Studying in the Czech Republic is much more affordable than in many other European countries. Public universities offer free degree programs in Czech, even for international students. English-taught programs are also widely available, but these usually charge tuition fees. This guide covers some of the main universities in the country, the types of programs they offer, tuition costs, and what you need to apply.聽
Prague is traditionally a student's city
Prague is one of the most popular student cities in Central Europe. Many international students choose it because it offers a good balance between affordable living costs, respected universities, and a high quality of life. Compared with cities in Western Europe, studying in Prague is usually much cheaper, especially for rent, transport, and daily expenses.
The city also has a strong student atmosphere. Prague is home to one of Europe's oldest universities and has a large international community. There are many caf茅s, libraries, student events, parks, and nightlife options, where you can meet people and build a social life outside university.
Prague has almost 40 universities and higher education institutions. Eight of them are public universities with a wide range of study programs. Besides fields like business, medicine, and engineering, students can also study subjects such as agriculture, chemistry, art, architecture, and social sciences.
Public universities in the Czech Republic offer free study programs in Czech for both locals and foreigners. This is one of the main reasons the country attracts international students who are willing to learn the language. English-taught programs are also widely available, but tuition fees apply for each academic year.
Main public universities in Prague
Prague has several well-known public universities with programs in both Czech and English. Locals often use Czech abbreviations for these universities, so it is useful to recognize them when searching for programs or student groups. Public universities are generally seen as the stronger option in the Czech Republic, especially compared to most private schools.
Prague is especially popular for fields like medicine, engineering, business, economics, chemistry, architecture, and international relations. The city also has strong programs in IT and technical subjects, partly because of the growing tech sector and the number of international companies based there. Many international students choose Prague because degrees from the main public universities are well respected across Europe.
Below are the main public universities in Prague and the study areas they are best known for.
(CUNI) 鈥� the oldest university in the Czech Republic. Founded in the 14th century and considered the most renowned university in the country. Seventeen faculties offer more than 150 programs, including psychology, medicine, mathematics, pedagogy, history, philosophy, informatics, etc. The university cooperates with many well-known institutions and offers research possibilities for its graduates.
(痴艩贰) 鈥� one of the best business schools in Central and Eastern Europe. There are six faculties, including accounting, informatics, statistics, international relations, etc. The university has several international accreditations, including ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
(膶窜鲍) 鈥� known for having one of the nicest university campuses in Prague. 膶ZU focuses on education and research in sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity. Study programs include tropical sciences, agrobiology, engineering, food and natural resources, economics, forestry, etc.
(膶痴鲍罢) 鈥� the country's leading technical research university. They offer study programs like informatics, mechanical, biomedical, or electrical engineering, architecture, and nuclear science. 膶VUT has many partner laboratories, including CERN, and graduates usually find employment easily.
(痴艩鲍笔) 鈥� a well-known art university with an international reputation. The university offers programs in areas like graphic design, architecture, design, and art history. Admission is competitive, and only a small number of applicants are accepted each year. Classes are kept smaller because the university focuses on a more individual approach to teaching.
(痴艩颁贬罢) 鈥� the university has four faculties covering areas such as environmental technology, biomechanics, chemical technology, and biochemical engineering. Students have access to modern laboratories, research facilities, and practical training. Many graduates find good job opportunities in technical and science-related fields.
(AMU) 鈥� a perfect choice for young artists looking to study music, dance, classical music, theatre, or movie production. The school is divided into three faculties: DAMU (theatre), FAMU (film and TV), and HAMU (music and dance).
(AVU) 鈥� this university focuses on modern and historical art. Programs include sculpture, painting, printmaking, new media, and art conservation. Most courses are taught in Czech, with a few options in English.
Tuition and enrollment procedure in Prague universities
Programs taught in Czech at public universities are free for both Czech and international students. To study in Czech, universities usually expect at least a B1 level of the language.
If your Czech is not strong enough, you can apply for programs taught in English or another foreign language. The most common options include programs in German or Russian.
Tuition fees vary depending on the university and the study program. For example, annual fees for Charles University can be as high as 鈧�30,620 per year, depending on what you want to study (medicine is one of the most expensive programs). If you choose to study at the Institute of Chemical Technology (痴艩颁贬罢), however, you will pay as little as .
The application process usually starts online. Deadlines depend on the university, but most applications close between February and April. Art or specialized programs usually have earlier deadlines.
You can apply to multiple study programs, but each application usually requires a separate application form and fee. Entrance exams are held in June and usually include a mix of written tests, interviews, and portfolios, depending on what career you are interested in. Requirements vary a lot between universities and programs, so check the official websites before applying.
Student accommodation in Prague
Most universities in Prague offer student accommodation in dormitories or halls of residence. These are usually the cheapest option for students and are often located close to the university or well connected by public transport. Because demand is high, it is important to apply early, especially before the academic year starts.
Some universities have larger campuses with student housing nearby. Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Technical University in Prague, and University of Chemistry and Technology Prague all have student accommodation around Prague 6. Prague University of Economics and Business offers accommodation mainly in Prague 3 and Prague 4. Charles University is spread across different parts of the city, so accommodation depends on the faculty.
Prices have increased a lot in recent years. A shared room in a student dormitory now often starts around 5,000 to 8,000 CZK per month, while single rooms are more expensive and may be limited. Dormitories are still much cheaper than renting privately in Prague.
Private rentals are significantly more expensive. A room in a shared apartment often costs 10,000 CZK or more, and private studios or one-bedroom apartments can be much higher. Many students search through flat-sharing websites or Facebook groups. is one of the most commonly used websites to find shared housing.
Finding accommodation can be difficult for foreigners, especially if they do not speak Czech. Students coming for Erasmus or short exchange programs often rely on university dormitories because short-term private rentals in Prague are limited and expensive.
Students discounts in Prague
As a student in Prague, you are eligible for an ISIC card. This gives access to discounts across the city and throughout the country. Students often use it for cheaper public transport, restaurants, cinemas, museums, exhibitions, concerts, and other activities. You can find a full list of discounts on the ISIC website.
Students also pay lower prices for public transport in Prague. For example, a one-year unlimited transportation card costs 3,650 CZK (about 鈧�150) for an adult, but students only pay 1,280 CZK (about 鈧�50). There are discounts for trains and buses when traveling to other cities as well. Student status can also help with things like cheaper phone plans and student bank accounts with lower fees or free withdrawals.
Leisure activities for students in Prague
Prague has plenty to do outside university life. Students spend their free time in caf茅s, parks, cinemas, gyms, bars, and cultural events across the city. There are also many opportunities for sports, nightlife, concerts, and weekend trips. As a student, you get discounts in some cinemas and theatres, and many museums offer a special tariff for students with a valid ISIC card.
If you want to go out in the evening, there are several cheap places for students. is a popular coffee bar with a quiet study room, while offers a caf茅, bar, gallery, open-air cinema, and music-club space with a large courtyard. Usually, every university campus also has its own club. Klub C is closely linked to 膶ZU and El M谩gico to student life at V艩E.
Living costs in Prague
Prague is the most expensive city in the Czech Republic, and student living costs have risen significantly in recent years. Student dormitories remain the cheapest option, with shared rooms usually starting at around 5,000 to 8,000 CZK per month. Public transport remains affordable for students. A yearly student transport pass in Prague currently costs around 1,280 CZK, making it much cheaper than in many other European capitals.
Food costs depend heavily on your lifestyle. Eating regularly in restaurants or ordering delivery can become expensive, with meals often costing 180 to 300 CZK or more. University canteens are much cheaper and are still widely used by students. Meals there usually cost around 90-140 CZK. Students who cook at home and avoid tourist areas can still keep costs relatively manageable. In practice, most students today need at least 15,000 to 20,000 CZK per month to cover basic living costs in Prague, while a more comfortable lifestyle can cost much more.
Student jobs in Prague
Many students in Prague work part-time while studying, especially because living costs in the city have increased a lot in recent years. Common student jobs include caf茅s, restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, and customer support roles. International students who speak multiple languages often have more opportunities in tourism and international companies.
Some students also work as babysitters, au pairs, translators, or freelance language teachers. Teaching your native language, especially English, German, French, Spanish, or Italian, can be a practical way to earn extra money. Universities sometimes advertise student jobs on internal portals, but many students also use Facebook groups or websites like聽.
Good to know:
Students from non-EU countries enrolled in full-time degree programs accredited by the Czech Ministry of Education usually do not need a separate work permit to work in the Czech Republic while studying.
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