The system of higher education in the Czech Republic
Higher education in the Czech Republic consists of three stages: bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies, which are called types in the Law on Higher Educational Institutions of the Czech Republic. Higher education in the Czech Republic also differs in terms of the forms of education: daytime ("attendance"), distance learning and their combination. The combined form of study usually consists in the fact that students spend one day off at the educational institution per month. The rest of the days are devoted to self-study.
The system of higher education in the Czech Republic includes more than 150 specializations. This division is traditionally based on the division of scientific specializations, for example, humanities and social sciences, natural and medical sciences, pedagogical sciences, mathematics and computer science, engineering sciences, economic sciences, agricultural sciences, military and police sciences, art and architecture, physical education. and sports.
Higher education in the Czech Republic is provided by universities (vysoká škola), which can be of a university or non-university type. Universities in the Czech Republic provide higher education in all types of study programs (bachelor's, master's and postgraduate studies), in non-university universities in the Czech Republic it is usually possible to obtain higher education only on bachelor's programs, only sometimes master's programs, and these educational institutions do not provide postgraduate study opportunities. Currently, there are 26 state universities in the Czech Republic, although officially most of them are called not "state" but "public".
Higher education in the Czech Republic - steps
As noted earlier, higher education in the Czech Republic is divided into three stages: bachelor's, master's and postgraduate studies. Bachelor's study programs are focused on preparation for professional activity and for training in master's programs. The training lasts 3-4 years and meets the international level ISCED 5A. This stage of higher education prevails in private universities and institutes in the Czech Republic.
Master's study programs are focused on obtaining theoretical knowledge based on the current state of science, on the ability to use it in practice and on the development of abilities for creative activity. Master's study programs are built on top of bachelor's programs. This stage of higher education in the Czech Republic lasts from 1 to 3 years. In some specialties, the master's program is not a continuation of the bachelor's program; in this case, training lasts from 4 to 6 years.
Obtaining a standard higher education in the Czech Republic, therefore, can last from three to seven years and in all cases meets the international level ISCED 5A.
The next stage of higher education, postgraduate studies, can follow after graduation from master's programs. Education on doctoral programs is carried out only by universities of a university type and lasts 3-4 years.
Education for bachelor's and master's study programs is based on two main methods - lectures and practical exercises. Teaching for doctoral programs is based on an individual curriculum. Usually, participation in lectures is optional, in practical classes it is mandatory.
Higher education in public and private universities in the Czech Republic in 2008/2009 academic year. year received 369.6 thousand students, 8% of whom were foreigners.
Higher education in the Czech Republic - advantages
In recent decades, under the influence of the globalization process, studying abroad has turned from a pipe dream into a reality and has become even more feasible than many might think at first glance. One of the countries for which this statement is true is the Czech Republic. So why is it worth studying in this country and what opportunities does higher education in the Czech Republic give young people from the CIS countries?
Higher education is still free at public universities in the Czech Republic. This distinguishes the Czech Republic from many other European countries. Thus, many students studying in the Czech Republic will be able to save even in comparison with studying in Russia.
Only 9% of the country's population (according to the Czech Statistical Office) have a university degree. Consequently, in the Czech Republic, people with higher education are valued and with a high degree of probability will find themselves a decently paid job in their specialty.
Students and graduates of institutes and universities in the Czech Republic, unlike other foreigners, do not need to obtain a work permit and can work in the Czech Republic without it (§98 points j, o of the Employment Act).
Czech institutes and universities are actively involved in numerous international exchange programs (Erasmus, CEEPUS, etc.), so students have a real opportunity to study a semester or a year in another country besides the Czech Republic and additionally practice a foreign language.
Having received a student visa to the Czech Republic and renewing it once, the student receives the status of a residence permit in the Czech Republic, which gives him the right to travel without visa across the territory of all Schengen countries. And given the geographic location of the Czech Republic and the large number of economy fares on air tickets, very inexpensive travel across Europe and the Euro Weekends are becoming real.
Cooperation between institutes and universities of the Czech Republic and employers is widely developed (usually these are large international firms that recruit graduates). Numerous events are held to help alumni, such as Career days, etc.
Higher education in the Czech Republic is carried out in accordance with the standards adopted in Europe, and Czech diplomas are recognized in all European countries.
Higher education in the Czech Republic - where to start?
Some universities in the Czech Republic are among the best in Europe, such as Charles University, or Prague University, founded in 1348 - the oldest university in Central Europe. The names of such famous people as Jan Hus, Karel Czapek, Bohumil Hrabal, Franz Kafka, Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla are associated with the name of Charles University.
To obtain higher education in the Czech Republic, several conditions must be met. First of all, admission to Czech universities will require nostrification (recognition) of a general secondary education certificate or diploma (if the applicant wants to continue his education in a master's or graduate school), passing an exam in the Czech language and passing entrance exams. Nostrification of a certificate is carried out by the Ministry of Education of the Czech Republic, nostrification of a diploma is carried out by a university that has a similar specialty or by the Ministry of Education. The Czech language exam can be taken directly at the chosen university as part of the entrance examinations, but most long-term intensive Czech language courses also end with an exam, the certificate of which is recognized by the universities upon admission. As for the entrance exams,
In conclusion, we note that despite the fact that, at first glance, obtaining higher education in the Czech Republic, and especially preparing for it, may seem to someone a difficult and lengthy process that requires significant financial costs (for example, for Czech language courses), forget that this is an investment in your future life, and your career in Europe can begin with higher education in the Czech Republic!
