Czech Student Visas
How to apply for a visa to study in the Czech Republic
There are two legal paths to move to the Czech Republic as a student. The most conventional and popular path is to be admitted as a full-time student to a degree that is accredited by the Czech Ministry of Education. This qualifies you for a “Long-term Visa for the Purpose of Studies”.
The second path is to be admitted to a study program that is accredited in another country, such as the US or the UK. This qualifies you to apply for a “99-Other Purposes” visa. An important note: this visa does not grant part-time working rights to students.
If your degree is dual-accredited in the Czech Republic and abroad, then you would apply for the long-term student visa.
The Skola database only contains universities that meet the requirements for the Long-term Visa for the Purpose of Studies, and the information on this page pertains only to this visa.
This visa is intended to allow you to reside in the Czech Republic for your first year of studies. After your visa expires, you will be eligible to apply for a Long-Term Residence Permit (seen on the right) from within the Czech Republic.
Financial Requirements
To qualify for a “Long-term Visa for the Purpose of Studies” (student visa for short), you must prove that you have sufficient funds to afford the cost of your degree and the cost of living in the Czech Republic. These funds can be comprised of your personal savings as well as grants, scholarships, loans, and/or a sponsorship from a family member.
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115,810 CZK
(about $5,500)
Proof of funds for one year of living expenses.
+ A credit or debit card in the student’s name proving that the student has access to these funds.
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2,500 CZK
(about $100)
Visa application fee
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✔ Sponsorships Permitted
A family member may submit a letter confirming their financial support, along with a bank statement and a credit or debit card in the student’s name linked to this bank account.
The most straightforward method of proving financial means is by submitting a bank statement for a checking account in the student’s name with the required amount of funds.
Students may also submit a Financial Guarantee issued by a state authority or an American or Czech school, confirming that all costs associated with the student’s stay in the Czech Republic will be fully covered.
Other Requirements
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Comprehensive Health Insurance
Students are required to have insurance valid in the Czech Republic upon arrival in the country.
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Proof of Accommodation
Students must show proof that they have an accommodation agreement or lease in the Czech Republic.
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Criminal History Affidavit
Submit a Criminal History Affidavit declaring that you have not committed any crimes, signed by a notary.
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Proof of US Residence
A copy of your drivers license or similar proof of permanent residency in the jurisdiction of the consulate you are applying through.
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Translations
All documents submitted must be in Czech and any documents that are not originally in Czech must be translated by a court certified translator.
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Notarizations
All your documents must be originals or notarized copies.
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Duplicates
Every original or notarized document must be presented with an additional plain photocopy.
Submitting Your Student Visa Application
American citizens are allowed to submit their visa application either in person or by mail to the visa consular designated for their region. If you cannot apply from within the United States, you may apply at any diplomatic mission of the Czech Republic, regardless of the country in which it is located.
IMPORTANT: As is the case with any country, although the process of applying for a visa is intended to be standardized, the reality is that rules and procedures change from consulate to consulate. It is critical to follow the instructions of the consulate through which you will submit your application. Every applicant should contact the consulate ahead of applying to confirm that they are following the correct procedure. There’s no guarantee that they will be helpful, but it could come in handy at your visa appointment to have it in writing that you confirmed the requirements of your application.
Czech Consulates & Embassies in the USA
Discover more about studying in the Czech Republic
