How to Apply to Universities

Czechia offers one of the most flexible and transparent education systems in Europe. Below is a step-by-step overview of how the admission path works for international students in Czechia, with a focus on clarity and timing.

STEP 1:
Strategic Choice & Entry Point

When: 1 - 2 years before admission

At this stage, you define three fundamental elements:

the university,
the study program,
and the study language

This decision determines the entire structure of your admission path — including whether an additional preparation year is required or not.

There are two main scenarios:

Option 1 - Czech-taught programs

If your goal is fully tuition-free education, studies are conducted in Czech at public universities. This path requires:

Czech language proficiency at B2 level,
a foundation or language preparation year to reach academic Czech

This option suits students who are prepared to invest time in language acquisition and plan long-term integration into the Czech academic and professional environment.

If you are interested in this route, you can contact us to receive verified recommendations of Czech language schools with a strong record of successful university admissions.

Option 2 - English-taught programs

In Czechia, there are more than 1,200 English-taught programs available across both public and private universities. Some of these programs are offered in partnership with American or British institutions, making it possible to obtain dual degrees — European and American or British — at a significantly lower cost. If you choose to study in English:

tuition fees typically range from €3,000 to €12,000 per year,
the required English level is B2,
admission often takes place online during the final school year,
and in most cases, no foundation year is required.

This option allows students to enter university directly after school, avoid losing a year on preparatory programs, and begin degree studies immediately.

Below, we describe the path for students choosing English-taught programs without an additional foundation year.

STEP 2:
Academic Preparation

When: Final school year

During the final school year, students align their academic profile with university expectations. The focus at this stage is on:

understanding academic readiness for selected programs,
matching school results with realistic university options,
and preparing for admission formats used by Czech universities.

For English-taught programs, this usually includes subject alignment and preparation for online interviews or entrance assessments.

At this stage, accredited assistance programs in Czechia often support students through academic testing and structured career orientation, helping them make informed decisions about their field of study and long-term direction

STEP 3:
Documents & Admission Strategy

When: Winter - Spring

applications in public university by April – May in private university - end of summer

This is the formal admission phase, and it includes:

submission of university applications,
online entrance exams or interviews

Timing is critical here. Czech universities operate within strict application windows, and missing a deadline often means postponing studies by an entire year.

In the vast majority of Czech universities, you do not need to take IELTS when enrolling in an English program. Universities conduct their own entrance exams to evaluate language level. These exams are much easier than IELTS or TOEFL and are also free. But don’t worry: if you do have a certificate, you can present it to the university and you would be exempt from the entrance language exam.

At this point, earlier strategic decisions translate into concrete outcomes: where you apply, where you are admitted, and under what conditions.

STEP 4:
Visa & Relocation Setup

When: Summer

Once admission is confirmed, attention shifts to legal and logistical preparation. This stage includes:

student visa application,
accommodation arrangements,
health insurance,
required legal documentation and registrations
recognition of foreign education (nostrification)

Correct sequencing matters, as many procedures depend on one another and on official timelines.

STEP 5:
University Enrolment & Arrival

When: September - October

The academic journey officially begins. This stage includes:

arrival in Czechia
official enrolment at the university

For many students, this is also the moment of first real integration into international student life and everyday routines in Prague or another university city.

RESULT:
A Strong European Education Path

By following this structured route, students gain:

affordable, high-quality European education
a safe and stable environment
real career opportunities in Europe and beyond
no gap year
predictable costs and clear timelines

From choosing the right university and program to handling admissions, visas, relocation, and adaptation, each step matters. Especially during the first year, when students adjust to a new system, environment, and way of life.

This is why accredited assistance programs in Czechia exist: to make the path clearer, calmer, and well-structured for international students.