Studying in the Czech Republic: free in Czech, affordable in English

In the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic offers a rare combination: free studies in Czech at public universities, and English-taught programmes at moderate fees. Prague, Brno and Olomouc are pleasant, safe and affordable student cities. Here is how to study in the Czech Republic from Tunisia.

Two routes: in Czech or in English

In Czech: free

Czech public universities charge no tuition fees for programmes taught in Czech, whatever the student's nationality (within the standard length of study). The condition: an excellent level of Czech (often B2), which is generally acquired through a fee-paying preparatory language year, run by universities or specialised institutes.

In English: affordable

Public and private universities offer many fee-paying programmes in English. Fees generally range from a few thousand euros per year for most fields to higher amounts for medicine and dentistry in English.

The universities

• Charles University (Prague), the oldest in Central Europe, with several medical faculties;

• Czech Technical University (ČVUT, Prague) and Brno University of Technology for engineering;

• Masaryk University (Brno);

• Palacký University (Olomouc);

• Prague University of Economics and Business for business;

• private universities and schools, especially for business and IT.

Nostrification of the baccalaureate

To enter a bachelor's degree, the Tunisian baccalaureate must in principle be recognised in the Czech Republic through a procedure called nostrification, with the competent regional authority or sometimes directly by the university.

• Documents: baccalaureate and transcripts, legalised or apostilled and translated into Czech by a sworn translator.

• Timing: several weeks, sometimes more. An additional exam may be required if subjects are missing.

For a master's, it is the bachelor's degree that must be recognised, often by the university itself.

Admission

Each university sets its own rules: entrance exam (written, oral or standardised test), file review or interview. For medicine in English, the exam generally covers biology, chemistry and sometimes physics. Applications are often made in winter or spring for a September intake.

The long-stay visa

For a study stay, you need a long-stay visa or a residence permit for studies, applied for at the Embassy of the Czech Republic. Usual documents:

• confirmation of admission;

• proof of funds for the length of the stay, based on a monthly amount set by the authorities;

• comprehensive health insurance;

• proof of accommodation;

• criminal record certificate.

Processing times can be long (several weeks to a few months): book your appointment as soon as you are admitted.

What budget should you plan for?

• Tuition fees: 0 in Czech (excluding the language year), from a few thousand euros upwards in English depending on the field.

• Daily life: generally €500 to €800 per month, more in Prague.

• Accommodation: affordable university residences, shared flats.

• Compulsory health insurance.

Working while studying

Students enrolled in an accredited programme can generally work during their studies under the rules in force. Czech is a major asset for finding a job.

Typical timeline for a September intake

1. Autumn of the final year of secondary school: choosing between programmes in Czech and in English, choosing universities.

2. Winter: applications (often before the end of winter or in spring), preparing the documents to be legalised or apostilled.

3. Spring: entrance exams, starting nostrification as soon as you have the documents.

4. Early summer: admission, embassy appointment for the long-stay visa or residence permit.

5. Summer: accommodation, comprehensive health insurance, departure.

If you are aiming for a programme in Czech, add a language year before this timeline: you leave a year earlier for the Czech course, then enter university.

How much does the Czech language year cost?

The preparatory Czech year is fee-paying, with fees that vary by provider (universities or specialised institutes). It often includes intensive language classes and subject courses (biology, chemistry, mathematics, economics) to prepare for the entrance exam. Over a whole bachelor's degree, this cost remains much lower than the fees for an English-taught programme.

The most popular fields

• Medicine and dentistry in English in Prague, Brno, Olomouc, Hradec Králové or Plzeň, with a demanding entrance exam.

• Engineering and IT: technical universities in Prague and Brno.

• Economics and management: Prague University of Economics and Business and private schools.

• Sciences: biology, chemistry, physics, with free programmes in Czech.

Documents to prepare in Tunisia

• baccalaureate transcripts and diploma, apostilled or legalised;

• official translations into Czech for nostrification;

• valid passport;

• criminal record certificate (bulletin n° 3), translated;

• proof of funds;

• proof of accommodation in the Czech Republic.

Practical tips for life there

• Prague is the most expensive but has the largest international community.

• Brno is a very student-oriented, more affordable alternative.

• Olomouc, Ostrava and Hradec Králové are even cheaper.

• Public transport is efficient, with student discounts.

• Learning some basic Czech makes paperwork and relations with locals easier.

Key takeaway: in the Czech Republic, choose between free studies in Czech after a language year, or fee-paying programmes in English. Start nostrification early and plan ahead for the long-stay visa.

How we support you

Worldwide Studies helps you choose between a programme in Czech and one in English, start nostrification, and prepare for the entrance exam and the visa. Also compare with Poland, Hungary and Austria.

👉 Fees and timelines vary by university: talk to an advisor for a Czech Republic plan suited to your project.