Higher education in the Czech Republic - history and traditions
Higher education in the Czech Republic is rich in traditions. After all, it was here on April 7, 1348 that the Czech king and Roman emperor Charles IV founded the first university "north of the Alps and east of Paris".
Charles University in Prague was modeled after the universities in Paris and Bologna and quickly gained worldwide fame. At the time of its foundation, the university consisted of 4 faculties: theological, liberal arts, law and medicine, teachers were both Czech and from neighboring states. The names of such scientists and historical figures as Jan Hus, Johannes Kepler, Albert Einstein and others are associated with Charles University. The second oldest university in the Czech Republic was founded in 1573 in the city of Olomouc. This university, named after the famous Czech historian and politician Palacky,
The system of higher education in the Czech Republic
The modern system of higher education in the Czech Republic includes 28 state and 44 non-state universities.
In the Czech Republic, study programs are characterized by the type of study (bachelor's, master's, continuing master's studies and doctoral studies) and the form of study (full-time, part-time and combined). Curricula are also subdivided into specializations, and the curriculum in universities in the Czech Republic can be designed both for one specialization and for training in two specializations at the same time, each of which is devoted to half of the academic hours.
Bachelor's degree in universities of the Czech Republic
Undergraduate studies at universities in the Czech Republic are aimed primarily at preparing for master's studies and work in their specialty. The standard term of study in the Czech Republic for an undergraduate program is three to four years. The study ends with the passing of the state final exam, an integral part of which is the writing and defense of a bachelor's work. Graduates of Bachelor's programs from universities in the Czech Republic are awarded the title "Bachelor" (Bc.).
Master in Czech Republic
A master's degree in the Czech Republic is a continuation of studies after the completion of a bachelor's degree (the so-called “continuing master's programs”), the standard duration of which is two to three years, or training “from scratch”, which does not require prior study at a bachelor's degree. The duration of such a master's program at Czech universities is four to six years. Master's studies in the Czech Republic come to the end with the passing of the state final exam, the integral part of which is the writing and defense of the thesis. Graduates are awarded the title “Master” (Mgr.) Or “Engineer” (Ing.) Depending on the university and the program of study. In the case of studying at the Faculty of Medicine in Czech universities, an integral part of the master's program is the passing of the so-called “state rigorous exam”.
Rigoristic exam in Czech universities
The state rigorous exam, which includes the defense of rigorous work, in Czech universities can also be taken by graduates of other faculties. In this case, they receive the following titles:
- In the field of law - Doctor of Laws (JUDr.)
- In the field of humanities, pedagogical and social sciences - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.Dr.)
- In Natural Sciences - Doctor of Natural Sciences (RNDr.)
- In the field of pharmaceuticals - Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmDr.)
After completing their studies in the Czech Republic, graduates of master's degree programs of universities can continue their studies in doctoral programs.
Education in creative specialties
When entering creative universities, it is necessary to take into account some of the nuances. Applications
to most of these universities are usually submitted in the fall (one
year before the start of training), and creative exams take place in the
winter. Many
educational institutions require an extensive portfolio, so it is
necessary to start preparing for admission well in advance. Upon graduation, graduates receive the BcA title. (Bachelor of Arts) or MgA. (Master of Arts).
The cost of studying in the Czech Republic
Studying
in the Czech Republic at public universities is really free, even for
foreign students, however, it should be borne in mind that this applies
exclusively to studying in the Czech language. Upon admission to universities, students take entrance exams in the Czech language, as well as in specialized subjects.
Training is free for a limited amount of time, which is the standard duration of training + 1 year. Thus, for example, with a standard duration of study for a bachelor's degree of 3 years, a student has the right to extend his studies for another year, while not paying extra, however, if the training lasts longer, then it will be necessary to pay extra for it. Due to the fact that there are a lot of exchange programs in the Czech Republic, and students often leave for one or two semesters to study at partner universities abroad, this practice of extending the term of study by one year is quite common.
It is also interesting that if a student has already completed a bachelor's degree and has a diploma, then he or she has the right to study again for free on a bachelor's degree in another specialty, in this case nothing needs to be paid, the duration of training is reset to zero, and the free period is again the standard duration of training + 1 year ... The same applies when studying for a master's degree in the Czech Republic. From this we can conclude that any person has the right to receive education for free in several different specialties, which is a big plus.
In the Czech Republic, it is also possible to study on a paid basis in Czech or English. The minimum price for tuition on a paid basis is approximately 1000 euros per year.
Most often, paid education in the Czech language is provided by private universities, admission to which is usually an order of magnitude easier than admission to state universities, however, the diplomas of such universities are less valuable.
Paid tuition in English is provided by most state universities, however, the cost of studying in this case is quite high, therefore, a reasonable and profitable solution is to study in annual Czech language courses, which allow you to learn the language and study in the future for free.
It is worth noting that the level of knowledge of the Czech language when studying at a university must be quite high, therefore, studying in the Czech language requires thorough preparation. We offer semester and annual Czech language courses at several state universities, taught by qualified and experienced teachers. These courses will prepare you thoroughly for passing the Czech exam at the required level.
You can read more about our courses in the relevant sections:
- Charles University in Prague
- Czech Technical University in Prague - attention, discounts!
- Faculty of Economics CZU in Prague
- Prague University of Economics in Prague
- Technical University in Brno
The minimum price for tuition on a paid basis is approximately 1000 euros per year.
The advantages of studying in the Czech Republic
Studying in the Czech Republic gives graduates a number of advantages:
- The Czech language belongs to the group of Slavic languages, so learning Czech to the level required for studying in the Czech Republic will not take long.
- Czech education, which has a long tradition, is recognized in Europe.
- Almost all universities in the Czech Republic have numerous agreements with European universities, thanks to which students of Czech universities, including foreigners who have come to study in the Czech Republic, have ample opportunities to participate in numerous international programs, which, in turn, plays a positive role in further search work in the Czech Republic.
- Graduates of Czech universities have some advantages when applying for a job and obtaining permanent residence in the Czech Republic.
- According to numerous observations and taking into account the current situation in the field of higher education in Russia, it can be said that for many applicants, admission to state universities in the Czech Republic is much more successful than attempts to enter free of charge at home, even despite the language barrier.
- In the Czech Republic, in comparison with the countries of the former USSR, cooperation between large employers and universities is much more developed. Large student organizations such as, for example, AIESEC contribute to this to a large extent. Numerous activities are held to help students learn more about potential employers and their requirements for potential employees. For example, it is not the first year that the Career days event (http://www.careerdays.cz/en) has been held in Prague, where students from all over the Czech Republic meet with representatives of large international and Czech companies. Therefore, capable and motivated graduates of Czech universities, even without work experience (!), Have every chance of finding a well-paid and promising job in the Czech Republic.
Studying in the Czech Republic - disadvantages
The only visible drawback of studying in the Czech Republic (although this applies not only to study) is that some students arriving in the Czech Republic perceive a trip to the Czech Republic more as entertainment, therefore they are disappointed when faced with difficulties, some do not cope with problems, and are forced to return to homeland. Therefore, one should not forget that studying abroad is not only an exciting adventure (which is undoubtedly true), but also a lot of work, which, with sufficient diligence and dedication, brings excellent dividends.
Study in the Czech Republic
If you want to enroll in one of the Czech universities, we recommend that you start your studies in the Czech Republic with Czech language courses. We offer preparatory courses in cooperation with four leading universities: the Technical University in Prague , Charles University , Prague University of Economics and the Technical University in Brno . Language and preparatory courses at the largest universities, combined with your perseverance and hard work, guarantee excellent language training and give you a good start to your studies in the Czech Republic.
