This section is a collection of frequently asked questions that were sent to us by international students. In case you cannot find the information you were looking for, feel free to contact us by filling the form below.
Zdroj: Západočeská univerzita v Plzni
FAQ
UPDATE 18/05/2020
The state of emergency ended on 17th May. Conditions for entry to the territory of the Czech Republic and continuing quarantine measures can befound at the website of the Ministry of Health. More infornation about the entry into the territory of the Czech Republic at the website of the Ministry of Interior. As of May 18, 2020, selected consulates extend their visa services in the service of STUDENT FACILITATION (REŽIM STUDENT) PROGRAM and LONG- TERM RESIDENCE PERMITS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH and some other cathegories.
UPDATE UPDATE 07/05/2020
Update on pupils and students entering the territory of the Czech Republic valid from May 1st, 2020, 0:00!
UPDATE 28/04/2020
Exception for EU citizens for the purpose of economic activity exceeding 72 hours Valid from April 27th, 2020, 0:00
There are also EU citizens for the purpose of studying at a higher education institution (university) - see a separate informative material
This exception applies only to the EU citizens entering the Czech territory for the purpose of:
- business meeting,
- official / business trip,
- posting of workers/ intra-company transfer,
- job performance,
- performance of activity as statutory body,
- execution of a contract within the scope of self-employment or free profession,
- performance of professional sports or arts activity.
All persons mentioned above are obliged to:
- inform about their date and manner of entry into the Czech territory by remote access set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, after crossing the Czech borders, they must not use public transport or taxi services (including Uber, etc.) to their place of residence,
- submit a PCR testing results certificate when entering the Czech territory, and then undergo a subsequent PCR testing between the 10th and 14th day after the entry,
- Comply with the free movement limitation within the territory of Czech Republic for 14 days after entering the Czech territory, with the exception of travels to work, necessary travels for the provision of basic necessities, travel to the doctor, travel for the purpose of urgent official affairs, travel back to the place of residence, funerals.
More information at the Ministry of Interior here.
UPDATE 24/04/2020
Updates on ban lifts
Free movement as of April 24
- groups of a maximum 10 people can gather in the public space, distance from others at least 2 meters
- groups of maximum 10 people can gather for sports outdoors and in nature, distance from others at least 2 meters
- groups of maximum 10 professional athletes can train without a mask
- consumption of food and beverages in public at the point of sale is possible only if necessary
- the wedding can be attended by 10 people, including the registrar and the bridegroom
- up to 15 people can attend the mass
Travel as of midnight on 27 April 2020
Citizens of the Czech Republic and foreigners with permission to enter the Czech Republic have options for arrival in the Czech Republic:
- entry of a 14-day quarantine
- presentation of a test certificate issued by a doctor or public health authority confirming that they have been tested for COVID -19 with a negative result. The test must not be older than four days and is provided by the person at his own expense.
Education as of April 27
The information in below update from 23/04/2020 applies also for others years of university – again however, up to a maximum of 5 people for consultation purposes, testing, clinical / practical teaching and practice. Under specific conditions, university students from EU countries can now also come to take the exam.
Shops and restaurants
More information as vlada.cz/en/
UPDATE 23/04/2020
Starting Monday 20 April, individual consultations and exams for students in the highest years of universities with a maximum number of five persons in one spot will be permitted. That concerns, for example, individual consultations or exams, especially state finals or rigorous exams. It will also be possible to visit a library or study room individually, but only for the purpose of receiving or submitting study literature. More information available here.
UPDATE 15/04/2020
Main changes to the conditions of entry to the territory of the Czech Republic (entering into force from April 14th, 2020 - 0:00) can be found here.
UPDATE 08/04/2020
Modified measures adopted by the Czech Government against coronavirus
- As of Tuesday 7 April, individual outdoor sports have been allowed. When respecting keeping a safe distance of two meters and the presence of a maximum of two people, these sports can be performed without respiratory protection. The ban on use of common spaces like showers and lockers is still in force. From the same date, raw material collection yards, waste collection yards and composting plants may also be operational.
- As of Thursday 9 April, all hobby markets, building material shops, ironmongeries and shops providing sale and service of bicycles are reopened. These will have to follow stricter hygiene rules, such as the obligation to place hand disinfection at the entrance, strict adherence to safety distances or the obligation to wear gloves.
- As of 14 April, travelling abroad for "essential activities" will be allowed. This will include business trips, assembly of a production facility, visit to a doctor or a relative. Each trip will be followed by 14 days of obligatory quarantine after arrival.
All adopted measures (general, concerning foreigners and border crossing, economic measures) can be found here: https://www.vlada.cz/en/media-centrum/aktualne/measures-adopted-by-the-czech-government-against-coronavirus-180545/
UPDATE 03/04/2020
IMPORTANT INFORMATION for EU students planning to return to the Czech Republic for their studies!
EU students who need to return to the Czech Republic for their studies (e.g. Erasmus+ programme), can only until
5 April prove their temporary residence in the Czech Republic by other documents than the Confirmation of temporary residence or the Confirmation of permanent residence on the territory of the Czech Republic. This measure is aimed at returning of EU citizens living in the Czech Republic and therefore is time-limited because it is intended to be only ONE-OFF RETURN for people living here.
Entry for EU citizens with Confirmation of temporary residence or the Confirmation of permanent residence on the territory of the Czech Republic will be possible even after 5 April. An EU citizen with a residence permit on the territory of CZ who enters the CZ has an obligation to contact his / her doctor and undergo an ordered mandatory 14- day long quarantine.
MORE DETAILS:
EU citizens (valid from 28. 3. 2020 until 5. 4. 2020!) ATTENTION: The person may also belong to another category of exceptions allowing entry – see exceptions here. The EU citizen with temporary residence permit on the territory of the Czech Republic shall prove himself/herself especially by these valid documents:
- Confirmation of temporary residence on the territory of CZ (issued by MoI, eventually by the CZ Police); ·
- Confirmation of permanent residence on the territory of CZ;
- Health insurance card issued by the Czech health insurance;
- Contract of purchase, lease or rent of property on the territory of CZ;
- Work contract with an employer on the territory of CZ;
- Trade license issued in CZ;
- Certificate of incorporation where the EU citizen is stated as a statutory representative or statutory body;
- Confirmation of study on the territory of CZ
ATTENTION – For entry via the airport, the following documents must be presented, otherwise this person may offload from the flight
- Confirmation of temporary residence on the territory of CZ (issued by MoI, eventually by the CZ Police);
- Confirmation of permanent residence on the territory of CZ;
- Health insurance card issued by the Czech health insurance. An EU citizen with a residence permit on the territory of CZ who enters the CZ has an obligation to contact his / her doctor and undergo an ordered mandatory 14- day long quarantine.
ATTENTION: The possibility of entry based on different documents than the Confirmation of temporary residence or the Confirmation of permanent residence on the territory of the Czech Republic will end on 5. 4. 2020 – those who wants to arrive to the Czech Republic because they have here a residence, work, school and so on here, they must do so as soon as possible! This measure is aimed at returning of EU citizens living in the Czech Republic and therefore is a timelimited because it is intended to be only ONE-OFF RETURN for people living here. Detailed information here.
UPDATE 31/03/2020
The Czech Republic has prolonged quarantine measures that include the limitation of free movement in the country until April 11 at 6:00 a.m. The limitations on free movement that have been extended include a ban on travelling for most purposes with exceptions for work, family, and a few other circumstances: necessary visits to family members, trips to acquire essentials, to health and social services facilities, to help neighbors, or getting out into nature and staying in parks. All residents are required to wear a face mask at all times while outside or in public spaces, and keep a two-meter distance from others, under the threat of a 20,000 crown fine. Lifting the mask for any reason, including to smoke, is prohibited in public spaces.
The Government has unified measures on border movement. Quarantine is valid for anyone who returns to the Czech Republic from anywhere. There are still exceptions to compulsory quarantine, for example for some professions. More information here.
UPDATE 27/03/2020
Question 1: How should I proceed as a foreign student who is in the Czech Republic at the time of the declared state of emergency?
All the foreigners, including students, who were legally in the territory of the Czech Republic at the moment of the declaration of an emergency state, may remain in the territory for the duration of the emergency state without having to deal with their residence issues. The state of emergency on the whole territory of the Czech Republic is declared since 12th March 2020 from 14:00 hours for 30 days.
Question 2: How should I proceed as a foreign student who has expiring residence permit in the Czech Republic and wants to stay in the Czech Republic after the end of the state of emergency?
We recommend applying for the issue or extension of the long-term residence permit or for extending the long-term visa already during the emergency, thus as soon as possible.
Up-to-date information of the Ministry of the Interior on the conditions for applying for residence permits during the state of emergency is available at: https://www.mvcr.cz/clanek/informace-ministerstva-vnitra-k-zadostem-o-pobytova-opravneni-podanym-cizinci-na-uzemi-ceske-republiky-v-dobe-nouzoveho-stavu.aspx.
Applications must be delivered to the relevant offices of the Ministry of the Interior by post with all requisites and with the fee (stamp) paid. Information is also available in English on the website: https://www.mvcr.cz/docDetail.aspx?docid=22241518&doctype=ART.
In the case of extension of long-term visas, it is also necessary to deliver an application, together with all requisites and paid fee (stamp) to specific Ministry of the Interior offices - more information on the requirements for applying is available at: https://www.mvcr.cz/clanek/vizum-k-pobytu-nad-90-dnu-dlouhodobe.aspx?q=Y2hudW09OQ%3d%3d.
Contacts to the offices: https://www.mvcr.cz/clanek/sluzby-pro-verejnost-informace-pro-cizince-kontakty.aspx, they are also available in the news feed: Oznámení o úpravě provozu pracovišť MV ČR v souvislosti s vyhlášeným nouzovým stavem in pdf file.
All these measures are only valid for the duration of the state of emergency. For more information regarding the state of emergency, please contact e-mail - pobyty@mvcr.cz
Information on obligations for foreigners: https://www.mvcr.cz/clanek/nove-povinnosti-a-informace-pro-cizince-prevence-rozsireni-covid-19.aspx
Question 3: I am supposed to be granted a long-term visa, but at present, I cannot visit the Czech Embassy abroad, what should I do?
You will pick up the long-term visa from the embassy after the end of the state of emergency and the opening of the border.
You can contact the Ministry of the Interior on the email mentioned above.
We also recommend checking the regularly updated website of the Ministry of the Interior: https://www.mvcr.cz/clanek/sluzby-pro-verejnost-informace-pro-cizince-informace-pro-cizince.aspx.
UPDATE 25/03/2020
EXTENDED DATE OF MEASURES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
On Monday 23 March 2020, the government decided to extend the emergency measure against the spread of coronavirus. Restrictions on free movement and public stay will apply until at least 1 April 2020 until 6 am. It is also forbidden to stay in public places with more than two people, other than your household members, at the same time. Find more details on the official website of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic here.
UPDATE 18/03/2020
The government has approved as mandatory to wear face coverings in public. This will come into effect from midnight 18. 03.As a face protection can serve not only a mask, but also a scarf, or home made mask.
The government also decided that grocery stores, drugstores and pharmacies will only allowed in people over 65 years of age between 10:00 and 12:00. At that time, other age groups ar restricted to enter the shops.
Palacky University established a new c̲o̲r̲o̲n̲a̲v̲i̲r̲u̲s̲ h̲o̲t̲l̲i̲n̲e̲ f̲o̲r̲ E̲n̲g̲l̲i̲s̲h̲ s̲p̲e̲a̲k̲e̲r̲s̲ i̲n̲ O̲l̲o̲m̲o̲u̲c̲ r̲e̲g̲i̲o̲n̲. Available daily from 10 am – 7 pm, starting tomorrow (March 19). The line established in cooperation with the regional health station is serviced by international students of Palacký University Faculty of Medicine, providing following types of information:
• Disease prevention recommendations
• Information about current public precaution measures
• Instructions for those who are feeling sick
Phone nr. +420 704 856 135 or +420 704 856 136
UPDATE 16/03/2020
From midnight March 16 to 6 am March 24 Czech Republic is under quarantine. People should leave their homes only for necessary commutes (go to work, hospitals and banks, buy food, take care of the young and elderly).
Read the Government decision to prohibit the free movement of persons here.
UPDATE 15/03/2020
The government has adopted further extraordinary preventive measures aimed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus contagion in the Czech Republic. As of Saturday 14 March 2020 at 6 a.m. through to 24 March 2020 at 6 a.m., all restaurants and shops are being closed, with the exception of those selling foodstuffs, hygienic and drugstore products, pharmacies and shops dispensing medical products and a few further exceptions. Read more details here.
The official website of the Ministry of Health on the COVID-19 epidemic is available in English here: https://koronavirus.mzcr.cz/en/.
UPDATE 13/03/2020
Based on the decision of the Government of the Czech Republic declaring the state of emergency, the following travel restrictions related to high epidemic risk countries will take effect on Saturday March 14th, 2020 (0:00 AM). Effective from March 16th, 2020 (0:00 AM) these measures will be extended to non-risk countries.
Measures in force from Saturday March 14th, 2020 (0:00 AM) to Monday March 16th, 2020 (0:00 AM):
- a ban to entry for all foreigners coming from high epidemic risk countries, except for foreigners with temporary residence permit over 90 days or foreigners with permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic;
- halting the reception of visa applications and temporary and permanent residence permits at the embassies of the Czech Republic;
- suspending proceedings of all short-term visa applications, which have not been decided yet;
- suspending all proceedings on applications for residence permit over 90 days lodged at the embassies of the Czech Republic;
- a ban to travel to risk epidemic countries for the citizens of the Czech Republic and foreigners with permanent or temporary residence over 90 days in the Czech Republic;
Foreigners, who are in the territory of the Czech Republic legally based on their temporary or permanent residence status at the time of declaration of the state of emergency, are entitled to remain in the territory for the duration of the state of emergency.
Measures in force from Monday March 16th, 2020 (0:00 AM):
From midnight from Sunday to Monday, the ban to entry is extended to all foreigners, not only from high risk epidemic countries. Foreigners residing in the Czech Republic with temporary residence over 90 days or permanent residence are excluded from this measure.
Further, the ban to travel from the Czech Republic will apply on citizens of the Czech Republic and persons with permanent or temporary residence over 90 days. The prohibition does not apply to foreigners with a permanent residence permit or temporary residence permit (stay over 90 days) who expresses an interest in traveling abroad; however such persons will not be entitled to re-enter the territory of the Czech Republic during the state of emergency.
Read the full decision on the website of the Ministry of Interior here.
New obligations and information for foreign nationals - prevention against spread of COVID-19 here and here (Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republilc)
Questions and answers in relation to the coronavirus in the Czech Republic and here (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic)
Questions and answers in relation to the coronavirus in the Czech Republic, see also here (Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic)
Info line of the Ministry of Transport in English: 225 131 820.
UPDATE 12/03/2020
International education programmes and emergency measures concerning coronavirus
The Czech government has today declared a state of emergency in response to the current coronavirus situation. New emergency measures will be enforced from 14:00 on March 12, 2020 onwards.
In light of this decision and under the advisement of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Czech National Agency for International Education (DZS) implements the following measures:
• All new international mobilities financed by programmes administered by DZS will be put on hold. This concerns all types of mobilities, e.g. for pupils, students, academic and non-academic staff as well as other professionals working in the education field.
• We highly recommend that all participants of international mobilities who are currently abroad suspend their stay and return to the Czech Republic. This concerns all types of mobilities, e.g. for pupils, students, academic and non-academic staff as well as other professionals working in the education field.
• Foreign students who are currently staying in the Czech Republic are advised to contact the sending institution or embassy.
For more information, please contact Study the Czech Republic, e-mail: info@study.cz, tel: +420 778 481 983.
UPDATE 10/03/2020
For all current students in the Czech Republic: classes at Czech universities will be interrupted as of Wednesday 11 March 2020. This is a precautionary measure introduced by the Czech government to contain the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). For details, please get in touch with your university directly.
Information on measures of the Ministry of Health for higher education institutions.
As regards university studies, the measure concerns students of public, private and state universities as well as students studying in foreign higher education programs carried out under the Higher Education Act in the Czech Republic by foreign higher education providers (foreign higher education institutions and domestic legal entities working with them).
Prohibition of personal presence of students in the university premises includes both teaching (eg. in the form of lectures, seminars or consultations) and taking examinations. Higher education institutions can use the tools of distance education. In the case of state tests, it is recommended to assess the situation individually.
With regard to possible practices and other activities taking place outside the university buildings, the university itself should assess, according to their nature, which ones should be restricted and which should not.
Similarly, it is up to the Rector to decide what measures to take towards the dormitories and other special-purpose facilities of the university.
It is always necessary to comply with other extraordinary measures issued by the Ministry of Health or by the local health authorities.
As regards the presence of academics in the workplace, the measure does not affect the pursuit of their independent scientific, research, development and innovative, artistic or other creative activities. An academic worker is obliged to be at the employer's workplace or at another agreed place (including the household) in cases determined by the employer in accordance with the Labor Code. The same applies to non-academic employees of the university.
You can find more information on the websites of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.
To apply for a study programme, you first need to select a specific university that offers your desired study programme and then apply directly to the university, respecting its application process.
For information on available study programmes, please use our finder at https://portal.studyin.cz/ where you can discover the range of study programmes offered by Czech universities.
You can find a step-by-step guide that will help you in getting started with your application at our website https://www.studyin.cz/plan-your-studies/how-to-apply/.
Please note that universities are independent bodies and each university sets its own application requirements and deadlines.
For information on available study programmes, please use our finder at https://portal.studyin.cz/ where you can discover the range of study programmes offered by Czech universities.
Just insert the keyword of interest (e.g. medicine, business...) in the search field and/or select the study field of interest and browse through the options. You can specify the city, institution, level of study, tuition fee, duration or language to find the programme that fits you the best.
Choose your desired study programme and then apply directly to the university through a link to their website or contact the relevant person to their email for obtaining more details.
Please note that universities are independent bodies and each university sets its own application requirements and deadlines.
There are many study programmes and courses taught in English or in another foreign language. You can search for the most suitable study programme for you based on the university (https://portal.studyin.cz/find-your-institution/) or programme (https://portal.studyin.cz/). Once you choose the university and a study programme please contact directly the admission department of the chosen university for more information or consult their webpages. For more information about universities you can also browse through the Catalogue of higher education institutions in the Czech Republic - https://www.studyin.cz/soubory/clanky/0021_publications/2017-Catalogue-of-Higher-Education-Institutions-web.pdf.
In terms of the founder, higher education institutions can be public, state and private. The public and private higher education institutions come under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, while state institutions (University of Defence and Police Academy) are legally established under the control of the relevant ministries.
In terms of the study programmes they offer, higher education institutions may be non-university and university type. Non-university institutions offer mainly Bachelor’s study programmes. They can also offer Master’s programmes, but not Doctoral programmes. Universities may offer all types of study programmes and carry out associated scholarly, research, developmental, artistic or other creative activities. For more detailed information download our Catalogue of higher education institutions in the Czech Republic - https://www.studyin.cz/soubory/clanky/0021_publications/2017-Catalogue-of-Higher-Education-Institutions-web.pdf.
By law, higher education at public and state institutions is free of charge for citizens of all nationalities, with the following exceptions:
- fees for administration of admission proceedings;
- fees for extending the duration of study beyond a set limit;
- fees for study in a foreign language.
Private institutions of higher education can fix their own fees. For detailed information please visit our website: https://www.studyin.cz/plan-your-studies/tuition-fees/.
See the list of available scholarships at our https://www.studyin.cz/plan-your-studies/scholarships/. We recommend you to have a look at the Government scholarships and Erasmus Mundus scholarships especially.
If you want to study at university in the Czech Republic, you need to have your previous completed study recognized by the Czech recognition authority. The process of recognition of education attained differs according to the level of education which you need to have recognized. You can read more on this topic at https://www.studyin.cz/plan-your-studies/recognition/.
In the case of recognition of elementary, secondary or higher (not university) education (“nostrification”), you can find the instructions here: http://nostrifikace.mkc.cz/en/uznavani-pro-studium//nostrifikace.
In the case of recognition of university education (“recognition of higher education and qualification”), you can find the instructions here: http://nostrifikace.mkc.cz/en/uznavani-pro-studium/akademicke-uznavani.
It depends on the study programme and it differs from university to university. For detailed information contact the university of your choice directly (portal.studyin.cz/find-your-institution/).
Students who want to study full-time should apply directly to the higher education institution of their choice. Students may apply for several study programmes at various institutions and faculties. The deadline for submitting applications is usually the end of February or March. Most higher education institutions offer the option of filing an application in electronic form. The date, content and form of the admission procedures are decided upon by the dean of the faculty or the rector of the higher education institution. For more information visit our website - https://www.studyin.cz/plan-your-studies/how-to-apply/.
There doesn't exist one uniform application form for all the Czech universities. Students who want to study full-time should apply directly to the higher education institution of their choice as each university can set its own admission requirements. Students may apply for several study programmes at various institutions and faculties. For more information visit our website - www.studyin.cz/plan-your-studies/how-to-apply/.
Each university accepts its applications separately. Each university has its own application forms which can be found on their websites - https://portal.studyin.cz/find-your-institution/.
Our website provides general information about entry formalities where you can check out whether you need a visa to enter the country https://www.studyin.cz/live-work/entry-formalities/.
You can find detailed information about different types of visa and relevant procedures on the websites of the Czech Ministry of the Interior or the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Unfortunately, it is not within Study in competence to expedite the visa issuance / appointment process. Long-term visa and residence permits processing is solely under the authority of our Embassies abroad and the Czech Ministry of the Interior which follow a rigorous process.
Some universities (portal.studyin.cz/find-your-institution/) provide preparatory courses. Student administration departments can provide more information.
The Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies, which operates under the Charles University in Prague, offers Intensive Czech Language Courses, Preparatory Courses for University Study in Czech, Language Exams, Online Czech Courses and Summer Czech Language Courses. For more information visit our website - www.studyin.cz/plan-your-studies/language-preparation/.
Higher education at public and state institutions is free of charge for citizens of all nationalities and of any age. However, some fees might be requested: fees for administration of admission proceedings, fees for extending the duration of study beyond a set limit and fees for studying in a foreign language. This means that usually only study programmes taught in the Czech language at Public institutions are for free. Private institutions of higher education can fix their own fees.
First check if you are eligible for a Government scholarship (there are limited places for participants from particular countries) or you can apply for any other scholarship programme - the list of scholarship opportunities is available at our website https://www.studyin.cz/plan-your-studies/scholarships/.
Another option would be to learn the Czech language first, as then you can apply to study programmes taught in the Czech language, which are for free at Public universities.
You can apply for language preparatory courses, but they are usually paid (around 3500 - 5500 EUR / year). You can find more information and a list of their providers at our website https://www.studyin.cz/plan-your-studies/language-preparation/. If interested, please contact the providers directly.
Visit our website for more information - https://www.studyin.cz/plan-your-studies/language-preparation/.
The Czech Republic is an increasingly popular destination for international study, with over 42,000 international students currently enrolled here. There are certainly many reasons for choosing to study in the Czech Republic: long tradition of quality education, diverse range of study programmes, location in the heart of Europe, affordable tuition fees and lower costs of living, and last but not least, diverse cultural opportunities and fascinating history. To discover more visit our section Why the Czech Republic - https://www.studyin.cz/why-the-czech-republic/.
This information is available in the Guide to studying and living in the Czech Republic - https://www.studyin.cz/soubory/clanky/0021_publications/GUIDE-active-2014.pdf or you can read more in the Living costs section - https://www.studyin.cz/live-work/living-costs/.
The majority of universities have their own dormitories or you can find your own or shared appartment. We provide some tips for accommodation search at our website - https://www.studyin.cz/live-work/accommodation/.
You can get general information regarding medical care and insurance at our website - https://www.studyin.cz/live-work/medical-care-and-insurance/.
You can download our brochures for international students here: www.studyin.cz/publications/
- Guide to studying and living in the Czech Republic
- Catalogue of higher education institutions in the Czech Republic
- The Education System of the Czech Republic
Other useful websites are the following: