When comparing different study options in Europe in terms of living costs, the Czech Republic stands out as a very affordable choice. In this article, we take a look at all the basic expenses that students of preparatory courses can expect — both before departure and after arrival in the Czech Republic.
When planning your budget, the first amount to consider is the course fee. Currently, the complete course — which includes Czech language instruction from level 0 to level B2 as well as preparation for entrance exams and university studies — costs EUR 7,167.
At this link (odkaz) you can find information about which additional items are included in this price (FAQ section: “Is it necessary to buy textbooks?”).
This event is designed for international students taking preparatory courses who are preparing to apply to Czech universities. You can get a European degree in Czech, where education is free, or in English, at affordable prices.
Charles University offers preparatory courses in both options:
These courses not only provide language training but also include preparation in specialized subjects, visa support, assistance with nostrification, academic guidance, and various cultural and educational events.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact InfoPoint at studujop@ujop.cuni.cz.
Another expense is comprehensive health insurance for one year, which is also a mandatory document for obtaining a student visa. When ordered through UJOP Charles University, the price is EUR 611.
A one-year accommodation contract is also a mandatory document for the visa application. Students who choose to stay in UJOP Charles University dormitories do not need to arrange anything themselves. It is enough to pay a reservation fee of EUR 300, and the accommodation contract will be prepared.
When preparing your budget, you must also take into account another important amount. For the visa process, you are required to submit a bank confirmation showing that you have CZK 115,810 in your account, which is approximately EUR 5,000 (as of November 2025). This amount must remain in your account for the entire duration of the visa process.
However, this money is not permanently blocked— once in the Czech Republic, you will be able to use it normally during the year. Please remember that when enrolling at a Czech university and when extending your residence permit, you will need to prove this amount in your account again and also pay the visa fee, which is approximately EUR 100.
Another expense includes the cost of translating documents. All documents submitted with the visa application must either be originally in Czech or translated into Czech by a certified (court-appointed) translator. If you arrange translations in the Czech Republic, prices start at EUR 15 per page (1,800 characters without spaces). You can also order translations through UJOP.
Another significant expense to keep in mind is the train ticket or plane ticket, depending on where you are traveling from.
Overall, before departure you will spend approximately EUR 8,000–9,000.
Let’s start with study-related costs. Textbooks and workbooks do not need to be purchased — they are included in the course fee. Some textbooks will be borrowed from the library for temporary use; a refundable deposit of CZK 3,000 (EUR 123) is required, which you will receive back after returning the books.
If you are not preparing for admission to an artistic field such as architecture, basic stationery (pens, pencils, notebooks) will cost around EUR 20 per semester, or even for the entire year. If you are studying design or architecture, you will need specialized materials. You can read more about this in an interview with a graduate of the Architecture programme in this article.
You can submit any number of applications — to different universities and different study programmes. One application costs approximately EUR 25. For example, if you submit two applications, you will pay EUR 50 — simple as that.
If you are applying for a bachelor’s degree, you will need to take exams in several (most often three) secondary-school subjects so that your high school diploma can be recognized as equivalent to a Czech one. You should expect a mandatory administrative fee of CZK 3,000 (EUR 123) paid to the regional authority.
If you are not confident in your Czech language skills (the exams are conducted in Czech), you have the right to use an interpreter. The average cost for interpreting your answers is approximately EUR 40 per exam.
When applying for master’s or doctoral studies, it is necessary to nostrify a university diploma. This recognition costs EUR 120, and no exams are required in this case.
In addition to study-related costs, you also need to consider everyday living expenses.
Read FAQ Does UJOP help with nostrification?
In the first section, we mentioned the EUR 300 accommodation reservation fee, which is paid when arranging the accommodation contract. Accommodation prices vary depending on the number of students per room, the city, and the type of dormitory. Price lists are available at this link. Monthly accommodation prices start at EUR 277, so the amount already paid will cover your first month of housing.
Another important detail: before moving in, you will be asked to pay a refundable security deposit (in case of damage to the equipment) of EUR 429. This amount will be returned to you when you move out of the dormitory.
In Prague, an annual student public transport pass costs approximately EUR 50.
In Poděbrady, you will most likely not need public transportation at all — everything important is within a 5-minute walk from both the dormitories and the school building.
For food, expect to spend on average CZK 2,000–2,500 (about EUR 100) per month if you cook for yourself. Dormitories in both Prague and Poděbrady are equipped with kitchens where students can cook. However, you will need to buy your own kitchenware, which will cost approximately EUR 60.
Of course, everyone has different expectations regarding food quality and taste, so these amounts are only indicative. On this website, you can find approximate prices of groceries in Prague shops.
Bed linen and towels are provided and changed regularly, but you will wash your clothes yourself in washing machines. Laundry costs will be no more than EUR 10 per month.
You do not need to pay for internet access — you will be connected to the international student Wi-Fi network Eduroam.
After arriving in the Czech Republic, you will spend approximately EUR 6,000 during the first year.
If we also include expenses before departure, the total amount needed for living in the Czech Republic during the first year is around EUR 15,000. This is a significant amount; however, it is important to remember that this is not just an expense, but an investment. In the case of UJOP one-year courses, it is an investment in your education, a future European degree, and your career.
General Contact
ujop@ujop.cuni.cz
+420 212 245 245
Foundation Programmes:
studujop@ujop.cuni.cz
+420 778 754 481 (text first)
CCE Exams, Exams for Faculty of Medicine, MOCK TESTS:
vtc@ujop.cuni.cz
+420 212 245 245 (DID. 3334)
Exams for Permanent Residency:
praha.trvalypobyt@ujop.cuni.cz
+420 212 245 245 (DID. 3334)
Exams for Citizenship:
obcanstvi@ujop.cuni.cz
+420 212 245 245 (DID. 3334)
ID No.: 00216208, VAT No.: CZ00216208
Data Box ID: piyj9b4
The Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University (ÚJOP in Czech)
Vratislavova 29/10
128 00 Prague 2
Czech Republic
