Preparatory and Language Year
Your gateway to free Czech university education. Learn Czech intensively and prepare for entrance exams in one academic year.
Why Do a Preparatory Year?
Free university education afterward
Once you reach the required Czech level (usually B2), you can enroll in any public university program taught in Czech at zero tuition cost.
Structured language learning
You will study 20 to 35 hours per week with experienced teachers, progressing from complete beginner to B2 level in one year.
Entrance exam preparation
Programs include specialized subjects (math, physics, biology, chemistry, etc.) so you are ready for university entrance exams.
Recognized certificates
Many university programs accept the certificate from accredited preparatory courses in lieu of a separate Czech language exam.
Visa support
Accredited preparatory programs at public universities qualify for a long-term study visa, making the visa process smoother.
Adaptation time
You get a full year to adjust to Czech culture, make friends, navigate bureaucracy, and find your footing before university starts.
Dormitory access
Most programs offer university dormitory accommodation (typically 3,000 to 7,500 CZK per month).
Types of Programs
Foundation Programs
Intensive Czech plus specialized subjects for your chosen field
Czech Language Courses
Czech language only, no specialized subjects
Short-Term / Summer Courses
Intensive Czech, culture, excursions
University Programs and Pricing
All prices are from official university websites as of August 2026. Always verify directly before enrolling.
Charles University — ÚJOP
The largest and most established foundation program in Czechia. 90%+ success rate.
| Program | Intensity | EUR | CZK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine & Pharmacy COMPLEX | 35 hours per week | €7,253 | 169,000 |
| Natural Science COMPLEX | 35 hours per week | €7,253 | 169,000 |
| Engineering & IT COMPLEX | 35 hours per week | €7,167 | 167,000 |
| Economics & Business COMPLEX | 35 hours per week | €7,167 | 167,000 |
| Humanities COMPLEX | 35 hours per week | €7,167 | 167,000 |
| Arts & Architecture COMPLEX | 35 hours per week | €7,167 | 167,000 |
| Medicine & Pharmacy PROGRESS | 25 hours per week | €5,236 | 122,000 |
| Natural Science PROGRESS | 25 hours per week | €5,236 | 122,000 |
| Humanities PROGRESS | 25 hours per week | €5,150 | 120,000 |
| Arts & Architecture PROGRESS | 25 hours per week | €5,150 | 120,000 |
Charles University — ÚJOP
| Program | Intensity | EUR | CZK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine & Pharmacy in English COMPLEX | 35 hours per week | €7,811 | 182,000 |
| Medicine & Pharmacy in English FAST | 25 hours per week | €4,936 | 115,000 |
| Engineering & IT in English FAST | 25 hours per week | €4,850 | 113,000 |
| Economics & Global Affairs in English FAST | 25 hours per week | €4,850 | 113,000 |
Masaryk University — Dept. of Czech for Foreigners
Year-long language & professional preparation, accredited under §64b. Visa purpose: "Study." Academic year 2026/27: Sep 14, 2026 – Jun 13, 2027. Dormitory: ~7,500 CZK per month.
| Program | Intensity | EUR | CZK |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTENSIVE+ | 20–25 hours per week | €4,300 | — |
| INTENSIVE | 20 hours per week | €3,950 | — |
| BASIC | 15 hours per week | €2,850 | — |
Masaryk University — Language Centre
Language-focused (no specialized subjects). Academic year 2026/27: Sep 1, 2026 – Jun 4, 2027. Mon–Fri 08:30–12:00. Registration deadline: May 31 (visa) / Jul 31 (non-visa).
| Program | Intensity | EUR | CZK |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Year Intensive Czech Course | 20 hours per week | €3,990 | — |
Brno University of Technology — VUT
Budget-friendly option. Price does NOT include accommodation. 50% advance payment; refund if visa refused. Registration deadline: June 30.
| Program | Intensity | EUR | CZK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Semester Intensive Czech Course | 16 hours per week | €2,400 | 60,000 |
Czech Technical University — ČVUT / MIAS
Academic year 2026/27: Sep 21, 2026 – Aug 31, 2027. 560 in-class sessions. Czech course fulfills "Study" visa purpose.
| Program | EUR | CZK |
|---|---|---|
| Czech Preparatory Course | €4,150 | 99,000 |
| Business Preparatory Programme (English) | €3,900 | 95,000 |
Prague University of Economics and Business — VŠE
Focused on economics/business entrance exam preparation. Includes airport transfer, coordinator support, study materials. Requires English at A2+.
| Program | EUR | CZK |
|---|---|---|
| One-Year Czech Course | €4,350 | 109,000 |
| Summer Course | €400 | — |
University of West Bohemia — UWB
| Program | EUR | CZK |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Year (1 Semester) | €2,800 | 70,000 |
| One Year (2 Semesters) | €5,200 | 130,000 |
| Two Years (4 Semesters) | €9,200 | 230,000 |
Other Public Universities
Private / Agency Programs
Private programs typically issue visas with purpose "Other" (not "Study"), which is more restrictive for work rights and visa extensions. Always confirm the visa type before enrolling.
MSM Academy
Cultural program, excursions, coordinator support included. At CTU/CULS campus.
| Program | EUR | CZK |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year / 6 Months / 3 Months | Contact MSM | — |
Prague Education Center
Specialized prep for specific universities.
| Program | EUR | CZK |
|---|---|---|
| One-Year Preparatory | Contact PEC | — |
EIASM / Unicorn University
| Program | EUR | CZK |
|---|---|---|
| Czech or English Language Prep (2 semesters) | €4,500 | — |
Step-by-Step: How to Enroll
Choose your target university and field of study. This determines which preparatory program and specialized subjects you need.
Select a preparatory program based on your target field, city preference, and budget.
Apply to the preparatory program. Submit your application with required documents (passport copy, high school diploma translation, etc.).
Pay the tuition fee. Full payment is usually required before the acceptance letter is issued. Most programs refund if your visa is refused.
Receive your acceptance letter and accommodation confirmation. The institution sends these for your visa application.
Apply for your visa. Schedule an appointment at your nearest Czech embassy or consulate. Submit all required documents.
Arrange health insurance. Purchase comprehensive health insurance for the entire period.
Arrive in Czech Republic. Register at the Foreign Police within 3 working days of arrival.
Start your preparatory course. Attend classes regularly (mandatory for maintaining your visa).
Apply to university. During the spring semester, apply to your chosen university program. Take entrance exams in May or June.
Visa and Residence
Purpose: "Study" ✓
Foundation programs at public universities lead to a long-term visa with purpose "Study" (studium). Free access to Czech labor market.
Purpose: "Other" ⚠
Language courses at private institutions lead to purpose "Other" (ostatni). More restrictive.
Documents typically required:
- Valid passport
- Acceptance letter from the educational institution
- Proof of accommodation (usually provided by the university)
- Proof of financial means: bank statement showing at least CZK 115,810 (around €5,000)
- Health insurance for the entire stay (around €611 per year)
- Criminal record certificate from your home country
- Application form plus consular fee of CZK 2,500
Processing time: Up to 60 days from submission.
EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa. Simply register at the Foreign Police within 30 days of arrival.
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If you plan to study in Brno, you have excellent local options:
Masaryk University — Dept. of Czech for Foreigners
Year-long language & professional preparation, accredited under §64b. Visa purpose: "Study." Academic year 2026/27: Sep 14, 2026 – Jun 13, 2027. Dormitory: ~7,500 CZK per month.
INTENSIVE+
INTENSIVE
BASIC
Masaryk University — Language Centre
Language-focused (no specialized subjects). Academic year 2026/27: Sep 1, 2026 – Jun 4, 2027. Mon–Fri 08:30–12:00. Registration deadline: May 31 (visa) / Jul 31 (non-visa).
One-Year Intensive Czech Course
Brno University of Technology — VUT
Budget-friendly option. Price does NOT include accommodation. 50% advance payment; refund if visa refused. Registration deadline: June 30.
Two-Semester Intensive Czech Course
Tips and Advice
Start early
Apply 6 to 8 months before the course starts (typically January to March for a September start) to allow time for visa processing.
Do not wait for the minimum
Universities require B1, but from practical experience, B2 is strongly recommended. Lectures and specialized terminology are challenging even at B2.
Budget realistically
Beyond tuition, plan for accommodation (3,000 to 7,500 CZK per month), food (around 5,000 to 7,000 CZK per month), transport (around 500 to 800 CZK per month), and insurance (around €611 per year).
The bank statement requirement
You need to show CZK 115,810 (around €5,000) in your account for visa purposes. This money is not blocked. You can use it once you arrive.
Nostrification is separate
You need to get your high school diploma recognized (nostrified) in the Czech Republic. This takes 4 to 6 months. Start this process as early as possible.
Choose public over private
Preparatory programs at public universities give you a "study" purpose visa, which includes free labor market access and is easier to extend.
Attend classes
Regular attendance is mandatory. Missing classes can jeopardize your visa status.