Top Universities in Czech Republic for International Students

The Czech Republic has an intriguing and complex history. The "Czech Republic" has only existed since 1993. Before that, it was part of Czechoslovakia, which was a state that combined the current Czech Republic with Slovakia. It was also part of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1989.

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The country is now a popular tourist destination, famed for its castles and dramatic architecture. It has also been the home of many famous historical figures, such as the writer Franz Kafka. In fact, many Kafka fans make the pilgrimage to the Czech Republic to visit his old residences and the Kafka museum. The Czech Republic borders Germany to the west, Poland to the north, and Slovakia and Austria to the south. The weather is moderate, with quite warm summers and relatively cold winters. During the summer months, the temperature can be pleasant with temperatures in the 70’s. In the winter months, temperatures can drop below the 30’s and snow is a likely occurrence.

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Under the Soviet Union, Russian was the language people learned at school. This means that the majority of people over the age of 35 cannot speak English. Yet, the younger population is more proficient in English. The country has a low crime rate and is viewed as one of the world’s most peaceful countries. Living in the Czech Republic is not expensive. The country has low tuition fees and low accommodation costs.

All US students must get an apostille for their diploma.  This involves first getting your documents notarized at your school and then taking them to the Secretary of State's office.  You can find all the steps in the process here.

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At this point, undergraduate students at public universities are also responsible for getting their documents nostrified (the school takes care of it for master's degree students). This is something that is done right when you get to the country for study and involves taking your documents to City Hall so they can validate your program. 

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From what I understand, this is quite straightforward for American students, just a bit of a hassle!  The good news is that this law is in the process of changing and, as early as 2018, schools might be able to handle this for the students as they do for master's degree applicants.

Proof of means is set at 3555 euros for the year. Funds to cover the stay in the Czech Republic may be proven by one of the following options:

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1. a notarized copy of the front side of an internationally recognized debit/credit card in your name with validity throughout your stay in the Czech Republic + a corresponding bank account statement in your name

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1. an original letter from the bank confirming that you will be able to use your funds during your stay in the Czech Republic with a verified translation into the Czech language + an original or notarized copy of the front side of an internationally recognized debit/credit card in your name

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1. another document confirming that you can use the financial funds during a stay in the Czech Republic (e.g. an original letter from the family member confirming the financial support during your stay in the Czech Republic signed by a person who will support you (notarized signature/plus an original or his/her notarized bank account statement) + copy of the front side of your internationally accepted (VISA, Master, AMEX) that is linked to the family member account

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1. a scholarship document indicating that all of the costs associated with his/her stay will be covered, plus an internationally recognized debit/credit card in your name.

Non-EU students need to obtain a work permit.  Working hours are limited, but not in a defined way.

Once you you've been accepted, it's time to apply for your residence permit or student visa at the nearest embassy or consulate. Student visas are valid for six months, and residence permits are for a year.

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All documents (except the travel documents and bank statements) must be translated into Czech. The translations must be officially verified. The information on student visas from the Czech embassy in Washington, DC, has more exclamation points and bold text than any I've seen.

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I would double check everything to ensure accuracy and allow extra time for the visa process.  

Students who intend to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days must have comprehensive health insurance coverage. You will be asked to submit proof of Czech health insurance when you apply for a visa.

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The coverage limit is a minimum of EUR 60,000 and the insurance must be purchased for the entire period of stay. The insurance must be contracted with a provider specifically certified to provide such insurance in the Czech Republic.

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Check with the local Czech diplomatic mission or embassy whether your insurance meets all the requirements.