Education

Schools in the Czech Republic are divided into state and private ones. Public schools are tuition-free, while private schools charge tuition fees, which are determined by the schools themselves. Primary school attendance and the final year of kindergarten is mandatory, while further education is optional.

Most schools and kindergartens offer integration programs for foreign children, focusing on easier inclusion of children with a different native language into the learning process. For more information, contact the school or the education department of the city district.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten is generally attended by children aged 3 to 6.

Kindergarten attendance is voluntary until the age of 5. After the age of 5 it is compulsory for one year (before starting primary school). This last year of pre-school education is provided free of charge.

In order to attend kindergarten your child needs to be enrolled. Enrollments take place from May 2 to May 16. Always check the enrollment dates at the specific school in advance. Vaccination is a prerequisite for kindergarten attendance (this does not apply to compulsory preschool education).

List of kindergartens in Prague

Primary School

Primary school is typically attended by children from 6 to 15 years old.

Primary school attendance lasts nine years and is compulsory.

Primary school enrollment takes place every year from April 1 to April 30. Always check the exact date at your specific school in advance. It is also possible to enroll your child outside of the specified period. In this case, we recommend contacting the school principal.

If your child is not yet ready to start the first year of primary school, you can ask to postpone school attendance. This request must be submitted in writing and evaluated by a pedagogical-psychological counseling center and a specialist doctor or clinical psychologist. School attendance can be postponed until the age of 8 at latest.

List of primary schools in Prague

Secondary School

Completing primary school is a prerequisite for secondary school admission.

Students are selected to attend secondary school based on entrance exams arranged by the schools or on the basis of primary school report cards.

Secondary school applications must be submitted by February 20. Always check the exact application deadlines and entrance exam dates at your chosen school in advance.

List of secondary schools in Prague

Information on the unified entrance exam

University

The requirement for admission to university is completing secondary education with a matriculation exam. Additional requirements vary depending on the type of university.

University applications are typically submitted by February 28. Always check the exact application deadlines and entrance exam dates at your chosen university in advance.

List of universities in Prague

Information about the matriculation exam

Educational Counseling Institutions

If your child is having problems at school (with grades, behavior, or fitting in with peers, etc.), struggling to keep up due to language barriers, or if you suspect they may have a learning disorder, you can consult either the child’s teacher or contact educational counseling institutions directly:

• Pedagogical-Psychological Counseling Centers (PPP)
• Special Pedagogical Centers (SPC)

After visiting the counseling institution, your child will get an individual educational support plan, which will help them resolve their issues.

The counselling institution can also assist you in choosing a school.

List of educational counseling institutions

Tutoring and Preparatory Courses

The Nová škola organization offers tutoring at libraries. This service is provided for free and operates on a low-threshold basis, i.e. there are no requirements other than to just come and participate.

META, o.p.s. has created modern online tools for students learning Czech as a second language. The organization also offers secondary school prep courses for foreign students, as well as comprehensive counselling services in this field.

Information portal about education in the Czech Republic

Practical Guide

Foreign Education Recognition (Nostrification)

Recognition of foreign certificates and diplomas (so-called nostrification) is important if you want to continue your education or find employment in the Czech Republic.

Information on foreign education recognition

Recognition of primary and secondary education is handled by the Prague City Hall.

For recognition of primary or secondary education, you need to submit:

• Foreign certificate + official translation
• Overview of subjects with the number of hours for each year of study + official translation
• Proof of residence in the Czech Republic
• Payment of a 3,000 CZK administrative fee

If you need to have your university education recognised, find a field of study in the Czech Republic that corresponds to the one you completed abroad, and contact the public university offering that field. The university will handle the nostrification process.

Along with the application you need to submit:

• A notarized copy of your diploma + official translation
• A notarized copy of your diploma supplement or list of exams + official translation
• A 3,000 CZK administrative fee

Your education can be recognized straight away or based on additional exams.