The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a beautiful European nation with reputable universities and a wide range of study programs. While it may not be the first country that comes to mind for every international student, many Czech higher education institutions offer programs designed for international applicants, including English-taught degrees.
The country also offers strong value for money, especially because public and state universities do not charge tuition for degree programs taught in Czech. If you are thinking of studying in Europe without spending as much as you might in other destinations, consider these affordable universities in the Czech Republic.
Affordable Schools in the Czech Republic for International Students
1. Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
The roots of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague date back to 1906, when agricultural sciences began to be taught at the Czech Technical University. Today, the university specializes in agricultural education and research while also offering programs in related fields. CZU lists English-taught tuition as varying by faculty and program, with general English-taught tuition ranging from about EUR 500 to EUR 5,000 per year.
As the successor to the University College of Agriculture in Prague, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague continues to offer undergraduate and graduate studies in Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Forestry and Wood Science, and Tropical AgriSciences.
While it is well known for agricultural and life sciences degrees, the university also offers programs in fields such as Economics and Management, Engineering, Informatics, and related areas.
2. Masaryk University
Founded in 1919, Masaryk University is one of the oldest universities in the Czech Republic and was established as the second Czech university. It is named after Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first Czechoslovak president and a key supporter of the university’s establishment.
Formerly named Jan Evangelista Purkyně University, this affordable university in the Czech Republic is known for programs in fields such as Medicine, Law, Science, Arts, Education, Pharmacy, Economics, Informatics, Social Studies, and Sports Studies.
The institution currently has about 30,900 students. Tuition for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs is charged by academic year and varies widely by faculty and program, while Czech-taught degree programs at the public university are tuition-free.
3. University of Pardubice
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: free for Czech-taught public university programs; standard English-taught tuition is generally EUR 2,500 to EUR 3,500 per academic year
Founded in 1950 as a chemical college, the University of Pardubice is a public university in the Pardubice Region. Over time, more faculties were added as the school expanded beyond its original focus on chemistry.
Today, the university offers programs in fields such as Transport Engineering, Economics and Administration, Arts and Philosophy, Chemical Technology, Restoration and Conservation, Electrical Engineering and Informatics, and Health Studies.
4. Metropolitan University Prague
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: from CZK 65,000 per year for most Czech-taught programs; CZK 85,000 per year for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs
Another affordable university in the Czech Republic for international students is Metropolitan University Prague, a private institution established in 2001. It is one of the established private universities in Czechia and offers programs at several study levels.
The university offers programs in fields such as International Business, International Relations and Asian Studies, European Studies, Humanities, Anglophone Studies, Digital Economy, Media Studies, Public Administration, Psychology, Tourism, and related areas.
5. University of Finance and Administration
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: from about CZK 35,000 per semester for Czech-taught programs; English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs are listed at CZK 47,000 per semester before discounts
Next on our list of affordable universities in the Czech Republic for international students is the University of Finance and Administration. Also known as VŠFS, it is a private university focused on business, economics, finance, management, and communication-related fields.
VŠFS has its main campus in Prague and study centers in Karlovy Vary and Most. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, including English-taught programs in fields such as Economics and Management, Marketing Communication and New Media, and Finance. It also cooperates with City University of Seattle on selected American degree and double-degree options.
6. Tomas Bata University in Zlín
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: CZK 54,000 per academic year for selected English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs at the Faculty of Management and Economics
Tomas Bata University in Zlín is a public educational institution that was established in 2001. It is named after Tomáš Baťa, the founder of the Zlín shoe industry.
The university has six faculties: the Faculty of Technology, Faculty of Management and Economics, Faculty of Multimedia Communications, Faculty of Applied Informatics, Faculty of Humanities, and Faculty of Logistics and Crisis Management. English-taught study options are available, and tuition depends on the faculty and program.
7. Technical University of Liberec
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: from USD 4,000 per academic year for many English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs; some programs and faculties charge different fees
The Technical University of Liberec was founded in 1953 and has a strong tradition in technical education. In addition to engineering, this affordable university in the Czech Republic for international students offers programs in fields such as Textile Engineering, Humanities and Education, Economics, Arts and Architecture, Mechatronics, Informatics and Interdisciplinary Studies, Health Studies, and related technical and scientific areas.
Applicants can choose from several English-taught study programs. Tuition for English-taught programs varies by faculty and level, with many bachelor’s and master’s programs listed at USD 4,000 or USD 5,000 per academic year.
FAQS About Studying in the Czech Republic
What is the Higher Education System in the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic has hundreds of years of experience in higher education. Its oldest university, Charles University, was founded in 1348, and Czech universities continue to appear in international rankings.
Higher education institutions in the Czech Republic are categorized as public, private, or state institutions. The two state institutions are the Police Academy of the Czech Republic in Prague and the University of Defense in Brno.
Universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Bachelor’s programs usually take three to four years, master’s programs usually take one to three years after a bachelor’s degree or four to six years as long-cycle programs, and doctoral programs usually take three to four years.
What Are the General Requirements to Study in the Czech Republic?
As with most study destinations, the basic academic requirement is completion of the previous level of education: a secondary school diploma for bachelor’s applicants and a bachelor’s or master’s degree for graduate applicants. International applicants may also need recognition of their previous education.
Other requirements vary by university and program, but they may include an application form, proof of payment of the admission fee, a language proficiency test, a letter of recommendation, a motivation letter, a portfolio, or an entrance exam.
How Expensive Are Universities in the Czech Republic?
The cost of your education in this European country depends largely on the language of instruction and the type of institution. At public and state universities, degree programs taught in Czech are tuition-free for students of all nationalities. However, universities may charge fees for admission procedures, extended study, or study in a foreign language.
If you choose an English-taught program, you will usually have to pay tuition. The rates vary depending on the university, faculty, and major. Official Czech study guidance lists foreign-language tuition at public institutions as ranging from no tuition to USD 22,350 per year, while private universities set their own fees.
Additionally, many universities offer Czech language courses or preparatory programs for international students. These can be especially useful for students who want to study in Czech or who need Czech-language skills for daily life, clinical training, or professional practice.
How Is the Admission Process in Czech Universities?
The admission process varies depending on the university and program, but international applicants usually need to submit an application, provide proof of previous education, and meet any program-specific requirements. Some applicants also need official recognition of their secondary or university-level education.
Besides submitting the required documents, you may also have to take an entrance exam if required by the faculty and pay an application or admission fee. Non-EU students should also plan ahead for visa or residence permit processing, as official study guidance notes that processing may take up to 60 days.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic is generally more affordable than many Western European study destinations. Although it belongs to the European Union, it has not joined the eurozone; its official currency is the Czech koruna, or Czech crown (CZK).
Official Czech study guidance estimates student living costs at about EUR 500 to EUR 750 per month, depending on location, accommodation, lifestyle, and spending habits. University dormitories are often cheaper than private accommodation, while major cities such as Prague and Brno are usually more expensive than smaller university towns.
University students can use identification cards, such as student cards or ISIC cards, to receive discounts on transportation, restaurants, museums, cultural activities, and other services.
During holidays, you can explore Prague or visit other European countries. The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe, so travel to countries such as Germany, Poland, Austria, or Slovakia can be convenient.
Do Universities in the Czech Republic Offer English-taught Programs?
Yes. Official Czech study guidance lists more than 1,000 study programs taught in English. Students can find English-taught bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs at a range of Czech universities, though admission requirements, tuition, and language requirements vary by institution and program.
We hope that this article on cheap universities in the Czech Republic was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Programs in Europe for International Students!
