Are you an international student from a developing country dreaming of studying in Europe? The Government of the Czech Republic offers a fantastic opportunity through its long-standing scholarship program, designed specifically for you. As part of its Foreign Development Cooperation, this program supports students pursuing higher education at public universities in the Czech Republic.
With a history stretching back to the 1950s, this initiative has already helped over 20,000 foreign nationals achieve their academic goals. If you’re considering applying for the 2026/2027 academic year, this guide has all the essential information you need.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The scholarships are specifically for citizens from a select list of developing and third countries.
Eligible Countries for the 2026/2027 Academic Year:
• Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus (democratic forces)
• Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia
• Cambodia, Sri Lanka
• Guatemala, Jordan
Important Note: This scholarship is not available to citizens of the Czech Republic, citizens of the European Union, or any foreign national who holds a permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic. It’s also important to remember that there is no legal claim to receiving this scholarship award.
What Can You Study?
The scholarships cover the standard length of full-time study in programs taught in either Czech or English.
Studies in the Czech Language
This track includes a one-year preparatory course in the Czech language to get you ready for your degree program.
• Bachelor’s Programmes (3-4 years): Available for applicants from Georgia only.
• Follow-up Master’s Programmes (2 years): Available for applicants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
Studies in the English Language
This track is open to applicants from all the eligible countries listed above.
• Selected Follow-up Master’s Programmes (2 years).
• Selected Doctoral Programmes (3-4 years).
Academic Requirements
To be considered, you must meet certain educational prerequisites:
• For Bachelor’s study: You must have completed secondary education equivalent to a school-leaving examination in the Czech Republic.
• For a follow-up Master’s program: You must have completed a Bachelor’s study program.
• For Doctoral study: You must have completed a Master’s study program.
The Application Process: Key Steps and Deadlines
1. Submit the Electronic Application: The first step is to fill out the online application form.
2. Mark Your Calendar: The firm deadline for submitting applications for the 2026/2027 academic year is September 30, 2025. Successful applicants will begin their studies in the 2026/2027 academic year.
3. Complete All Required Tests: Your application is only considered complete after you finish a general knowledge test. If you are applying for a program in English, you must also take an online entrance English language test to prove your proficiency.
4. Prepare for University Entrance Exams: For many programs, you will be required to sit for and pass entrance examinations at your chosen university. Successfully passing these exams is a precondition for being awarded the scholarship.
Where to Find Help and More Information
Before you apply, it is highly recommended that you carefully read the official guidelines, which provide detailed terms and conditions.
• Official Guidelines: Look for Guidelines 2025_en.pdf or Guidelines 2025_en.docx.
• Frequently Asked Questions: Check the FAQ_2025.pdf document.
If you still have questions after reviewing these documents, you can reach out to the scholarship administrators directly.
• For all questions related to Government Scholarships, email: registr@dzs.cz.
This scholarship program is a joint initiative of the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MŠMT), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Health.
This is a life-changing opportunity to gain a high-quality education in the heart of Europe. Make sure to prepare your documents, meet the deadlines, and read all the guidelines carefully. Good luck!