To date, 43,000 foreigners are studying in the Czech Republic. The numbers are expected to increase, given the country’s prestigious universities and affordable tuition fees.
If you want to study in this country, you will need to apply for a long-term study visa for the Czech Republic. This is given to applicants who plan on studying in accredited universities.
If your institution is not accredited, you will need to apply for a long-term visa for other purposes.
Here’s how to do so:
What documents do you need to apply for a student visa in the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic embassy will only process your application if you have completed the following documents:
Accomplished application form
You can fill-up the form using a pen (avoid using red ink or a pencil) or a typewriter.
Make sure to sign the form at the bottom part of the fifth page. Don’t forget to include your phone number and email address as well.
Two pieces passport photos
One copy must be affixed to the original application form, while the other should be glued on a copy of the application form.
The guidelines for the photos are as follows:
- Size: 3.5 x 4.5 cm
- Should not be six months or older
- Printed on matte or glossy paper
- Eyes open and visible, there shouldn’t be any hair obstructing the eyes
- The mouth must be closed
- Head coverings are not allowed, except for religious reasons
Passport
It must be valid for three months after your intended stay. Likewise, it must have been signed and released within the last decade.
There should be at least two blank pages remaining in your passport.
You also need to submit a copy of your passport bio page together with the other documents.
Document proving the purpose of the stay
You should submit an original/notarized copy of your enrolment confirmation. This should be issued by your institution in the Czech language.
Proof of accommodation
You can submit any of these documents as proof. As with most of the required documents, they should be written or translated to the Czech language:
- Document verifying your accommodation throughout your studies (to be issued by your institution)
- Rental or lease agreement, accommodation agreement, or sub-letting agreement
- For sub-lets, a copy of the lease contract should be signed by the owner and notarized
- Original accommodation statement from the homeowner (should be signed by Czech notary)
Document confirming financial resources
You need to ascertain that you have adequate financial means throughout your studies when you apply for a student visa in the Czech Republic. You can prove it through:
- Notarized copy of the front side of an internationally recognized debit card. This should be under your name. Remember to conceal the digits in your document.
- Original/notarized copy of bank statement that can cover an amount of $3,000 per semester.
- Original letter from the bank that you can use these funds while in the Czech Republic. This should be translated into the Czech language.
- Document from a family member who will financially support your studies.
- Financial guarantee from the university.
In essence, your financial documents must show that you have:
- Funds 15x the amount of the minimum of CZK 2200/$103 for the first month.
- Double the amount of the said month for the following months.
Background or Affidavit of Criminal History
US citizens may accomplish this form. Likewise, Americans who have lived in another country for more than six months need to submit a Criminal History Record excerpt from that nation.
Non-Americans may get a copy of the form from their countries’ official authorities.
Applicants under the age of 15 are exempt from this requirement.
Travel Health Insurance
This insurance should cover the entire duration of stay in the Czech republic. The recommended coverage amount is EUR 60,000 ($71,225.)
Depending on your nationality, you may need to submit a copy of a TBC and syphilis exam as well. This is only applicable to citizens coming from:
- Congo
- Kenya
- Moldovia
- Mongolia
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
How much money do you need for a Czech Student Visa?
A long-term visa application costs CZK 2000 or $116. You will need to pay this amount once you submit your documents.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Steps on Applying for a Student Visa in the Czech Republic
Here’s what you need to do to secure a long-term student visa in the Czech Republic.
1. Prepare all the required documents.
The list of the needed documents is stated above.
Incomplete submissions will be returned to you. This will further lengthen the process, so make sure that you have everything in tow.
2. Submit the documents to the Czech embassy or consulate where you reside.
Because of the lengthy processing time, it’s best to start at 3 to 3.5 months before the start of the term.
You will need to set an appointment for submission by emailing the consulate in your area.
3. Undergo an interview as needed.
When you submit your application, you may be subject to an interview to get a student visa for the Czech Republic. This will be recorded.
Likewise, you and the interviewing officer will need to sign the transcript of the conducted interview.
4. Wait for your visa to be processed.
It will take 60 days for the consulate to process your student visa application. If you had to file for a long-term visa for other purposes, the processing time is longer at 90 days.
The consulate itself cannot fast-track your application. Approval will depend on the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic, where they forward your documents for screening.
5. Track the status of your visa.
You can track the status of your Czech student visa through the website of the consulate in your area.
For example, Americans may track their application through this site.
Note: If your visa application number is not yet published on the site, it means it’s still undergoing processing.
6. Pick up your visa.
The consulate will inform you once your passport with a Czech student visa is ready for pick-up. Once you have these documents at hand, you may begin to book your flight to the Czech Republic.
We hope that this article on how to get a student visa in the Czech Republic was helpful. If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.
