Study abroad in a different country, near the main cultural hubs, where the European lifestyle is intertwined with the historical legacy of the great empires – this is the Czech Republic.

The Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies (ILPS), an independent body of Charles University in Prague, tells you some of the reasons why thousands of international students have chosen this country to do their higher education program abroad.

1.  One of the best educational systems in Europe

The high quality and tradition of the Czech education and research is widely recognized, especially when it comes to studying Science, Engineering or Medicine in the Czech Republic. Charles University in Prague, the country’s capital, was founded in 1348 and is the oldest university in Central Europe.

2. Free tuition if you study in Czech

Whatever your nationality is, if you study a course taught entirely in Czech at a public or state institution in the Czech Republic, tuition fees are free, according to the country’s law. Admission costs are the only enrolment costs you will have to endure, unless you decide to extend your studies beyond a certain duration limit, to take another course than the one you originally applied to or study in a different language than Czech.

3. Excellent quality-price ratio

Even if you opt for a private university instead of a free-tuition public institution, the costs will be lower when compared to other countries with an equally good educational reputation.

4. More than 60 universities with unique programs

Czech higher education institutions offer interesting courses on topics that you may not find easily in other countries, giving you a particular perspective and a specific knowledge in certain areas. In addition to the general Undergraduate courses, many students choose the Czech Republic to do their Masters and PhD programs or even just a short term specialization, focused on innovative or more traditional disciplines. SD per year, depending on the course and university you choose.

6. Low cost of living

Besides the educational benefits, living in the Czech Republic is also more affordable than in other European countries, especially when comparing with the UK, France or Germany. Costs on every-day expenses, from food and accommodation to public transport, generally range between 350 and 750 USD a month, the type of accommodation being what will make a bigger difference on your monthly budget. Also, with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which you will receive before travelling to the Czech Republic once you’ve been enrolled in a Czech university, you will be able to enjoy special discounts at numerous places and activities.

Before going to Czech Republic

Similar to Hungary the Czech Republic is home to many natural hot springs. The most popular are located in the west of the country, in the Bohemia region. Most people choose to head to head to Karlovy Vary, which is an easy couple of hours’ drive from the capital.

It has Central Europe’s oldest university Charles University in Prague was founded in 1348 by Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor at the time. The Carolinum, one of its buildings, is one of the oldest existing university buildings in the world.

It’s practically the castle capital of the world

With over 2,000 castles spread throughout the country, the Czech Republic has one of the highest ratios of castles to land in the world. Start with Prague castle and see how many more you can tick off on your trip!

It has Central Europe’s oldest university

Charles University in Prague was founded in 1348 by Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor at the time. The Carolinum, one of its buildings, is one of the oldest existing university buildings in the world.

Czechoslovakia no longer a thing

Some people still refer to the Czech Republic as Czechoslovakia, when in fact that country divided in 1993. That’s 25 years ago, people. Slovakia is no longer attached. Since 2016, however, the country has officially adopted the shortened name of Czechia for informal use.