How foreigners can prepare for academic success at Czech universities

Czech universities have great international prestige, but getting accepted into a program can be a rigorous process, especially for foreigners unfamiliar with the nuances of the country’s academic landscape – whether that be study techniques, administrative red tape, or language barriers.     

To better prepare for the entrance exams and study at Czech universities, take advantage of the Foundation Programmes offered at Charles University’s Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies (UJOP).

Attending a Czech university is free if you study in Czech. If you prefer English instruction, that is possible, but be prepared to pay tuition. UJOP can help you choose your path.  

Enrolling in a Foundation Programme in Czech will help you gain confidence in the language, regardless of your level and academic subjects. Staff will also help you choose the right university for your goals and guide you through the application process.

Czech beginners will want to sign up for one of UJOP's COMPLEX Programmes, which start in September, or LITE Programmes, which begin in November. For those looking to strengthen their Czech language skills, the PROGRESS option will likely suit your needs better. UJOP offers a range of Czech language courses, Czech summer schools, and Czech language exams.

If you don’t intend to study in Czech, the Foundation Programmes offered by UJOP in English are a perfect choice. 

If you’ve already chosen a field of study that interests you, then you are off to a great start. UJOP offers a number of options to help get you ready.

Interested in pursuing medicine? Have a look at Medicine and Pharmacy COMPLEX. This intensive program was designed by Charles University experts in close collaboration with the university faculties to prepare international students for medical studies and a successful career.

Starting in September, you will spend nine months – 35 hours a week – improving your academic knowledge in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics and medical ethics. You will also be guided through the nostrification process. 

UJOP staff will help you choose a university that best matches your needs and prepare for the entrance exams. You will attend university open days during the program to see which ones click with you. 

UJOP also offers a shorter alternative, Medicine and Pharmacy FAST, which starts in November and lasts seven months, covering just 25 hours of lessons a week.

If you want to focus on economics or engineering, then you’ll want to sign up for Economics in English FAST or Engineering and IT in English FAST. 

Some of the programs are held in Prague, while others are based at the UJOP center in Poděbrady, a beautiful spa town one hour by train from Prague. Classes take place directly at Poděbrady Castle. 

“The teachers are professionals and are helping us students with everything we need. The specific content of the program really helps us prepare for the entrance exams and studying at the universities,” says Yaroslava, a current student of the Engineering and IT program in Poděbrady, who’s originally from Uzbekistan. 

Most UJOP graduates successfully transition to Czech universities around the country. Popular choices include Charles University, Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT), the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (VŠCHT Praha), Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE), Brno University of Technology, the University of Pardubice, and the University of Hradec Králové.

Whether you want to be a doctor or an economist or are interested in a career in IT, humanities, the arts, or architecture, the Foundation Programmes at UJOP Charles University will place you on the path to success. Improve your Czech language skills, learn effective studying techniques, and make new friends through UJOP’s transformative programs.