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Step 1 – Learn Czech
Take a Czech language course or join a foundation programme.
Learn Czech - Study Tuition-Free
Learning Czech takes time, but it can make your studies more affordable, open a wider choice of programmes and help you settle into everyday life in Czechia.
How it works
Step 2 – Reach the required level
Many Czech-taught degree programmes require at least B2 level Czech.
Step 3 – Apply for a programme taught in Czech
When you apply, the university will check whether your Czech is good enough for study.
Step 4 – Study tuition-free
If you are admitted to a Czech-taught programme at a public university, you do not pay tuition fees.
Why learn Czech
Learning Czech can make your studies more affordable and opens more opportunities during and after your studies.
Study Tuition-Free
Study Tuition-Free
Public and state higher education institutions in Czechia offer tuition-free degree programmes taught in Czech, regardless of nationality.
Choose From More Programmes
Choose From More Programmes
The number of English-taught programmes is growing, but studying in Czech gives you access to a much wider range of degrees and specialisations.
Settle in More Easily
Settle in More Easily
Czech can help you in everyday situations, from housing and public offices to part-time jobs, internships and student life.
Improve Your Career Prospects
Improve Your Career Prospects
If you want to stay in Czechia after graduation, Czech language skills can make it easier to find work and communicate in professional settings.
Why learn Czech
Learning Czech can make your studies more affordable and opens more opportunities during and after your studies.
Study Tuition-Free
Public and state higher education institutions in Czechia offer tuition-free degree programmes taught in Czech, regardless of nationality.
Choose From More Programmes
The number of English-taught programmes is growing, but studying in Czech gives you access to a much wider range of degrees and specialisations.
Settle in More Easily
Czech can help you in everyday situations, from housing and public offices to part-time jobs, internships and student life.
Improve Your Career Prospects
If you want to stay in Czechia after graduation, Czech language skills can make it easier to find work and communicate in professional settings.
Find the right way to learn Czech
There is no single path for everyone. You can choose a university course, a foundation programme, a summer school or another Czech language course depending on your level and goals.
University language courses
Many universities offer Czech courses for international students. These courses vary in length, intensity and focus. You can find semester courses, year-long courses and evening classes, both in person and online. You can find the courses directly on the universities' websites:
- Charles University: Institute of Language and Preparatory Studies
- Charles University: Czech Studies
- Masaryk University: Language Centre
- Mendel University in Brno: Institute of Lifelong Learning
- Palacký University in Olomouc: Centre for Language Education
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice: Faculty of Arts
- University of West Bohemia: Institute of Applied Language Studies
- Tomas Bata University in Zlín
- University of Ostrava: Faculty of Arts
- VSB - Technical University of Ostrava: Institute of Languages
- Brno University of Technology: Lifelong Learning Institute
You can learn Czech at 21 Czech Centres abroad, each centre has its own specific offer of full-time and online courses. Czech language courses are also organised by the Centres for Support of Integration of Foreigners.
Foundation programmes
Foundation programmes are designed for students who want to prepare for degree study in Czech within about one year. They combine language learning with academic preparation. They usually include:
- intensive Czech language training
- subject-specific preparation
- entrance exam preparation
You can check the university websites directly:
Stephanie
University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice
I’ve taken a variety of Czech courses – traditional evening classes at university, one-on-one conversational lessons online, women-only group lessons... My biggest piece of advice is to find a method that works for you, and to remind yourself that Rome Prague wasn’t built in a day. I’ve gone from practicing “the kráva eats the tráva” (the cow eats the grass) to preparing for the Czech citizenship exam, and you can too!
Summer schools
Many universities organise summer schools during the summer holidays. These short programmes combine study with cultural activities and bring together students from around the world. Some focus especially on Czech language and culture, such as the Summer Schools of Slavonic Studies. These programmes usually last 3 to 4 weeks and include:
- Czech language classes
- seminars on Czech culture and literature
- excursions and cultural events
Each year the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports offers scholarships for selected applicants.
Language programmes for the Czech diaspora
For Czech compatriots living abroad, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports offers scholarships to attend a 4-week Czech language course as part of the Programme for the Support of Czech Cultural Heritage Abroad. Thanks to this programme, compatriots who have a good command of Czech have the opportunity to participate in a study stay at a Czech university. This is a one- or two-semester course of study in Czech, usually at a faculty of arts of a Czech university.
Do I need Czech before arriving? Info
Not necessarily. Many international students arrive in Czechia with little to no Czech. In bigger cities and at universities, English is often widely spoken, especially among students and younger people. Still, even basic Czech can make everyday situations easier.
How long does it take to learn Czech? Info
That depends on your previous language experience and how intensively you study. Many international students reach B2 level within one year through an intensive preparatory programme. Shorter courses and summer schools can help you get started or improve your Czech before you apply.
How do universities test Czech language skills? Info
Most programmes taught in Czech require B2 level Czech. Universities may check your language skills through a certificate, an entrance exam in Czech, a foundation programme certificate, an interview or a written test. The exact requirements depend on the university and the programme.
Is studying in Czech really tuition-free? Info
Yes. Degree programmes taught in Czech at public universities in Czechia are free of charge, regardless of your nationality. You still need to cover other costs, such as application fees, living expenses or the cost of a preparatory Czech course.
