According to best-medical-schools, the Czech Republic is becoming increasingly popular as a study destination for international students. This is not only the case with regard to a temporary study visit, such as a “classic” semester abroad. When it comes to studying medicine, our eastern neighbor offers an interesting alternative, especially for German school leavers. This is not only due to the moderate admission requirements compared to Germany. Another plus point is the direct proximity to the home country and the fact that the Czech Republic has been a member of the European Union since 2004. Above all, that means: little bureaucracy! Regardless of whether it is about studying in the Czech Republic or later, recognition of the study abroad goes.

Citizens of EU member states

Anyone who is an EU citizen, a citizen of an EEA country or a Swiss citizen does not need a visa for the entire duration of study in the Czech Republic. A residence permit for studying in the Czech Republic can, but does not have to be applied for. All you need to enter the country is a valid identity card or passport. Make sure that this is valid for the duration of your stay in the Czech Republic.

If you are a citizen of another country, you may need a student visa and should contact the Czech embassy in good time to find out whether you need to apply for one.

Information on staying in the Czech Republic

Even if a residence permit for studying in the Czech Republic is not necessary for EU citizens, you should note that there is nonetheless a registration requirement. Anyone who knows that they will stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days must report their whereabouts to the local immigration / immigration police within 30 days. Anyone who lives in the student dormitory of the Czech university during their studies is usually registered automatically. Even if you move within the Czech Republic, you are obliged to re-register within three days.

Taking a job while studying or during the semester break is also extremely easy for EU citizens, because a work permit is not required.

Further information on the subject of residence permits for the Czech Republic can be found on the website of the German Embassy in Prague as well as on the website of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Berlin.

ACADEMIC YEAR IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The academic year in the Czech Republic is by and large the same as in Germany: there, too, it lasts twelve months – including the lecture-free period – and is divided into winter and summer semesters. The start of the semester and the end of the semester often fall within a similar period of time. This is of course a great advantage for German students who are planning to study for a semester or two at a Czech university.

Semester system in the Czech Republic

Almost all Czech universities and colleges have the semester system. When the semester begins and when it ends is the decision of the dean of the respective institution. This determines not only the lecture times, but also the examination times. In general, the academic year in the Czech Republic begins in the winter semester at the end of September or the beginning of October. Czech students have holidays over Christmas and New Year, after which an examination phase of around five weeks usually begins. The summer semester usually begins in mid-February and lasts until the end of June. In the summer months of July and August there are semester breaks and there are usually no courses or exams.

The study system in the Czech Republic does not provide for the start of studies in the summer semester. In almost all courses, applications and enrollment are only possible for the winter semester. This is especially true for studying human medicine or dentistry in the Czech Republic.

In general, prospective students have to apply to the respective universities for the coming winter semester between February and April. For almost all programs, entrance exams take place from May to June – applicants usually receive notification of admission by September at the latest. A peculiarity in the Czech Republic: Students who enroll must take an oath that they will comply with the rules of the university, otherwise they are not considered students.

The academic year in the Czech Republic at a glance: