The Czech Republic is located in the heart of Europe and boasts a unique natural and cultural wealth. The total area of the Czech Republic is 78,866 square kilometers and its population is around 10.4 million people, and Prague is its capital city. The Czech Republic is now known as much for scientific research and development, as its impressive history and culture. Over the last decade Czech Science has made revolutionary discoveries and inventions, and developed innovative procedures in several areas, including the treatments of HIV and Hepatitis B, Gamma Radiation research, and the development of Memrec – a computer controlled by eye movement – by scientists from the Czech Technical Institute of Prague.
The Czech Republic may be a modern, forward-thinking nation riding into the future on the back of the EU and NATO, but it is also a country rich in tradition. This is most apparent in South Bohemia and Moravia, where a still-thriving folk culture sparks into life during the summer festival season. During this time, communities from Český Krumlov to Telč to Mikulov done traditional garb, pick up their musical instruments – and wine glasses – and sing and dance themselves silly, animating ancient traditions in one of the best examples of ‘living history’ in the Czech Republic.
The Czech educational system is considered to be one of the best in the world according to the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). In addition, Czech higher education institutions offer a wide variety of study programs taught in English and other foreign languages specifically designed for international students.
Today, the Czech Republic is an increasingly popular destination for international study, with over 39,000 foreign students currently enrolled at its universities. EU statistics released in 2014 listed the Czech Republic as the 12th most popular destination for Erasmus students in Europe. There are certainly many perks for those choosing to study in the Czech Republic: well-esteemed universities, affordable tuition fees and living costs, and last but not least, a vibrant and colorful cultural life.
There are some benefits that you can get by studying in Czech Republic. First, 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. Second, 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. Third, due to the location in the heart of Europe, studying in the Czech Republic means having a “free ticket” to travel and discover a great part of the Old Continent.
Czech Republic also offers various scholarships programs for international students, should it be from the government or the universities.