Study in the Czech Republic: Living Costs

Selecting the best possible University for your children is a key decision to make, and often a challenging one. Studying abroad is no longer the luxury afforded only by an exclusive upper tier of privileged college students. Still, study abroad isn’t cheap, and affording study abroad is a common reason why students hesitate to go overseas. But how much does it cost, really, to study abroad?

The Czeсh Republic is one of the most popular educational destinations in Europe, because many universities offer affordable undergraduate and graduate programs, opportunities to study in any state university, and learn the Czech language. Moreover, it is a great chance to gain a unique cultural experience while acquiring new skills in the country with a high quality of life and low cost of living.

Now let’s talk about expenses in detail. Rent is typically the largest expense each month in Prague. The cost of renting an apartment depends on the size (number of bedrooms), the community and neighbourhood where it is located. Students in the Czech Republic generally live in one of two types of accommodation: university accomodation or private accomodation. University accommodation will allow you to settle into student life more easily. On the other hand, renting a private flat may appeal to those who want a little more privacy.

Rent per month:

During the foundation period the dormitory will cost 205-210 € per month. After a student enters university the price of accomodation will be lower: 170-180 € per month. One bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 10 000 CZK per month. Many students decide to share flats. In that case, the rental costs are almost equal to the price that students pay for living in a dormitory, moreover, each person has his or her own room.

Speaking of food, classic Czech meals in restaurants for locals cost less than for equally filling meals in other western countries. As for students, some of them cook for themselves, while others prefer to eat in their university canteens, which will cost them about 3 000 CZK per month. Some students might choose going to some restaurants for a meal which by all means will be more expensive: from 6000 to 8000 CZK.

Using public transportation in Prague is affordable and convenient. Students can apply for so-called „Litacka“ . This card serves as a replacement to certain municipal vouchers and tickets and provides students with great discounts on local public transport. The cost of an „Litacka“ is about 10 € per month. All other foreign students who intend to stay in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days are required to purchase comprehensive health insurance coverage. You will be asked to submit a proof of Czech health insurance when you apply for visa. The coverage limit is minimum EUR 60,000 and the insurance must be purchased for the entire period of stay. The cost could range from 300 € per year.

While shopping in Prague isn’t always cheap, it’s possible to find some good deals. Sometimes the shops have discounts up to 70%. Therefore, you can simply upgrade your wardrobe for 10000 czk including accessories.

Speaking of cell phone services in the Czech Republic, it is easy get a prepaid card which usually costs around 200 to 500 CZK. A part of that money is your starting credit.

ISIC is the only internationally recognized student identity card. Its holder gains access to a wide range of benefits and discounts all across the Czech Republic and in more than 124 other countries around the world. This card provides students with different types of discounts on exhibitions, museums, meals in certain places, trips abroad, etc.

The Czech Republic is considered to be one of the most beautiful and affordable countries in Eastern Europe. For instance, living costs in Austria or Germany are twice or three times higher, while the standard of living and quality of life are not that different from the Czech Republic.

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