Scholarship in Czechia: Public and Private
The Czech Republic is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations for international students, offering a high-quality education, affordable living costs, and a rich cultural experience. With numerous public and non-public scholarship opportunities, studying in the Czech Republic can be both an enriching and affordable experience. Whether you're aiming to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies, there are multiple scholarship options that could help you fund your education.
In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the various scholarship opportunities available in the Czech Republic, how to apply for them, how much financial support students can typically expect to receive, and the percentage of the total scholarship coverage students can receive.
Why Study in the Czech Republic?
Before diving into the specifics of scholarships, let’s take a look at why studying in the Czech Republic could be a great decision for you:
- Affordable Tuition Fees and Living Costs: Compared to other European countries, tuition fees and living expenses in the Czech Republic are relatively low, making it an attractive destination for students on a budget.
- High-Quality Education: The Czech Republic is home to some of Europe’s top universities, such as Charles University, the Czech Technical University, and Masaryk University, offering a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines.
- Rich Cultural Experience: With its charming cities, historical landmarks, and vibrant student life, the Czech Republic offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
- Wide Range of English-Taught Programs: The Czech Republic offers a large number of degree programs in English, which makes it accessible to students from around the world.
Types of Scholarships in the Czech Republic
Scholarships in the Czech Republic are offered by both public and non-public institutions. Here's a detailed look at the available options:
1. Public Scholarships
Public scholarships are provided by government institutions, universities, and research organizations. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs.
a. Czech Government Scholarships for International Students
The Czech government offers various scholarships to international students, especially those from developing countries. These scholarships are managed by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- What it covers: The scholarship provides a monthly allowance to cover living expenses, tuition fees (for most programs), and sometimes travel costs to and from the Czech Republic.
- Eligibility: These scholarships are typically available for students from non-EU countries, and applicants must meet specific academic criteria.
- How much can you get?: The monthly allowance ranges from CZK 10,000 to CZK 15,000 (around €400–€600). However, this can vary depending on the level of study (undergraduate, master's, or doctoral). This scholarship typically covers up to 100% of tuition fees and living expenses for students from eligible countries.
b. University Scholarships
Many universities in the Czech Republic offer their own scholarships for international students. These scholarships can range from partial to full tuition coverage, as well as living stipends.
- Charles University: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Central Europe, Charles University offers merit-based scholarships for international students, including those from the Erasmus+ program.
- Czech Technical University: CTU offers scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students in engineering, IT, and other technical fields.
- Masaryk University: Offers various scholarships for students, including those in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some scholarships are specific to certain countries or fields of study.
- What it covers: Scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic-related costs.
- Eligibility: Generally, students must be enrolled in full-time programs at the university. Scholarships are often merit-based, though some universities also consider financial need.
- How much can you get?: The amount varies but can cover tuition fees, which range from €2,000 to €10,000 per year (depending on the program), and living stipends of around €300–€600 per month. These scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition fees for students who are awarded full scholarships.
2. Non-Public Scholarships
Non-public scholarships are offered by private organizations, foundations, and international bodies. These scholarships are often specific to certain fields of study or countries.
a. The Visegrad Fund Scholarship
The Visegrad Scholarship Program offers scholarships for students from the Visegrad Group countries (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia) as well as neighboring regions.
- What it covers: The scholarship typically covers full tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be from one of the eligible countries and pursuing studies in specific areas such as political science, international relations, or economics.
- How much can you get?: The Visegrad Fund provides up to €2,500 per semester, covering full tuition and accommodation. This scholarship can cover up to 100% of the costs.
b. The Jan Amos Komenský Scholarship Program
The Jan Amos Komenský Scholarship Program is a Czech scholarship initiative aimed at supporting students from developing countries.
- What it covers: The scholarship provides financial support for tuition fees, living costs, and health insurance.
- Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students from countries outside the European Union. The scholarships are available for various fields of study, including natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
- How much can you get?: The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of approximately CZK 10,000 to CZK 12,000 (around €400–€500) for living expenses. In some cases, it can cover up to 100% of tuition fees, making it a valuable option for students needing comprehensive support.
c. The Onassis Foundation Scholarship
The Onassis Foundation offers scholarships to international students wishing to pursue postgraduate or doctoral programs in the Czech Republic. These scholarships are typically awarded in the fields of humanities, social sciences, law, and economics.
- What it covers: The Onassis Foundation covers tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance for students.
- Eligibility: Students from Greece or countries in the Mediterranean region are given preference.
- How much can you get?: The scholarship provides €10,000–€15,000 per year, which is more than sufficient to cover living expenses and academic costs. This scholarship covers up to 100% of the costs for students in eligible fields of study.
3. Erasmus+ Scholarships
Erasmus+ is a well-known European exchange program that offers scholarships for students wishing to study abroad in the Czech Republic as part of their degree program.
- What it covers: Erasmus+ scholarships typically cover tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during your study abroad period.
- Eligibility: You must be enrolled in a participating university in your home country and have an agreement with a university in the Czech Republic to study for a semester or a year.
- How much can you get?: The grant varies depending on the country, but it typically ranges from €300–€1,000 per month, which can cover up to 100% of living expenses and some travel costs.
How to Apply for Scholarships in the Czech Republic
The process of applying for scholarships in the Czech Republic can vary depending on the scholarship and institution. However, the general steps are as follows:
- Research: Begin by researching the different scholarships available, including those provided by the Czech government, universities, and private organizations.
- Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship you are interested in. This can include academic qualifications, country of origin, and the program of study.
- Prepare Documents: Common documents required for scholarship applications include:
- Completed application form (provided by the scholarship provider or university)
- Proof of academic qualifications (transcripts, degrees, certificates)
- Motivation letter explaining why you want to study in the Czech Republic and why you deserve the scholarship
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of language proficiency (usually in English or Czech, depending on the program)
- Passport copy and recent photographs
- Submit Application: Submit your application according to the specific scholarship instructions, ensuring you meet all deadlines.
- Attend Interviews (if applicable): Some scholarships may require an interview, either in person or online. Be prepared to discuss your academic background and reasons for applying for the scholarship.
- Wait for Decision: After submitting your application, there will typically be a waiting period for the scholarship decision.
Conclusion
Studying in the Czech Republic offers a fantastic opportunity for international students to access high-quality education in a rich cultural environment. Whether you are applying for government scholarships, university-specific awards, or private foundations, there are many ways to make your study abroad dream a reality.
With the scholarships listed in this post, students can receive substantial financial support, ranging from €400 to €15,000 annually, depending on the scholarship type and program. These scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs for students who are awarded full scholarships.
Be sure to carefully research each opportunity and start your application process early to maximize your chances of success.
