Guide: How to study in Czechia in English
Photo by Diego F. Parra
Czech is often considered a challenging language to learn, especially if you’re starting from scratch. But if you want to study in Czechia and don’t speak the language yet, there’s good news: many universities offer a growing number of degrees taught entirely in English.
Across the country, universities provide hundreds of English-taught Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programmes, making it possible to earn an internationally recognised university degree without needing Czech for admission.
This guide explains the key aspects you need to take into account, including whether you need IELTS or TOEFL, what the typical admission requirements are, and what to expect when applying to universities in Czechia as an international student.
Study in Czechia: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
Yes, it is possible to study in Czechia without speaking Czech, as long as you choose a programme that is taught entirely in English. Many Czech universities offer English-taught degrees, especially at the Master’s and PhD level, and these programmes usually do not require Czech language skills for admission.
Beyond full degree programmes, Czech universities offer a wide variety of study opportunities in English, such as short-term courses, MBAs, summer and winter schools, Czech language classes, and foundation programmes.
That said, Czech is still important in everyday life. Even in cities like Prague or Brno, knowing some basic Czech can make daily tasks (such as finding accommodation, working part-time, or handling paperwork) much easier.
Universities in Czechia offer more than 400 programmes in a wide variety of subjects, ranging from engineering and IT to business, medicine, and the humanities. Below are some of the most popular fields of study for international students:
Czech universities are well respected internationally, with leading public institutions such as Charles University, the Czech Technical University in Prague, and Masaryk University regularly appearing in global rankings like QS and Times Higher Education.
Other universities in cities such as Brno, Ostrava, and Olomouc also have strong reputations in specific fields. As a result, degrees from Czechia are widely recognised by employers and universities around the world, supported by solid teaching standards and growing research output.
Private universities such as Anglo-American University or the University of New York in Prague are also well known for their international environment and practical approach to teaching. Many programmes are designed with a strong career focus, featuring small class sizes, close interaction with professors, and opportunities to work on real-world projects or internships, which can be especially appealing for students who prefer a more hands-on learning experience.
Even with these strong rankings and reputations, it’s always important to check that your chosen programme is officially accredited. Before applying, it’s a good idea to verify the accreditation status of your programme so you can be confident that your degree will be recognised internationally.
If you’re applying for an English-taught programme in Czechia, universities will ask you to prove your English proficiency. IELTS and TOEFL are the most commonly accepted tests, but you don’t always need them if you can prove your English in other ways. Many institutions accept alternatives such as:
Always check the specific university’s admission page, because each one sets its own rules. Some public universities may waive the test if you meet one of the criteria above, while others might still ask for an English test or an interview to double-check your level.
Universities in Czechia commonly accept key English proficiency tests such as TOEFL iBT (usually 80-110 overall, with no section below 20), IELTS Academic (6.0-7.0 overall, minimum 5.5-6.0 per band), PTE Academic (58-70+), Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (typically 180+), and sometimes Duolingo English Test (110-120+).
Requirements differ by university. Top institutions such as Charles University or Masaryk University often stick to IELTS or TOEFL, so double-check their admissions pages to see what's accepted for your programme.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to the International or Admissions Office at your desired universities. They can be really helpful with test advice, plus questions on tuition fees in Czechia, living costs, housing, and student life in general.
Study.eu Tip: Book your test early (at least 2-3 months before deadlines) to get results in time and avoid last-minute stress.
The table below shows the English proficiency requirements of the most popular Czech universities:
| University | Required IELTS score | Required TOEFL iBT score |
|---|---|---|
| Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU) | overall 5.5-6.5 | 72-87 overall (section minimums of 17-20) |
| Anglo-American University | minimum score 6.0 | total of 72-80 |
| Brno University of Technology | overall 6.0-6.5 | total of 72-79 |
| Charles University | minimum score 6.5 | total of 85+ |
| Czech Technical University | minimum score 6.5 | total of 85-90 |
| Masaryk University | overall 6.0-6.5 | total of 80-90 |
| Silesian University | overall 6.0-6.5 | total of 80-90 |
| University of Economics (VSE Prague) | overall 6.0-6.5 | minimum total of 87 |
| University of New York in Prague | Bachelors: minimum 6.0; Masters: minimum 6.5 | Bachelors: minimum 72; Masters: minimum 79 |
| University of West Bohemia | overall 6.0-6.5 | minimum total of 80 |
Admission to English-taught programmes depend on whether you are applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Czechia or for a Master's degree in Czechia.
In general, to apply for a Bachelor’s degree in Czechia, you will need a recognised secondary school diploma (equivalent to the Czech maturita). For a Master’s degree, you’ll usually need a relevant Bachelor’s degree (typically at least 180 ECTS). Universities also commonly ask for transcripts, a copy of your passport, and sometimes additional documents such as a motivation letter, CV, or letters of recommendation.
If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you may need to provide officially verified or nostrified (recognised) educational documents, proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your studies, and valid health insurance. Applications are usually submitted directly through the university’s online portal, and some programmes (especially in competitive fields) may require entrance exams or interviews.
Each university in Czechia sets its own application timeline, and the exact dates can differ widely between programmes and types of applicants. Because many degrees only admit students once or twice a year, late applications are usually not accepted. To avoid postponing your plans, it’s a good idea to look up the deadlines well in advance and give yourself enough time to gather and submit all required documents.
Ready to find your programme in Czechia? You can find Bachelors, Masters or PhDs with our search function.
406 Programmes in the Czech Republic
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