Living in the Czech Republic – Postgraduate Guide | FindAMasters.com
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Living in the Czech Republic – Postgraduate Guide

Written by Mark Bennett

The Czech Republic is a forward-thinking country in Central Europe, with a proud tradition of welcoming international students. Studying a Masters in the Czech Republic (also known as Czechia) will give you the opportunity to experience this nation’s unique culture first-hand.

This guide should give you an idea of what student life is like in the Czech Republic, from accommodation and living costs to transport and employment.

What’s it like to study abroad in the Czech Republic?

International Masters students in the Czech Republic can enjoy the country’s beguiling mix of fairy-tale castles, vibrant cities and dense forests. Prague is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, its cobbled streets and gothic spires home to stunning collections of art and architecture.

Literature students will find much to appreciate in the Czech Republic, which is the birthplace of such literary luminaries as Franz Kafka, Milan Kundera and Jaroslav Seifert. Charles University in Prague, meanwhile, is associated with influential scientists such as Albert Einstein, Johannes Kepler and Nikola Tesla.

A stay in the Czech Republic wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the country’s many beer breweries. Budvar, Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen are the biggest names, but there are also plenty of smaller craft beers to discover.

Studying abroad in the Czech Republic is a good opportunity to get to grips with the national sport: ice hockey. Football is another popular pastime, with the Czech Republic producing stars such as Pavel Nedvěd and Milan Baroš. Famous Czech tennis players include Martina Navratilova, Ivan Lendl and Petra Kvitová.

Search for a Masters in the Czech Republic

Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in the Czech Republic on FindAMasters.com

Accommodation

There are a few different housing options for international students in the Czech Republic:

  • University dormitories – University-owned accommodation is usually the cheapest option for students. You may end up sharing a bedroom or bathroom and kitchen facilities.
  • Shared accommodation – You could also enter the private rental market and share a house or flat with a group of fellow students.
  • Private flat – Rental costs in the Czech Republic are relatively low by Western European standards, so it may be feasible for you to rent your own studio or apartment.

Accommodation costs

In terms of costs, you should expect to pay around €150-200 per month for a shared room in a university dormitory, or €190-260 for a private room. Private universities don't tend to have their own student accommodation, but will generally be able to recommend private student residences. The cost of these will be slightly higher at €400-600 per month.

If you prefer to live in private rented accommodation, you will find that costs are generally lower than elsewhere in Europe. You can expect to pay €420-750 for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre or €500-1,000 in the city centre. Students will generally choose to reduce costs by sharing a living in shared housing, which will generally cost around €290 per month.

Living costs

Living costs in the Czech Republic are lower than most place in Western Europe. However, the country nevertheless enjoys a high standard of living.

The Czech government recommends that students budget around €500-750 per month to cover living costs.

Some typical costs you might encounter include:

  • Student season ticket for public transport: €5.30-11.25
  • Restaurant meal: €8
  • Meal at a student canteen: €4
  • Cinema ticket: €8

The local currency in the Czech Republic is the Koruna (CZK or Kč).

Learn more about studying in the Czech Republic

Looking for more information about Masters study in the Czech Republic? Our detailed guide covers everything from university rankings and courses to fees, funding and applications.

Working whilst studying

It’s possible for international students to find employment in the Czech Republic during their studies. However, you should bear in mind that many jobs will require a degree of fluency in the Czech language. In certain sectors, such as tourism and hospitality, it may be easier for foreign students to find work.

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you won’t need a visa to work in the Czech Republic.

If you’re not an EU citizen, you don’t need a work permit as long as you’re studying on a full-time basis. Your employer will need to notify the relevant authorities when you start working, however.

Further information

By now you should have a good idea of what to expect from life as an international student in the Czech Republic. After visiting the Kafka Museum in Prague, why not let off some steam at a local brewery before checking out a hard-fought ice hockey game?

Of course, there’s more to life in the Czech Republic than existentialist literature, beer and hockey. . . These are a few practicalities you’ll need to take in account when planning for your study abroad adventure.

Health insurance

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals should make sure that they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will entitle them to the same level of health cover as a Czech citizen.

The following non-EU countries have reciprocal health agreements with Czech Republic:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Cuba
  • Japan
  • North Macedonia
  • Montenegro
  • Turkey
  • Serbia
  • USA

Other students will need to buy private health insurance valid for the duration of their studies in the Czech Republic, with a minimum value of €60,000.

Banking

A Czech bank account will make your life a lot easier, reducing the costs associated with international payments and currency exchange. You’ll usually need the following documents to open a bank account in the Czech Republic:

  • A valid passport
  • A second identity document (e.g. driver’s licence)
  • A minimum deposit
  • Proof of university enrolment

Transport

The Czech Republic is a relatively small country, and its reasonably-priced train network is usually the best way to get one city to the next.

Prague is home to an extensive metro system (the fifth busiest in Europe) and a well-developed public transit network.

Vaclev Havel Airport (named for the Czech Republic’s first president) is the biggest airport in the country, servicing flights from around the world.

Search for a Masters in the Czech Republic

Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in the Czech Republic on FindAMasters.com

Mark Bennett

Mark joined FindAMasters to develop our first ever advice articles in 2013 and now serves as our Director of Audience & Editorial, making sure our websites and information are as useful as possible for people thinking about Masters and PhD study. He has a PhD in English Literature from the University of Sheffield, as well as Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Kent and the University of South Wales.

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Last updated: 27 November 2023