This programme is ideal for students with strong academic potential who need support in the following areas:

• Bridging the academic gap between your high school education and the Czech education system, preparing you for the admission process and ensuring you are ready to succeed in university studies.
• Navigating the visa application process to ensure you can study in the Czech Republic without unnecessary delays. 
• Handling the recognition of your high school diploma to meet the requirements for university admission.
• Adapting to a new culture by understanding local customs and settling in smoothly. 

For over 50 years, we’ve been successfully helping international students prepare for university. We know what it takes to support you on your journey. University life is exciting, but it can also be challenging—we’re here to help you succeed. 

High quality and modern teaching of academic subjects and languages – (25 lessons per week, 675 lessons in total) delivered through engaging lectures, interactive seminars, comprehensive test and practical study assignments in:

• Specialized subjects in English
  • Mathematics
  • Information Technology
  • Physics
• Academic English
• Technical English
• Basics of Czech

1. Uni preparation and guidance on university choice

• Intensive preparation for entrance examination and university studies
• University visits and individual consultations on your university choices and applications 
• Support with academic progress and attendance management
• Access to Charles University libraries and lectures
• Core textbooks, copyright materials, MS Teams and Moodle
• Academically related excursions

2. Settle down support

• Support in settling into the Czech culture, informative workshops and advice from alumni
• Cultural visits, sports, entertainment events 
• Support in handling everyday life situations (incl. guidance in medical situations) 
• Local SIM card 
• Access to the pan-european Eduroam wifi on all campuses 
• Assistance with arranging airport transfer on arrival 

3. Admin support

• Assistance with submission of visa documents, immigration registration, diploma recognition, university application and advice on visa extension 

4. Additional Services (not included into the tuition fee)

• student accomodation in our student dormitories,
• student insurance,

From the very first day of the foundation programme, students are introduced to specialized subjects that prepare them for entrance exams in economic fields. During the first week of classes, an orientation session is held to familiarize students with the Study Center. This includes an introduction to Czech culture and history, as well as basic information about Charles University.

You can look forward to lectures, seminars and study assignments with feedback from teachers. Instructors combine theoretical lessons with practical assignments and exercises to prepare students for the entrance exams and subsequent university studies (independent work, responsibility, time management). 

There is no proper study without tests and exams. You will also take continuous tests and trimester exams. Upon passing the final exams in the end of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion of the preparatory programme.

Notice

The FAST programme is designed for students with a minimum English proficiency level of B1. Before starting the FAST programme, students must provide valid evidence of their level of English. This can be demonstrated through certificates such as IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE or Cambridge English certificates or by diploma from a school where English was the primary language of instruction. Comparability of test scores can be verified here: Comparison of English language test scores. If you submit a certificate other than those listed above, an additional test and interview may be required.

In January during your foundation studies, you will start deciding about your next university studies. You can consider studying the following:

• Database and Network Design and Administration related majors, including Open Informatics, etc.
• Mechanics and Metalworking related majors, including Mechanical engineering, etc.
• Building and Civil Engineering related majors, including Civil Engineering, etc.
• Electronics and Automation related majors, including Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering and Management, etc.
• Software and Applications Development and Analysis related majors, including Informatics, etc.
• Transport Services, related majors, including Technique and technology in transport and connections, etc.
• Mathematics related majors
• Physics related majors

Which university to choose? 

There are 14 different universities in the Czech Republic where you can study Engineering, Computer science and other technical disciplines in English. It may be difficult to choose the right one. Do not worry, our academic supervisors and class teachers will help you to find a suitable university for you. Among the best universities where you can continue your studies are (in alphabetical order):

• Brno University of Technology
• Charles University
• Czech Technical University in Prague
• Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
• Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice
• Palacký University Olomouc
• Technical University of Liberec
• Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín
• University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague
• University of Hradec Králové
• University of Pardubice
• University of West Bohemia
• VSB - Technical University of Ostrava

The foundation programme for engineering and IT fields (FAST) is held at our campus located in the heart of Poděbrady. Accommodation is available in a dormitory, just a ten-minute walk from the castle where classes are conducted. 

The campus features a large castle garden, perfect for a variety of leisure activities. Podebrady is also conveniently accessible from Prague by train or bus, with the journey taking about an hour.