Do I need to speak Czech to study there?
If you’re planning to study in Czechia (the Czech Republic), one of the most common questions international students ask is:
“Do I need to speak Czech to study there?”
The short answer is no — you don’t need to know Czech to study in Czechia, as many universities offer English-taught Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.
However, learning Czech can be very helpful for daily life and long-term opportunities.
Here’s everything you should know before starting your academic journey in Czechia.
Studying in English in Czechia
Czechia is home to several top-ranked universities that offer a wide range of English-taught programs in fields like business, engineering, IT, medicine, and social sciences.
Some of the most popular universities offering English-taught programs include:
-
Charles University (Prague)
-
Masaryk University (Brno)
-
Czech Technical University (Prague)
-
University of Economics, Prague (VŠE)
-
Palacký University (Olomouc)
These institutions have strong international departments, English-speaking faculty, and dedicated support services for foreign students.
When Is Czech Language Required?
You only need to know Czech if:
-
You are applying for a Czech-taught program (where instruction is entirely in Czech).
-
You plan to work in patient-facing or public service professions, like medicine, nursing, or education.
-
You intend to settle long-term in Czechia and want to integrate better into local life.
If you study in a Czech-taught program at a public university, tuition is free, which is an attractive option for students willing to learn the language.
Benefits of Learning Basic Czech
Even if your degree is in English, learning a bit of Czech offers clear advantages:
-
?️ Daily communication: It helps with shopping, transportation, and socializing.
-
? Part-time jobs: Many local employers prefer candidates with basic Czech knowledge.
-
? Integration: You’ll adapt faster and feel more at home in the local culture.
-
? Career growth: Knowing Czech can open more job opportunities in both Czechia and nearby EU countries.
Most universities offer free or low-cost Czech language courses for international students during their studies.
English Proficiency Requirements
For English-taught programs, you’ll need to show proof of English proficiency, usually through:
-
IELTS (6.0–6.5)
-
TOEFL (iBT 70–90)
-
PTE Academic or other equivalent tests
Some universities may waive this requirement if your previous education was conducted in English.
Life in Czechia Without Speaking Czech
Czechia is an international student-friendly country.
In big cities like Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, English is widely understood — especially among young people, university staff, and service providers.
You can easily manage everyday tasks such as:
-
Using public transport
-
Visiting cafés and restaurants
-
Finding part-time work in international companies
-
Renting accommodation through English-speaking agents
However, in smaller towns or rural areas, speaking some Czech can make life much easier.
Helpful Tips for New Students
-
Enroll in a beginner Czech course during your first semester.
-
Use free apps like Duolingo or Memrise to learn key phrases.
-
Practice speaking with local students or through language exchange programs.
-
Learn polite phrases — Czech people appreciate the effort!
Why Czechia Is Great for International Students
Czechia has become one of Europe’s top study destinations because it offers:
-
Affordable tuition fees
-
Safe and modern cities
-
High academic standards
-
Central location in Europe for easy travel
-
Welcoming multicultural student communities
You can enjoy a high quality of education in English while gradually learning Czech for personal and professional growth.
FAQs
1. Can I study in English in Czechia?
Yes. Many Czech universities offer full programs in English for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
2. Is Czech language required for admission?
No, unless you are applying for a Czech-taught program.
3. Can I learn Czech while studying?
Yes. Most universities offer free or optional Czech courses for international students.
4. Is it difficult to live in Czechia without knowing Czech?
Not in major cities. English is widely used, but learning basic Czech helps with daily life.
5. Are Czech-taught programs free for international students?
Yes. If you study entirely in Czech at a public university, you don’t pay tuition fees.
