Language preparation

Czech is a West Slavic language spoken by over 10 million people. It is the official language in Czechia. By law, higher education at public and state institutions is free of charge for citizens of all nationalities if they study in Czech! It is a really good reason for studying the Czech language, isn't it?

czech LANGUAGE / PREPARATORY COURSES IN czechia

1. Summer Schools of Slavonic Studies

The Summer Schools of Slavonic Studies offering Czech language courses are organised by several public universities in Czechia. The courses are held during the summer months, their length ranges from 3 to 4 weeks and are designed for foreign students, teachers, translators and interpreters and other experts active in the field of Czech/Slavonic studies. The Summer Schools offer language courses at various levels of proficiency, seminars on the Czech literature, culture and history, free-time activities including theatrical, musical and dance performances, trips etc.

Each year the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports offers a limited number of scholarships for participation in the Summer Schools of Slavonic Studies to applicants from certain countries. The scholarship consists of free board and lodging, coverage of course fees and free access to cultural events which are part of the course programme.

2. LANGUAGE COURSES AND SUMMER SCHOOLS ORGANISED BY UNIVERSITIES

Many Czech higher education institutions also organise Czech language courses and summer schools of the Czech language for international students. These courses are usually paid, but there may be exceptions (e.g. preparatory language course as a part of a government scholarship).

INSTITUTE FOR LANGUAGE AND PREPARATORY STUDIES

The Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of the Charles University offers a large selection of Czech courses at varying levels of difficulty and intensity. They cater for both those interested in intensive daily courses of varying length (year-long/semester/six-week), as well as those who prefer less intensive courses. For students who are unable to attend lessons, they offer language courses online.

SUMMER SCHOOLS

Summer schools are short non-degree courses offered by universities to students who want to get ahead in their study field during the summer break. Many summer schools are focused on Czech culture and language and this brings a great added value in the form of local perspective and experience from the real life.

Most of the summer schools offered by Czech universities can be found on our portal and you can also find direct links to some of the summer courses below:

Apart from university based summer schools, you can participate in a bootcamp focused on journalism called the Journey: Journalism Bootcamp supported by the Bakala Foundation.

PREPARATORY COURSES

If you wish to study in the Czech language, some universities offer preparatory courses that can help you master the language and prepare you for studies at universities in Czechia.

Some language courses offered by Czech universities can be found on our portal and you can also find direct links to some of the preparatory courses below:

3. LANGUAGE COURSES ORGANISED BY PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

There are also many private language schools offering Czech language courses for foreigners. For some tips have a look here.

czech LANGUAGE / PREPARATORY COURSES abroad

1. LANGUAGE COURSES ORGANISED BY CZECH CENTRES ABROAD

The Czech language is being taught at 15 Czech Centres abroad (Berlin, Bratislava, Budapest, Bucharest, Kyiv, London, Milan, Munich, Moscow, New York, Paris, Sofia, Tokyo, Warsaw, Vienna). Czech Centres provide language courses at CEFR levels A1 – C1. In cooperation with the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies at the Charles University, the Centres organise an internationally accredited examination in the Czech language at their 9 branches located abroad. Czech language courses are sometimes organised also by Czech diplomatic missions abroad.

2. LANGUAGE COURSES OFFERED WITHIN THE SUPPORT OF THE CZECH CULTURAL HERITAGE ABROAD

The Programme to support the Czech cultural heritage abroad helps to improve the awareness of the Czech cultural heritage, primarily by sending lecturers of the Czech language to foreign universities or providing support to compatriot communities abroad. 

Each year the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports offers a number of scholarships for participation in the four-week Czech language course for Czech compatriots who live abroad and would like to learn or improve the Czech language skills. The course gives them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Czech culture and get to know part of Czechia.

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS for studying the czech language

Faculty of Arts of the Masaryk University in Brno awards 3 months scholarships for studying the Czech language, literature and culture. These scholarships always run from October to December of the academic year and are intended for students of foreign universities. Applicants should have a good knowledge of the Czech language in order to be able to follow the lectures and attend seminars conducted in Czech.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The Czech for Foreigners Portal provides an overview and comprehensive information for foreigners who are applying for permanent residence in Czechia or for Czech citizenship and will be taking the Czech Language Exam or Czech Life and Institutions Exam.