This article is for aspiring filmmakers seeking a school or professional training provider in the Czech Republic. The country has a long cinematic tradition and an active audiovisual production sector that hosts both Czech and international projects. The options below include accredited degree-granting institutions and a private professional training school, so applicants should carefully compare the credential awarded, language of instruction, program duration, and current admission requirements.
These institutions offer film or film-related programs in areas such as cinematography, directing, screenwriting, editing, production, sound, animation, photography, and multimedia. Let’s take a look at the top film schools in the Czech Republic.
Top Film Schools in the Czech Republic
1. Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts Prague
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s | Medium of Instruction: English, Czech; availability varies by program
The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, commonly known as FAMU, was founded in 1946 and is one of Europe’s oldest film schools. It provides education in directing, cinematography, editing, photography, production, screenwriting, sound, documentary filmmaking, animation, and related audiovisual disciplines.
International applicants should note that not every degree is available in English. FAMU currently identifies Photography as its only English-taught bachelor’s degree. Its English-taught master’s options include Directing Cinema and Digital Media, Montage, Cinematography, and Photography.
FAMU International also offers intensive one-year, non-degree courses in several filmmaking disciplines. Admission procedures, portfolios, deadlines, tuition fees, and language requirements vary by program, so applicants should consult the page for their intended course before applying.
2. Prague Film School
- Study Program
- Credential/s Offered: Certificates and diplomas; non-degree professional training | Medium of Instruction: English
Prague Film School is a private professional training provider located in central Prague. Its English-taught offerings include practical training in filmmaking, directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, documentary filmmaking, and acting for film.
The school emphasizes hands-on production experience, with students participating in film exercises and collaborative productions. Available formats include year-long programs, a second-year program, semester study, and shorter workshops.
Prague Film School states that it is not an academic institution and does not award bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Students receive a school certificate or diploma rather than an academic degree. Tuition and equipment fees vary by program. The school does not directly provide financial aid, although some students may qualify for government grants, loans, or other external funding in their home countries.
3. Tomas Bata University
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s; Ph.D. in the broader field of Multimedia and Design | Medium of Instruction: Czech for film and audiovisual bachelor’s and master’s programs; selected doctoral study in English
Tomas Bata University in Zlín offers film and audiovisual study through its Faculty of Multimedia Communications. Its Theory and Practice of Audiovisual Arts program includes specializations such as film photography or camera work, production, directing and screenwriting, editing, visual effects, and sound design.
The bachelor’s program normally takes three years, while the follow-up master’s program normally takes two years. These programs combine theoretical education with practical audiovisual work and are taught in Czech.
The faculty does not currently offer an English-taught undergraduate degree. It lists an English-taught doctoral program in Multimedia and Design, which is broader than film studies; however, the university states that no students will be admitted to that doctoral program for the 2026–2027 academic year. International applicants interested in the film and audiovisual bachelor’s or master’s programs therefore need sufficient Czech-language proficiency.
4. Film Academy of Miroslav Ondříček
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s; certificate and diploma courses | Medium of Instruction: English, with an optional Czech-language bachelor’s pathway after the first year
The Film Academy of Miroslav Ondříček, commonly known as FAMO, is located in Písek. Its International Film Studies department offers English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Multimedia Production, as well as shorter certificate and diploma courses.
The bachelor’s degree takes three years and includes study in screenwriting, directing, production, cinematography, sound, editing, documentary film, animation, and special effects. Students complete a common first year before selecting a principal area of study. Eligible students may apply to transfer from the English bachelor’s program to a Czech-language pathway after the first year.
The English-taught master’s degree takes two years and develops advanced practical skills in a student’s chosen field. The academy emphasizes crew-based production and practical exercises. Its official program information also states that students may have opportunities for study abroad, internships, or professional placements with studios, post-production companies, and television stations.
5. Janacek Academy of Performing Arts
- Study Program
- Relevant Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s; Ph.D. in Dramatic Arts | Medium of Instruction: Czech for the film-related programs described below
The Janáček Academy of Performing Arts in Brno is primarily an academy for theater and music rather than a conventional film school. However, its Theatre Faculty offers film-related study through the Media and the Dramatic Arts program.
Relevant options include Radio and TV Dramaturgy and Scriptwriting, which is available as a three-year bachelor’s degree and a two-year follow-up master’s degree. The specialization covers writing, dramaturgy, documentary projects, and creative work for radio, television, film, streaming platforms, and new media.
The faculty also offers a two-year master’s specialization in Audiovisual Media and Theatre. This program combines theater, film, visual arts, technology, and new media. Both of these film-related options are taught in Czech, so international applicants should check the applicable Czech-language and admission requirements before applying.
In summary, the Czech Republic offers several strong options for international students interested in film and audiovisual production. However, these institutions differ substantially in the credentials they award, the languages they use, and the subjects they teach. Prospective students should confirm current admissions availability, tuition fees, language requirements, and program details directly with each institution before applying.
We hope this article has provided a useful introduction to film and audiovisual study options for international students in the Czech Republic. To discover other courses, explore the Available Programs for International Students.
