Foreign student life in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has become an increasingly attractive destination for international students, combining respected universities, relatively affordable living costs and the opportunity to live in the heart of Europe. In 2025, around 59,000 foreign students were enrolled at Czech public and private universities, representing almost one in five university students in the country. The total number of university students reached approximately 330,500.

A wide range of studies

International students can choose from a broad range of fields, including business and economics, medicine and healthcare, engineering, architecture, information technology, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and arts. Business, healthcare, engineering and education remain among the largest study areas overall. At the same time, international students are particularly visible in IT and technology-related programmes.

The student population has also changed in recent years. Since 2019, the overall number of university students has increased by around 15%, while the number of foreign students has continued to grow. In 2025, Slovak students represented the largest foreign group, followed by Ukrainians.

Where do students study?

Prague is by far the country’s largest international student centre and offers the widest choice of universities, programmes, services and social activities. Major institutions include Charles University, Czech Technical University (CTU), Prague University of Economics and Business (VŠE), the Czech University of Life Sciences and the University of Chemistry and Technology.

Other important student cities include Brno, home to Masaryk University and Brno University of Technology; Olomouc, with Palacký University; Ostrava, with the University of Ostrava and VSB-Technical University of Ostrava; and Plzeň, home to the University of West Bohemia. Other university centres include České Budějovice, Liberec, Pardubice and Zlín.

Czech or English?

Students can study in Czech, English and, in some programmes, other foreign languages. One of the major advantages of Czech public universities is that programmes taught in Czech are generally tuition-free under the applicable conditions.

English-taught programmes normally charge tuition fees, but provide an attractive option for international students who do not speak Czech.

Services and support

Universities generally provide international students with support ranging from admissions and visa guidance to orientation programmes, accommodation assistance, libraries, student organisations, career services and language courses.

Many universities also have dedicated international offices helping students adapt to academic and everyday life in Czechia. A national survey of international students specifically examines the availability of such support services and the international student experience.

Accommodation

Students have several accommodation options. The most traditional and affordable choice is a university dormitory, usually offering shared or private rooms. Others choose private rooms in shared apartments, while students looking for greater privacy increasingly rent studio or one-bedroom apartments.

For international students, location is often particularly important. Being close to a university, public transport, shops and social areas can make a significant difference to both the cost and the quality of student life.

Life beyond the classroom

Student life in the Czech Republic extends well beyond lectures and exams. After classes, students can enjoy cafés, restaurants, sports clubs, gyms, concerts, cultural events, cinemas, nightlife and student organisations.

Prague and Brno offer particularly active international communities, while smaller university cities often provide a more relaxed and affordable environment.

For many international students, studying in Czechia is therefore more than an academic experience. It is an opportunity to live independently, build an international network, experience Central European culture and potentially begin a professional career in the Czech Republic after graduation.