Czech Republic is one of the countries with universities that conduct both historic and modern research in master’s programmes. This makes the Czech Republic an excellent place to study for your master’s programme. Some of the famous and renowned artists and thinkers in the history of Europe are alumni of Czech Universities…Albert Einstein, Christian Doppler, Frank Kafka, among others.
Below are some interesting reasons to consider studying your master’s programme in Czech Republic:
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- Affordable and almost free tuition fees: Public universities in Czech Republic offer free programmes to all, irrespective of one’s country of origin. However, it is relatively low when it comes to some English taught programmes. The average tuition fee per year is not more than €20 110 and this depends on the university.
- Cheap cost of living: It does not cost an arm to live and study in Czech Republic. The cost of living is averagely cheap and affordable. You can spend between €300 and €700 per month. This includes accommodation, transportation, feeding and social activities.
- Application process is less difficult: It is advisable to apply to as many universities as possible in Czech Republic as well as choose numerous similar programmes at the same university. The application process is straightforward and all you need is to follow the easy process. The process includes: complete an online application at the university website, pay the application fee (between €20 and €50, depending on the course) and undertake an entrance examination if it is required.
- Course types: The university academic year in Czech Republic is arranged into two semesters. The first semester runs between late September / early October and February, while the second semester runs between February and June. However, exact dates of resumption and vacation vary according to institutions. Don’t forget the summer and winter holidays.
- Master’s content and assessment: Czech education system somehow differs from those of other countries. There are two routes to a master’s programme in Czech Republic. Firstly, most universities offer programmes that last between one and three years, though it is usually two years. This is a follow-up to the bachelor’s programme. Secondly, you can study for a longer, non-structured programme without an existing bachelor’s programme. In this case, the programme lasts between four to six years. This is mostly in fields like medicine, law and education.
- Language requirements: Most programmes in the Czech Republic are offered in the Czech language. However, there are also others offered in English language. It would be great to learn the language since you live in the country. With the Czech language skills, you have a great advantage in building your CV against the employment market. In addition, while courses offered in English may require that you pay tuition fees; those offered in Czech are completely free for every student, regardless of their nationality.
- International outlook: The number of international students that flood into the country keeps rising by the day and the government is on a course to raise the number as more and more programmes are offered in English. Currently, there are over 40 000 international students living and studying in the country.
- High-ranking universities: Some of the world-class universities are situated in the Czech Republic. Charles University, Czech Technical University of Prague, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Masaryk University, and a lot more are some of the high-ranking universities in the Czech Republic. Programmes offered in these universities include engineering, agriculture, economics, and language studies.
- Czech Republic is fun to live in: The country is fascinating and unique, with several cultural attraction centers and beautiful landscapes. It is home to famous medieval castles and spa resorts.
In Brno is situated the UNESCO World Heritage Site. That is not all; Brno is called the city of coffee and hosts an annual Coffee festival because you cannot walk past a corner without seeing a coffee spot.
In Hradec, you could give your eyes a fascinating view with several beautiful parks and music fiestas. Do you love to take a beer? Then, you are already in a country that takes time to brew more than 20 different kinds of beer. That is literally the reason most Czech people are heavy beer consumers.
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Funding for Studies in Czech Republic
There are varied ranges of scholarships and other funding available to international students who are studying in the Czech Republic. They include: Government scholarships, scholarship awards under bilateral international agreements, different partnership and exchange programmes, and so on.
Additionally, individual universities offer funding and scholarships to international students who wish to study for their master’s programme. Look up for your choice university and find out what’s in for you.
Applying for a Masters in the Czech Republic
If you wish to apply for the masters programme in Czech Republic, it is advisable that you start searching for the right course and university 12 months ahead. Usually, the deadline for application is February or March. However, some specialty programmes like medicine may require that you start applying as early as November. The application should be made directly to the university. Note that you are not restricted to just one university for your applications.
Requirements for Admission
For you to successfully apply for your master’s, you must have completed your bachelor’s programme. However, for non-structured programmes, you might have to show proof of satisfactory secondary education. If there is any additional preparatory qualification or experience in professional fields, you might have to show it too.
There must be proof of qualifications from a foreign university and this must be confirmed through the application process and review. You will need to get more information from your university’s international office regarding the right procedure for the confirmation of your bachelor’s degree. Also, find out if there is any need for an entrance examination because most master’s programmes do not require this.
The following requirements are usually established by the universities in Czech Republic for the admission process:
- An entrance examination or interview. Expect an interview on Skype, except, otherwise stated
- Proof of language proficiency
- Letter of motivation
- Portfolio
- Statement of purpose
- Updated CV
- A copy of your transcript from your previous university
- Sample of writing.
The moment you meet the admission requirements, you should start putting your application file together. Ensure the necessary documents are in order. You would be required to upload them online at the official website. However, if there is a need for you to send them via post, then, do it before the deadline.
Admission Results and the Acceptance Letter
After sending in your application and take the entrance examination (if required), just know that the hardest part of the process has been conquered. You will need to wait for the confirmation email to show that you have been offered admission to study your master’s programme. After this, you are expected to take the next step to enroll at the university.
Masters Student Visa in the Czech Republic
If you are a citizen of Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, or any European Union country, you may not need to apply for any visa to study for your master’s degree in Czech Republic. However, if you are from other foreign countries, you will need to apply for a student visa. This can take up to 60 days for you to be issued a Czech visa. Moreover, you will need to confirm your admission to the university before starting your visa application.
You could visit the Czech Immigration Service for information on how to apply for your student visa. However, the Czech embassy in your home country might still offer helpful information. Usually, applying for a student visa from Czech Republic would require the following:
- A valid passport and passport photos;
- An acceptance letter from your institution;
- A bank account statement, proving that you have enough financial resources to support yourself in a foreign country, Czech Republic as the case may be. If you are to study on a scholarship, there must be a proof of that as well;
- Confirmation of your accommodation in the Czech Republic;
- Proof of no criminal record. If there is a criminal record, it could render you ineligible to live and study in Czech Republic;
- Proof of health or medical insurance.
Some of these papers would be translated into Czech. That means you have to check the exact visa requirements from the Czech embassy in your home country. Ensure you register your presence at the office of the Czech Foreign Police not more than three days after you arrived for your master’s programme.
Now that you have all your papers ready, it is advisable to stay in touch with your university so as to get the right information about student service and accommodation. This will also help you not to forget important documents.
Don’t exchange all your money into Euros because the currency in Czech Republic is Czech.
Additional Information
The Czech higher education system follows the Bologna system and uses the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit system. This means that your master’s programme would be recognized internationally. If you also choose to work in this great country, it would be a great decision. Take your time to learn more about the Czech language as this would enhance your employability in the country.
In conclusion, studying in the Czech Republic is a great idea. You will enjoy a fairy tale kind of environment, giving you an experience whose memory lasts for a lifetime. You could choose Prague or Brno as your temporary home for the period of your study. I bet, you can’t leave the same way you appeared in Czech Republic.
In addition to this, the lifestyle is quite affordable and the tuition fees are almost free. Can you beat that?
