• Charles University
• Technical University of Ostrava (TUO)
• Czech Technical University
• Technical University of Liberec
• Silesian University – School of Business Administration in Karvina
• Skoda Auto University
• University of Pardubice
• Mendel University
• University of Hradec Kralove – Faculty of Informatics & Management

And Many More.

For those seeking a country that combines low tuition fees with high-quality education and research, especially in the fields of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the Czech Republic is an ideal choice. Nestled in Central Europe, the country is renowned for its elaborate castles, rich brewing tradition, and a history that spans from the Celtic and Germanic tribes of its inception to the Protestant Reformation and Communist era. The higher education institutions in the Czech Republic offer a multitude of study programs in foreign languages, particularly English, catering to international students. It comes as no surprise that over 37,000 international students opt for the Czech Republic as their study destination.

Cost of Study in Czech Republic: Tuition fees at Czech universities are notably low and affordable. Both public and private institutions have tuition fees that start at 1000 Euros per semester for programs conducted in English. Students opting for programs in Czech language are typically exempted from tuition fees.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in the Czech Republic ranks among the lowest in Western Europe. A student can comfortably manage living expenses, including food, accommodation, and public transportation, with an estimated monthly budget ranging from 300 to 700 Euros.

Short-Stay Visa: For individuals planning a visit to the Czech Republic for a language camp lasting up to 3 months, obtaining a short-term student visa is necessary. The Consular Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the Visa Application Center of the Czech Republic handle the acceptance of documents for this visa type. Translation of documents into Czech is not required for short-term visas. The application processing time is typically 7-10 calendar days, but it can be extended up to 30 calendar days or more. Due to potential extensions, it is advisable to submit visa documents well in advance.

Long-Term Visa: If the intention is to pursue studies in the Czech Republic for more than 3 months, especially for foundation programs, obtaining a long-term student visa is mandatory. The Consular Section of the Embassy issues applications for long-term student visas. All documents must be submitted exclusively in Czech, with translations certified by a Czech jury translator. Original documents with copies are required, and only documents not older than 180 days will be accepted. The passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the visa validity. The application and visa processing may take up to 60 days from the submission date, with a maximum review period of 120 days, subject to potential extensions. Given these considerations, it is crucial to submit visa documents well in advance.

Upon arrival in the Czech Republic for foundation courses with the goal of subsequent university admission, students receive an initial 12-month long-term visa. Within the first 3 days of arrival, students must personally visit the foreign affairs police for registration. Subsequently, when renewing the initial visa, students obtain a residence permit valid for one year while staying in the Czech Republic.

Key Sectors in the Czech Republic The vibrant tourism industry in the Czech Republic offers ample employment opportunities. Given that many recreational activities cater to tourists, jobs in this sector are often well-suited for foreign workers proficient in languages other than Czech. Given the international prevalence of English and the strong economic ties with Germany, individuals fluent in English and German are particularly sought after.

Qualified individuals may explore teaching positions in private language schools or with prominent international companies. Generally, a university degree, a teaching certificate such as TEFL, and some teaching experience are prerequisites. Job seekers can reach out to cultural representations like the British Council or the Goethe Institut for job openings and additional information.

Major International Players The Czech Republic hosts several major international companies across various industries. Multinational corporations offer promising prospects for foreign employment due to their extensive experience in hiring international personnel. Notable global corporations with a significant presence in the country include Exxon Mobil, Mondelēz International (formerly Kraft Foods), and Tesco.

Additionally, there are influential homegrown companies with a substantial international footprint, such as ČEZ, Agrofert, Agropol, Zentiva, Bata, Škoda, Budvar, and Pilsner Urquell. The Kompass worldwide business directory is a valuable resource for identifying local companies, and individuals can also engage with their country’s Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic.

Job Search Strategies For those seeking employment, particularly with multinational companies, exploring job opportunities on their official websites or contacting them directly is a good starting point. Traditional avenues, such as recruitment agencies or international job websites, can be effective if direct approaches prove challenging. Czech recruitment websites may also be useful, especially for those proficient in Czech. A list of national and international job websites is available in our article on working in Prague.

Entrepreneurial Endeavors Entrepreneurs exploring business opportunities in the Czech Republic may find potential in the following areas:

• Science and Innovation: Including sectors like biotechnology, nanotechnology, education, and advanced engineering.
• Healthcare: Demand extends beyond medical equipment to include healthcare management services and lifestyle products.
• Food and Drink: With globalization, there is an increasing demand for international cuisine and catering to specific groups like vegans.
• Consumer Goods: Importing fashion items, furniture, and accessories is witnessing a growing demand.

Employment Permits for Non-EU/EEA Students in the Czech Republic:

1. Exceptions to Employment Permit Requirement:

   • No employment permit is needed for students engaging in activities as part of exchange traineeships from higher education institutions. This exemption applies when work is integral to the educational exchange, part of lifelong learning, or covered by a contract with a foreign sending organization (e.g., scholarship or foundation contribution).
   • Students below 26 years old are exempt from the permit requirement if their work does not exceed 7 consecutive calendar days or a total of 30 days within a calendar year.
   • Individuals with secondary or tertiary professional education, conservatoire-based tertiary professional education, or higher education under the Czech Education Act are exempt from obtaining an employment permit.

2. Application for Employment Permit:

   • In cases not covered by exemptions, an employment permit must be applied for. The application can be submitted personally or by an authorized representative with a written power of attorney at any suitable regional office of the Public Employment Service.
   • An administrative fee of 500 CZK is applicable for the issuance of the permit.

3. Validity and Renewal:

   • The employment permit is issued for a maximum period of two years. Foreigners can apply for the permit repeatedly.
   • For seasonal employment, the permit is issued for six months, not exceeding six months within a calendar year. It can be issued repeatedly with a minimum six-month gap between individual employments.

4. Employer Specification and Updates:

   • The permit is valid only for employment with the specified employer. In the event of any significant changes, the foreigner must apply at the locally competent regional office of the Public Employment Service for a new employment permit.