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
  • Introduction to Economics
  • Economics Texts
  • Mathematics
• Academic English
• Business 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,

“My initial expectation was that the preparation year would be long and sad waiting for my university, but I was wrong. It is funny, but I am grateful that I did not get to the university straight away. Now I have more knowledge, more friends that are coming with me to the university. This year was definitely worth it!” 

Farah, UAE

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 only for students with a minimum of B1 level of English. Before starting the FAST programme, students must provide satisfactory evidence of the level of English. This can be demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE or Cambridge English certificates or by diploma from a school where English was the language of instruction. Exam comparability can be checked here: Comparison of English language test scores. An additional test and interview may be conducted, if you provide us with a different type of certificate than listed above.

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

• Economics related majors, including Economics and Economic Administration, Economics, National Economy, etc.
• Accounting and Taxes related majors, including Accounting and Taxes, Finance and Accounting, etc.
• Finance, Banking and Insurance related majors, including Finance, Economic Policy and Administration, etc.
• Management And Administration related majors, including Economics and Management, etc.
• Inter-disciplinary Programmes and Qualifications Involving Business, Administration and Law related majors, including International Business, etc.

Which university to choose? 

There are 10 different universities in the Czech Republic where you can study Banking, Finance, Accounting, Management and other economic 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 our graduates can continue their studies are (in alphabetical order):

• Charles University
• Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
• Institute of Technology and Business in Ceske Budejovice
• Masaryk University in Brno
• Mendel University in Brno
• Prague University of Economics and Business
• Silesian University in Opava
• Tomas Bata University in Zlín
• University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague
• VSB - Technical University of Ostrava

The foundation programme for economics studies (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.