Study abroad in a different country, near the main cultural hubs, where the European lifestyle is intertwined with the historical legacy of the great empires – this is the Czech Republic.
The Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies (ILPS), an independent body of Charles University in Prague, tells you some of the reasons why thousands of international students have chosen this country to do their higher education program abroad.
1. One of the best educational systems in Europe
The high quality and tradition of the Czech education and research is widely recognized, especially when it comes to studying Science, Engineering or Medicine in the Czech Republic. Charles University in Prague, the country’s capital, was founded in 1348 and is the oldest university in Central Europe. The Accreditation Commission and the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports are responsible for evaluating the quality of various aspects of higher education.
2. Free tuition if you study in Czech
Whatever your nationality is, if you study a course taught entirely in Czech at a public or state institution in the Czech Republic, tuition fees are free, according to the country’s law. Admission costs are the only enrolment costs you will have to endure, unless you decide to extend your studies beyond a certain duration limit, to take another course than the one you originally applied to or study in a different language than Czech.
3. Excellent quality-price ratio
Even if you opt for a private university instead of a free-tuition public institution, the costs will be lower when compared to other countries with an equally good educational reputation. Private institutions set their own fees, which may vary from 2,000 to 15,000 USD per year, depending on the course and university you choose.
4. More than 60 universities with unique programs
Czech higher education institutions offer interesting courses on topics that you may not find easily in other countries, giving you a particular perspective and a specific knowledge in certain areas. In addition to the general Undergraduate courses, many students choose the Czech Republic to do their Masters and PhD programs or even just a short term specialization, focused on innovative or more traditional disciplines.
5. Privileged geographical location
Due to the location in the heart of Europe, studying in the Czech Republic means having a “free ticket” to travel and discover a great part of the Old Continent. Besides the picturesque Czech villages, the neighbouring countries - Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia on the border, very close to Switzerland, Hungary and Italy - are unmissable tourist temptations that you can only easily access from a centralized location like in the Czech Republic.
6. Low cost of living
Besides the educational benefits, living in the Czech Republic is also more affordable than in other European countries, especially when comparing with the UK, France or Germany. Costs on every-day expenses, from food and accommodation to public transport, generally range between 350 and 750 USD a month, the type of accommodation being what will make a bigger difference on your monthly budget. Also, with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which you will receive before travelling to the Czech Republic once you’ve been enrolled in a Czech university, you will be able to enjoy special discounts at numerous places and activities.
7. Cultural richness
In the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is a country that crosses many cultures of different origins. While studying and living in the Czech Republic, you will find historic marks of Slavic, Germanic and Jewish communities, which played an influential role on the creation of the Central-European culture and lifestyle. Visiting museums, attending literary cafes, entering by chance in old churches and cathedrals, walking through historic areas: this will be part of your daily routine while studying in the Czech Republic, complementing your classes and your social life with your new international friends.
8. Academic diversity
With the increasing number of courses taught in foreign languages, especially in English, more and more students from abroad are coming to the Czech Republic to take their Undergraduate or Postgraduate programs. Another reason for this is that the Czech institutions are getting more and more internationalized, investing on partnerships and cooperation activities with European Union countries and others. Currently, more than 37,000 foreign students are enrolled in the Czech higher education institutions. Making new friends will be an easy task for you!
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