Top Reasons to Study in Prague

Looking to Study Abroad? Why Prague is One of the Best Places to Study in Europe

In May, I attended the International Association for College Admission Counseling regional conference in Prague and had the wonderful opportunity to visit six universities. While visiting six schools in two days is exhausting, I was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the individual schools and college life in Prague. As I always tell my students, it's always better to visit schools in person to get a better sense of student life, the quality of campus facilities, classroom sizes, and the general campus culture. After my visit, I can confidently say that if you're searching for affordable, high-quality colleges outside the U.S., Prague should be on your list!

The capital of the Czech Republic is becoming one of the top destinations for international students who want to study abroad in Europe. With low living costs, excellent universities, and many programs taught in English, Prague offers a unique opportunity to earn a degree while exploring a beautiful and historic European city.

Why Study in Prague?

Top Universities with English-Taught Programs
Prague is home to leading European universities such as Charles University, Czech Technical University (CTU), and University of Economics, Prague (VSE). These institutions offer a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs in English, including Business and Engineering.

Affordable Living and Tuition Costs
Compared to studying in the U.S., U.K., or Australia, Prague offers an affordable alternative. Monthly living expenses, including housing, meals, and transportation, typically range from €500–€900. Tuition fees range from 2,000-10,000 €/yr depending on the program and school.

Live and Travel in Central Europe
Studying in Prague means you're in the heart of Europe. With easy access to major cities like Vienna, Berlin, and Budapest, international students can explore multiple countries on a student budget. While I was in Prague itself, I was able to easily navigate across the city using their great public transport system. I took a direct train from Munich to get there.

Experience European Culture and History
Prague is known for its fairy-tale architecture, medieval castles, and rich cultural life. There are beautiful buildings around every corner. With nearly 130,000 college students, the city is full of life, and there are more than enough activities to get involved in. Students can enjoy music festivals, museums, local cafés, and historic landmarks—all while pursuing their education.

What to Know Before Applying

• Programs in English: Many degrees are fully taught in English, and most universities offer Czech language classes to their students to help them in everyday life.

• Admissions Requirements: Most universities require proof of previous education, English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL), and sometimes a motivation letter or entrance exam.

• Student Visa: Non-EU students must apply for a student visa. Apply early, as processing times can vary. This is one of the most complicated parts of studying in the Czech Republic and it requires planning ahead as appointments at the Czech Embassy are difficult to get in some cities.

Student Life in Prague

• Student Housing: University dormitories start around €150/month. Private apartments are also available, but limited as there is such a high demand. I toured one student housing complex and was impressed by the facilities and organization, but heard that it is difficult to get a room in the nicer dorms.

• Public Transport: Students get discounted travel passes—just €10/month for metro, trams, and buses.

• Community: With thousands of international students and active Erasmus student groups, it's easy to make friends and feel at home. Also, many students are wary of studying in another country due to safety concerns. What was very clear to me was the level of safety in Prague. Nearly every student I spoke with mentioned how safe the city was.

Ready to Start Your Global Education Journey?

If you're researching where to study outside the US, Prague offers an unbeatable combination of quality education, affordability, and cultural richness.

Need help finding the best-fit universities abroad and applying with confidence?
Contact ACM College Consulting for expert guidance on your international college search. We help students find the right programs, prepare competitive applications, and plan successful international study experiences.

How to Search for Colleges Abroad

How to Search for Colleges Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and world-renowned universities is a popular destination for international students. Why study abroad for just one semester when you could get your entire bachelor’s degree abroad? Getting your degree abroad is an exciting opportunity that opens doors to new cultures, experiences, and educational systems. However, finding the right college can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. In this post, I’ll break down how to search for colleges abroad and pursue your international college dreams.

1. Define Your Priorities

As with any college search, before diving in, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Ask yourself the following questions to get started:

• What is your field of study?
  While teens often don’t have an answer to this question, it is important to have a solid idea before you search for colleges abroad. Not all programs are offered in English, and many colleges have specific requirements for admission to their different programs. Many international colleges do not have the ‘liberal arts’ approach colleges in the U.S. do, and the education is more program/major specific. Also, unlike in the U.S., some university systems such as those in Germany or the U.K. do not offer as much flexibility with changing majors and exploring other programs. Check out this blog post for tips to help you choose your college major.

• What kind of campus life are you looking for?
  Are you interested in a bustling city environment or a quieter, more rural setting? Do you want to be close to a major airport to fly home? Some students thrive in large metropolitan areas, while others prefer smaller towns with a more intimate college atmosphere. Do you want a more traditional campus setting similar to that of colleges in the U.S.? Many German universities have less centralized campuses with buildings spread throughout their cities and little to no student housing, while campuses such as those of St. Andrew’s and Edinburgh in Scotland are more similar to the colleges you find in the U.S. College campuses and student life abroad vary significantly from country to country and school to school, so it is important to really think about what you want from your college as you search.

• What languages do you speak or want to speak?
  While many universities in Europe offer courses in English, not all do. Some schools require a certain level of proficiency in their native language for undergraduate courses even if they are primarily offered in English. Check language requirements and plan ahead to meet them! Either way, one of the benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to learn another language. Pick a college in an area with the language you want to learn.

• What is your budget?
  European tuition fees vary greatly depending on the country, public vs private, and the program. While some countries like Germany and Norway offer free or low-cost education to all students, others such as those in the U.K. and Netherlands have higher tuition rates. Factor in that attending a college that only requires three years of study for a bachelor’s degree could potentially save you a lot of money.

2. Use Online College Search Platforms

Once you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, many platforms can help you begin your search for colleges across Europe. Here are some useful pages to get started:

• Country or Region Specific Databases
  A great place to start looking for colleges is country-specific databases. Here are a few of them:

• Netherlands - https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/studies

• Germany – https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/universities/all-degree-programmes/

• U.K. - https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/providers?query=

• Japan - https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/search-for-schools/school_search.php?lang=en

• Australia - https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/find-a-course

• College Websites
  Most universities in Europe have detailed information on their official websites, including admissions requirements, course offerings, and tuition fees. Start by identifying universities you are interested in and exploring their offerings. As always, the more reliable data for each college will come from the school itself.

4. Understand the Admission Requirements

Once you've narrowed down your options, research each university's admission requirements. Note that the traditional U.S. high school diploma is often not sufficient for admission to international universities so it is important to plan ahead to meet the specific academic requirements. Academic requirements vary significantly and may include several AP tests, the SAT or ACT, and/or other admissions tests. English proficiency tests, personal statements, proof of other language proficiency, and/or proof of finances may be additional application requirements.

5. Visit Open Days & Attend Virtual Tours and Information Sessions

If possible, attend university open days or information sessions. While demonstrated interest is not typically a factor in the admission process, these events give you an invaluable opportunity to get a feel for the campus environment, meet faculty members, and talk to current students. Virtual sessions are especially useful if traveling abroad to visit colleges isn’t an option for you. Also, many international colleges send counselors to college fairs. Check out the fairs in your area to see if colleges of interest may be there.

Conclusion

Searching for colleges abroad can seem like a daunting task, but by following these steps, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect university for your academic and personal goals. Take the time to explore all the possibilities and choose a university that will help you thrive academically and culturally.

Get ready for an incredible international study adventure!

ACM specializes in helping students with their international college search and applications, schedule a free consultation to learn more.

Why study in Europe? Check out this blog post.

Study in Europe

Why Study in Europe?

Studying in Europe is an exciting opportunity for students to expand their horizons, and Europe is one of the best destinations for an international academic experience. Having moved here myself, I witness the benefits of living and studying in Europe daily. Here's why:

1. World-Class Education: Europe is home to some of the world's top universities and academic programs. Whether you're interested in business, science, the arts, or social sciences, you'll find a diverse range of high-quality colleges offering cutting-edge research and a global perspective. Most degrees are internationally recognized and you can return to your home country or stay in Europe to work or continue your education.

2. Cultural Richness: From the historical cities of Paris and Rome to the modern vibrancy of Berlin and Barcelona, Europe offers a rich cultural experience. Studying here means exposure to diverse languages, traditions, and histories, bolstering both personal and academic growth. You will be studying alongside students from all over the world and have opportunities for internships and work experience at international companies and organizations. While studying a language is often not required, studying in a foreign city will certainly support students learning another language alongside their studies.

3. Affordable Tuition: Many European countries offer lower tuition fees compared to other popular destinations like the United States and the UK. Countries like Germany and Norway offer free (or nearly) education for international students, making Europe a cost-effective choice. Universities in the Netherlands have much lower tuition than the US even for students who do not have an EU passport. Also, bachelor’s degrees in some countries such as France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands only require three years of study allowing for students to graduate a year earlier than in the US and potentially save more money.

4. Travel Opportunities: Europe’s compact geography and excellent transportation system makes it easy to travel between countries. Students can explore different cultures, cuisines, and landmarks on a budget while gaining a broader understanding of the world.

5. Post-Graduation Opportunities: Graduating from a European institution can open doors to employment opportunities within the EU and beyond. Many countries offer post-study work visas, allowing graduates to gain valuable international work experience.

With its top academics, rich culture, affordability, and travel potential, studying in Europe is an excellent option for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Ready to get started? Check out my post about how to search for colleges abroad.