Higher education system

Higher education institutions form the highest level of Czech education. They offer accredited study programmes as well as lifelong learning courses. There are 26 public, 2 state and 43 private higher education institutions in the Czech Republic.

Higher education institutions can be either university or non-university types. They offer education at three levels: bachelor study programmes (usually 3 years) and master study programmes (usually 5 years) are available for applicants who have passed their secondary education and have met the other admission criteria. The third level of higher education, doctoral study programmes (usually 3 years) is open to graduates of the master study programmes.

Traditional university-type institutions may offer all types of study programmes while non-university institutions are characterised by providing mainly bachelor study programmes. Most university-type institutions are divided into faculties.

The deadline for submitting applications is normally the end of February or March. The academic year starts in September and comprises a winter and a summer semester. There are exam periods which usually last one month after each semestre.