad, the decision to study can be costly.

There are tuition expenses to consider and the general cost of living, which includes the cost of housing, food, and recreational activities.

It is essential to have a budget in mind before travelling overseas to study. Consider if you’ll be living in student housing, sharing a room, or working on a student permit.

Fortunately, compared to another famous European study abroad locations, the Czech Republic offers a significantly lower average cost of living.

As a result, it is a cost-effective choice for overseas students!

Prices vary depending on where you live, but on average, you should budget between 350 and 750 USD a month (290-620 Euros/7600-16200 Czech Crowns).

This sum should be sufficient to cover food, lodging, public transportation, and extracurricular activities.

Accommodation

Dormitory living is a common low-cost alternative for students.

Most Czech Universities provide overseas students with the possibility to reside on campus in student housing owned by the universities themselves.

You may also rent a private flat or a single room in a shared apartment for a reasonable fee if you desire a bit more space.

Expect to pay the following monthly rent:

• Student Dormitory (room with housemates, generally two persons per room) – around 120 USD
• Private Room – around USD 250
• 2-3 Bedroom Private Apartment – 500-800 USD

These rates are likely to change based on where you live. You might expect to spend more if you live in a more crowded city, such as Prague.

Food and beverages

It is simple to find good meals at a reasonable price in the Czech Republic. Students can anticipate paying the following fees on average:

• Cafeteria Student Lunch – 50 CZK / 2.3 USD
• Restaurant meal – 130 CZK / 5.9 USD
• Beer in a bar costs 30 CZK (1.4 USD).

Groceries are also less expensive. So, if you’re a student on a tight budget, try cutting back on the number of meals you eat out and instead go grocery shopping.

Lifestyle

Weekends are a time to unwind and explore the Czech Republic after a full week of school and homework.

There are several student discounts available for participating in leisure activities such as museum exhibitions and art galleries.

You should, however, have some money set up for going out with friends and enjoying the local scene.

For several frequent forms of entertainment, expect to pay the following:

• Ticket to a movie – 100–200 CZK / 4.5–9 USD
• Museum admission starts at 40 CZK / 1.8 USD.
• Admission to the gym starts at 100 CZK / 4.5 USD.
• Bike rental costs 200–500 CZK (around $9–23 USD) per day.

Check to see whether you are qualified for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which enables students to discounts on transportation, restaurants, movies, museums, exhibits, and concerts after you arrive in the Czech Republic.

Visa Requirements

All overseas students studying in the Czech Republic require long-term visas.

More information is accessible on the Ministry of the Interior’s website.

Students should plan ahead of time because long-term student visas might take 3-4 months to get.

Health Coverage

Students from EU member countries, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland may use their home country’s European Health Insurance Card to get medical services.

International students are not eligible for public health insurance and must get private health insurance that covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses.

Students on long layovers must provide proof of premium payment. All major hospitals accept major credit cards or cash as payment for treatment in addition to health insurance.

In Conclusion

Education has a significant position in the Czech Republic’s heritage.

Students who opt to study in the Czech Republic will have the opportunity to enjoy a rich cultural history as well as one of contemporary Europe’s most fascinating capital cities.