Czech Republic (CZ)

Czech Republic is a landlocked Central European parliamentary republic of 14 regions, home to the fairy-tale spires of Prague — one of Europe's best-preserved medieval capitals — as well as world-famous Bohemian crystal and glasswork, the birthplace of Pilsner lager, a thriving startup and tech scene anchored in Prague and Brno, and one of the lowest unemployment rates and most stable economies in the EU.

Capital: Prague

Region: Europe

Language: Czech

Currency: CZK (Kč)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 50)

Emergency: 112

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Czech Republic.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Jeslová péče / Dětská skupina (Nursery/Childcare Group) CZK 3,000–12,000/month (private). State-subsidised dětská skupina: CZK 0–3,000/month.

Age: 0–3 years

Subsidy available

State dětská skupiny (childcare groups, regulated by MPSV — Ministry of Labour) receive state subsidies and offer lower fees. Private jeslové centres vary widely. Rodičovský příspěvek (parental allowance) parents can use to cover costs.

Apply directly to dětská skupina or jeslová péče centre. Required documents: birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of parent employment. Register address (přihlásit k pobytu) first for access to municipality-linked childcare.

⏱️ Public childcare is scarce for under-3s. Apply to multiple dětské skupiny simultaneously. Private nurseries easier to access but significantly more expensive. Employer childcare (firemní dětská skupina) popular with large companies.

Mateřská škola (Kindergarten) Public: CZK 0–300/month (nominal fee). Private: CZK 5,000–20,000+/month.

Age: 3–6 years

Subsidy available

Public mateřské školy (state kindergartens) are heavily subsidised. From age 5, attendance is compulsory (povinná předškolní docházka). Free for 5-year-olds in public kindergartens.

Apply to the local mateřská škola during the enrolment period (zápis do MŠ). Required: birth certificate, vaccination records, health confirmation from paediatrician, proof of address. International schools and bilingual schools in Prague have own enrolment processes.

⏱️ Apply to your local mateřská škola by the application deadline (typically January–February for September start). Priority given to children from the local catchment area. Private mateřské školy have more availability but much higher cost.

🏫 Schools

Primary and Lower Secondary School Free

Základní škola (ZŠ)

Ages: 6–15 years (9 years) · Language: Czech

Enrol at the local základní škola in your catchment area (spádová škola). Parents apply during zápis do ZŠ (enrolment period — typically January–February for September start). Documents: birth certificate, health vaccination records, proof of address. Newly arrived non-Czech-speaking children are entitled to a preparatory class (přípravná třída) or additional language support.

Czech basic education (základní vzdělávání) is compulsory for 9 years (from age 6). Some outstanding gymnázia (grammar schools) accept children from Grade 5 (prima) or Grade 7 (sekunda) after entrance exams. School lunches (oběd) are subsidised — typically CZK 25–40/day in public schools.

Secondary School / Grammar School Free

Střední škola / Gymnázium / Odborná škola

Ages: 15–18/19 years · Language: Czech

Apply to the chosen střední škola or gymnázium through the national admissions system (Přijímací řízení — centrally managed by CERMAT). Acceptance based on entrance exam results and primary school grades. Přihlášky (applications) submitted in February. Successful candidates notified in April–May.

Types: Gymnázium (academic, leads to maturita/A-level equivalent); Střední odborná škola (vocational with maturita); Střední odborné učiliště (apprenticeship, leads to výuční list). Maturitní zkouška (final exam, equivalent to A-levels/baccalaureate) opens path to university.

International Schools

Prague has excellent international school options including: The English International School Prague, Prague British School, International School of Prague (ISP — IB programme), Česko-anglické gymnázium, Open Gate bilingual boarding school, and several French, German, and Austrian schools. Brno: International School of Brno, Základní škola s rozšířenou výukou jazyků. Fees: CZK 200,000–500,000+/year. Waiting lists for popular schools can be long — apply early.

University

Tuition fee

Public universities (veřejné vysoké školy) are FREE for all EU and non-EU students studying in Czech language. Students studying in English pay fees: typically CZK 50,000–250,000/year depending on institution and programme. Charles University (Univerzita Karlova — UK) in Prague is the most prestigious, founded 1348.

Semester fee

Public universities: administrative fees only (CZK 0–3,000/year). Private universities: CZK 30,000–200,000/year. All universities charge administrative fees for late applications, confirmations, etc.

Student visa

EU citizens: no student visa required, register přechodný pobyt as student. Non-EU: student long-term visa (studijní vízum) or student residence permit (povolení k pobytu za účelem studia) required.

Health insurance

EU students: EHIC card initially, then register with Czech health insurance (VZP student rate). Non-EU students: must have comprehensive health insurance — either Czech (VZP foreign students plan) or international student health insurance. Czech university students (Czech citizens and EU residents) can access public health insurance as students.

Application process

Apply directly to each university faculty through their online system. Entrance exams (přijímací zkoušky) typically in June. Czech-language programmes require B2/C1 Czech. English programmes: IELTS/TOEFL required, plus sometimes subject-specific tests. Academic year starts September.

🗣️ Language Courses

ÚJOP UK (Czech Language and Preparatory Courses)

Provider: Ústav jazykové a odborné přípravy Univerzity Karlovy (Charles University) · Duration: 3 months to 1 year · Levels: A1 to C1/C2. Official Czech language certification (Certifikát češtiny jako cizího jazyka — CCE/CCJ) available.

CZK 30,000–80,000 per intensive course (3–12 months)

The most prestigious Czech language education institution for foreigners. ÚJOP certificates are recognised for permanent residence (B1) and citizenship (B1) applications. Intensive and semi-intensive options available.

Úřad práce Czech Language Courses

Provider: Úřad práce ČR (Employment Office) — via integration courses · Duration: 3–6 months · Levels: Typically A1–B1

Free for registered job seekers and some immigrants

Free Czech language courses for foreigners available through the integration programme (kurzy češtiny pro cizince). Ask at your local Úřad práce. Also available through the government integration programme for legal migrants.

Private Language Schools

Provider: Accent Language School, Berlitz, Langschool, Czech IT Academy (for tech-focused) · Duration: 3 months (one semester level) · Levels: A1–C2

CZK 5,000–20,000 per course (group). CZK 600–1,200/hour (individual)

Many private schools in Prague and Brno offer Czech courses for foreigners. Group courses most cost-effective. Online courses also available. Apps like Duolingo (Czech available), Pimsleur, and Anki supplement formal classes.

Premium Section

Education & Schools

Unlock the complete Education & Schools guide for Czech Republic — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.

Become a Supporter

Support the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere