The Department of International Relations will send students an informative e-mail and ask them to set a meeting with the Department of International Relations and UCT supervisor.
Acceptance and Documentation
You are officially accepted for traineeship once your Learning agreement is fully signed. Before you arrive, check If you sent all the requested documents to the Department of International Relations and you applied for accommodation in Prague.
Confirmation of Acceptance
A Letter of Acceptance will be sent to the International Relations Office at your university upon request.
Confirmation of Accommodation
If you have applied for a room in the UCT Residence Halls, you will be informed via e-mail about the status of your application approximately 2-4 weeks before your arrival.
As for the private accommodation, make sure that your accommodation is valid. Be aware of scammer and false advertisements! We highly suggest not paying anything before actually seeing the flat and signing a contract. We recommend reading articles about the issues, e.g. here or here.
Notice of Arrival
The Department of International Relations asks you to confirm the exact date of your arrival and set a meeting for the final registration.
Student Visa
Non-EU students will have to apply for a student visa. Gather all necessary documents for your student visa, including your acceptance letter, passport, proof of sufficient funds, and any other required documents.
Applications must be submitted to the Czech Embassy or Consulate in the respective country.
Information regarding the visa process can be found here:
- short-term (Schengen) visa ⇒you are staying under 90 days
- long-term visa ⇒ you are staying more than 90 days in the Czech republic
Pre-Arrival Checklist
Before arriving in the Czech Republic as an international student, there are several pre-arrival obligations and tasks you need to complete to ensure a smooth transition and a successful start to your academic journey.
Health and Liability Insurance
As an international student in the Czech Republic, you must have health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay. The type of health insurance you need depends on your nationality and specific circumstances.
- EU Countries: You can use your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) if you are from an EU country. This entitles you to have free emergency healthcare here in Prague.
- Non-EU Countries: Students from non-EU countries will submit proof of health/travel medical insurance as a part of their visa application to the respective Czech Embassy/Consulate.
Liability insurance provides coverage for any accidental damage or harm caused by the insured person to others or their property. A copy of your insurance will be requested by the Deparment of International Relations.
Medical History
We recommend that you fill the Medical History form before you arrive in the Czech Republic and have it with you in case you will need to visit the UCT Prague doctor during your study stay at UCT Prague.
Travel Arrangements
Book your flight tickets well in advance to secure the best deals and to ensure you arrive in time.
Cost of Living in Prague
The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Česká Koruna ( Czech Crown, CZK). We suggest familiarise yourself with the exchange rates and always check the current rate before you exchange money. The cost of living in Prague can vary based on personal lifestyle choices, but overall, it is considered more affordable compared to other major European cities.
Studying abroad in the Czech Republic can be a rewarding experience, but it is essential to manage your finances wisely to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.
Public Transportation
Prague has an extensive public transport network rated as one of Europe's best and most reliable. Thanks to public transport, you can reach even the most remote corners of the metropolis quickly and easily.
- You can use the underground (metro), trams, buses or suburban trains, i.e. public transport (MHD) to travel around Prague. All traffic information, latest news, schedules and travel rules are on the ebsite of the Prague Public Transit (Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy – DPP).
For more information, visit the Public Transportation webpage, where you can learn about the fares (prices), schedules, travel card etc.
How to get to UCT Prague/dormitory?
On the Contact webpage, you will find information regarding the campus address of the Dejvice section, UCT Prague and how to get from the airport to the university in the dormitory.
Do not also forget...
Contact your Supervisor for your project.
If you have been accepted for project work under the supervision of one of UCT's professors, you are expected to contact them before you arrive. You will inform him/her about your arrival and arrange your first meeting. For more information, please visit the Course Catalogue webpage.
Learn about the Erasmus Student Network club
ESN UCT Prague is a student club run by students at UCT Prague. Its primary purpose is to care for international students who come to study at UCT Prague. Check their webpage for more information, including valuable tips on what you should do before arrival and also about student life in the Czech Republic: http://esnuct.cz/
Request a Buddy
You might be interested in having a "buddy" (i.e. student volunteer acting as a contact person). Buddies can help you get settled in your new hometown and assist you in several situations; for example, they can pick you up at the airport, accompany you to your residence, show you around the city, and more.
The Buddy Program is very popular among our international students, so please do not hesitate to apply for your "buddy" at least three weeks prior to your arrival.
- You can apply for the buddy here: https://esnuct.broaddy.com/register/international.
- For more information, check the ESN website: http://esnuct.cz/buddy-exchange-students