"Study, study and study again" is very useful, but not cheap. Especially if you want to get a quality education abroad. The remnants of the Soviet mentality do not allow one to believe in the possibility of becoming a student of a European university. You shouldn't give in to them. If you correctly calculate your strength, there is a chance to get a higher education abroad. And not much more expensive than at home. Let's look at this possibility with regards to the Czech Technical University in Prague, and also see why it is profitable to study in this country.
Higher education: why the Czech Republic?
Česká republika or the Czech Republic is a relatively small country. Although in Europe it is not the richest and most developed, yielding to the same France, the Netherlands or Sweden, but the standard of living there is quite high. Moreover, being a member of the EU, the Czech Republic has a lot of advantages compared tocountries outside the union. Education is one of them.
Diplomas from Czech universities give more opportunities to find work in foreign companies, and in this case we are not talking about a cashier in a supermarket or a waiter in a Prague cafe.
How can you get an education in the Czech Republic if you are a citizen of another country? In this matter, the government of this state acted very wisely. So, in most universities you can get a free education if you know the Czech language at a sufficient level. A tempting prospect, isn't it?
Besides, in this republic there are programs for foreigners taught in English, but they are all paid. Thus, by making knowledge of Czech a prerequisite for receiving education for free, the authorities stimulate the interest in it of national minorities, as well as foreigners.
Besides being free, studying in the Czech Republic is also an attractive opportunity to get to know its culture and way of life. In addition, traveling around Europe on vacation with a Czech student visa is cheaper and easier.
Besides, becoming a student in this country, you get a study visa, which, among other advantages, makes it possible to legally find a job in your spare time. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to earn a lot or fully pay all your expenses in this way. Such a visa provides permission to work only 150 hours per year. And the average payment per hour is from 70 to 120 CZK. At the rate of 1 euro - 26 crowns, it becomes clear thatvery modest pay. But what do you want for low-skilled labor, even if it is the Czech Republic. So it’s better to work here fully after receiving a diploma: there are better conditions and higher pay.
Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU)
So, if you are firmly convinced that you want to study in this country, and, most importantly, are ready to work, work and work again for this, let me introduce you to one of the best universities in this state. It is the oldest civilian technical university in the world, founded in 1705.
This is the Czech Technical University, located in the capital of this state.
Why study here? Well, at least for the reason that this university cooperates with such world famous companies as Toyota, Bosch, Siemens, Rockwell, Škoda Auto, Ericsson and Vodafone. And these are only those brands whose names we are familiar with, but in general ChVUT has contracts with many other enterprises. By studying here, students get the chance to do internships at these companies, and who knows, maybe even get a job there.
In addition, while studying at the Czech Technical University, students can use the services of one of the largest technical libraries in the world for free. This is important, especially since its funds contain not only books from the times when the Earth was still considered flat, but also the latest literature.
It is important to note that the university also strives to provide education to people withlimited opportunities. So within its walls you can meet people in wheelchairs who, along with the rest, study and lead an active social life. And if it happens that you belong to this category, you have a real chance to get an education here.
Who is ChVUT famous for
Probably the best indicator of the quality of knowledge that is given in a particular university is its famous graduates. There are many of them at the Czech Technical University.
Let's look at the most interesting for us.
- Emil Skoda, an entrepreneur and engineer who lived in the 19th century, is important to us because he founded the Škoda Auto engineering plant. Apparently, this is why the current owners continue to cooperate with the founder's alma mater.
- Vladimir Prelog. Perhaps this name is not as familiar to most as the previous CTU graduate, but it was he who received the Nobel Prize in 1975 for his achievements in chemistry. And, as you know, this award for beautiful eyes has never been given to anyone.
- Ivan Pavlovich Pulyui. This Ukrainian-Austrian-Hungarian scientist is known throughout the world for his research on cathode rays. They formed the basis of modern medical radiology. For some time, he, and not Wilhelm Roentgen, was even considered the real discoverer of the rays of the same name. However, later it was proved that they were discovered by the one in whose honor they were named. At the same time, it was Puluy who was the first to study them and apply them in medicine. Besides,he was the first in the world to take a picture of the entire human skeleton.
- Christian Doppler is another famous graduate. He was engaged in research in the field of optics and acoustics and discovered the physical effect named after him. Fans of the television series The Big Bang Theory remember how one of the main characters came to a party in a costume called the Doppler effect. But seriously, it is on the basis of his research that weather forecasting, the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, and much more are carried out. By the way, The Big Bang Theory itself is based on the discoveries of Doppler. Here is such a smart uncle once graduated from the Czech Technical University.
- Vojtech Merunka is a linguist who made a name for himself by attempting to create a Slavic Esperanto, a New Slovene language. Unfortunately, it never caught on.
- Simon Wiesenthal. This is the name of an Austrian architect of Jewish origin. Having suffered during the Second World War at the hands of the Nazis, after it ended, Wiesenthal became famous for his hunt for those henchmen of the Nazis who managed to escape punishment.
- Franz Anton Gerstner - the builder of the first railway in the Russian Empire. If you want to learn more about this story and have a laugh, watch the movie "Crazy" with Nikolai Karachentsov and Leonid Yarmolnik in the lead roles. Of course, there is a lot of lies in it, but how can you do without it if you want to shoot a good project.
In addition to the above persons, among the graduates of this university were such famous personalities in the Czech Republic as the artist Oldřich Blažicek, writer Jaroslav Gavlicek, theater figure Vlastislav Hoffman, architect Josef Zitek, physicist Bohumil Kvasil, geographer and geologist Jan Krejčy, industrialist Frantisek Krzyzhik, entomologist Juliusz Milos Komaarek, surveyor Franz Müller, sculptor Karel Pokorny and others.
A Brief History of the University
Ever since the Middle Ages, Prague has always been at the center of scientific progress. The need for systematic training of technical specialists forced the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Joseph I, (who in those years also belonged to the Czech lands) to establish an educational institution in Prague in 1705 under the name Stavovská inženýrská škola ("Estate Engineering School").
Interest in this institution in Europe was very great, so a century later it grew into a polytechnic institute. Its first head was Frantisek Josef Gerstner, teacher and father of the founder of Russian railways.
This university in Prague has acquired its modern name since 1920. By that time, it included 7 educational institutions of the highest order. Some of them gained independence after the end of World War II.
Today, the university not only trains highly qualified specialists, but also participates in exchange programs with others.
Teaching here is conducted in both Czech and English. In the first case, getting an education in the Czech Republicis carried out on a budgetary basis, in the second - at the expense of individuals, legal entities or grants.
Academic degrees
Studying at CTU, you can get diplomas of the following degrees.
- Bachelor (4 years).
- Master (2 years).
- Doctor (4 years).
Naturally, you can go to each of the stages both within the framework of this university and by obtaining the corresponding diplomas in other states. Knowledge of the Czech language for free education is a must.
Also, you can study here on a part-time and full-time basis.
Faculties
On the basis of this educational institution, there are 8 faculties that train specialists in many different speci alties.
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering prepares bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering and Management, Electronics and Communications, Open Electronic Systems, Cybernetics and Robotics, Open Informatics, and Software Technology and Management.
In the Master's program, "Smart Buildings (Smart Homes)", "Biomedical Engineering and Informatics" and "Aviation and Astronautics" are added.
But doctors at this faculty will have to choose one of the specializations in "Electronics and Informatics".
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering trains bachelors in "Mechanical Engineering", "Production and Economics in Mechanical Engineering", as well ason "Theoretical foundations of mechanical engineering".
You can become a doctor at this faculty in various branches of "Mechanical Engineering".
But for those who want to get a master's degree, in addition to "Mechanical Engineering", it is possible to get a diploma in "Aviation and Astronautics", "Nuclear Power Facilities" or "Smart Buildings".
The Faculty of Nuclear Physics and Engineering occupies a special place in this university. It appeared in 1955 as part of the Czechoslovak nuclear program with the assistance of Soviet scientists. Today, he has an operating nuclear reactor at his disposal, so if you decide to do it here, stock up on iodine. Although after Chernobyl, should we be afraid of radiation?
And if it's no joke, then this faculty trains bachelors and masters in "Informatics and Mathematics", "Physics", "Nuclear Physics" and "Nuclear Chemistry".
As for doctoral studies, there is neither a simple "Physics" nor its nuclear counterpart, instead they study "Physical Engineering", "Radiological Physics", "Nuclear Engineering". The rest are similar to undergraduate.
Another leading faculty of the Czech Technical University in Prague is "Biomedical Engineering". It trains bachelors and doctors in Biomedical and Clinical Engineering, Community Protection and several medical specializations (Physiotherapy, Medical Lab and Lifeguard).
At the magistracyall the same, except for the latter. They are being replaced by "System Integration of Processes in He althcare" and "Devices and Equipment for Biomedicine".
The Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Czech Technical University prepares bachelors in "Geodesy and Cartography", "Metrology", "Architecture and Construction", "Construction Engineering" and simply in the specialization "Construction".
Those who want to become a master continue their studies there, plus at "Nuclear Energy Facilities", "Buildings and the Environment" and "Smart Buildings".
In doctoral studies, you can choose from Architecture and Construction, Geodesy and Cartography or Structural Engineering.
Let's move on to more peaceful and less fantastic faculties. So, bachelors in architecture are trained in "Landscape Architecture", "Architecture and Urbanism", as well as in "Industrial Design".
In doctoral studies, you can master "Architecture - theory and creativity", "Architecture: construction and technology", "Urbanism and territorial planning", "History of architecture and monument protection".
The Faculty of Transportation teaches undergraduate students in the following speci alties:
- Economics and management in the field of transport and communications.
- Intelligent transport systems.
- Air transport.
- Professional pilot.
- Transport logistics.
- Transport systems andtechnique.
- Engineering informatics in the field of transport and communications.
- Operation and management of air transport.
- Aircraft maintenance technology.
You can become a master at this faculty in "Transport Logistics", "Intelligent Transport Systems", "Security Technologies in Transport", "Transport Systems and Engineering", as well as in the direction of "Operation and Management of Air Transport".
In doctoral studies the same areas, except for "Intelligent transport systems" and "Security technologies in transport." They are being replaced by "Economics and Management in the Field of Transport and Communications" and "Engineering Informatics".
It is worth noting that CTU has one of the best IT departments in Europe. It trains doctors in "Information Technology and Security", "Information Systems and Management", "Computer Engineering", "Computer Systems and Networks", "Theoretical Informatics", "Web and Software Engineering", as well as specialists with such an unusual name, as "Knowledge Engineer".
Computer Security, System Programming, and Embedded Systems Design and Programming are added to the Master's program.
In doctoral studies, you can master different areas of "Informatics".
Institutions within CTU
As already mentioned, in 1920Several institutes have been affiliated to this university. Some of them left its membership, but 2 remained and today they welcome applicants from all over the world.
- Institute of Higher and Postgraduate Education named after Masaryk. It trains bachelors in Economics and Management, Masters in Development Project Management and Entrepreneurship and Commercial Engineering in Industry. And PhDs in "Quantitative Methods in Economics" and "History of Technology".
- Scientific Research Institute of Materials and Building Structures. Klockner. The specializations offered are Structural Theory and Science of Non-metallic and Building Materials.
Additional university resources
University students are given a chance to enjoy its extra features.
In addition to the library mentioned above, everyone is given free access to the international academic Internet service Eduroam.
Also, studying in the Czech Republic at this university allows you to use the services of the Center for Technology and Innovation, as well as the ultra-modern Information and Computing Center.
ChVUT also has its own publishing house "Czech technique". It not only publishes textbooks, but also technical journals. So students have the opportunity to write about their discoveries in the field under study. Thus, by the end of the studies, a graduate's portfolio may contain a lot of publications, which will turn out to bea plus in his employment.
Among other things, the university owns the Bethlehem Chapel, located in the old part of Prague. All solemn events are held here and important religious holidays are celebrated.
Also, there is an online store on the official website of the university where students can order clothes with the CTU symbols, as well as stationery, additional literature and textbooks themselves.
Living conditions for students
The issue of dormitories at the Czech Technical University should be considered separately. Thus, many European universities often do not care at all about how to accommodate their students, forcing them to worry about themselves. Fortunately, ChVUT has solved this problem by 50%. Although this means that only half of the students are provided with housing, today this is a very high figure.
The main hostels today are located in such Prague districts as Strahov and Prague-6. There are also newer ones located more far from the university.
In total, CTU is able to provide housing for more than 8 thousand students. It should be noted that not all students here are from other cities. So, if you decide to apply here, the chance of getting a place in the hostel is very high.
Tuition fees
As we remember, to study here for free, you just need to know Czech. However, it will not be superfluous to consider the cost of studying at the Czech Technical University in Prague.
So, a year for a bachelor's degree will cost 4.4 thousand euros, and for a master's or doctoral program - 4.9thousand
Compared to other European countries - the price is very modest. This is taking into account that living in the Czech Republic is cheaper than in the same Sweden or Germany. That is why foreigners often come here to study.
It is important to remember that there are many other expenses besides academic expenses, including he alth insurance, food, travel and housing. And even if you are given a room in a hostel, you still have to pay utility bills out of your own pocket.
What should I do?
Unlike many European universities, there is no certificate competition in the Czech Republic. Upon admission, you will have to take exams in the chosen speci alty and pass an interview, and foreigners will also have to prove their knowledge of the language of this country.
To submit an application and copies of documents, it is not necessary to go to Prague, as in all European universities, everything can be done on the official website. By the way, this section of the menu is available in Russian.
When applying via the Internet, each faculty may put additional requirements for the package of documents. However, most often you need to provide certified and translated copies of the certificate (diploma) with an insert and various certificates, if you have them, as well as the results of nostrification.
On the site you can find out if you are allowed to take exams and interviews, and later about their results.
If you are enrolled, get ready to submit the originals to the university, as well as collect another package of documents.
- Passport.
- Educationallong-stay visa.
- Certificate of completed medical insurance.
- A statement from the bank about the presence of a certain amount of money in the account. This is to verify your ability to pay for your own stay in this country.
Preparatory Courses
If you are not sure that you can compete with Czech applicants or people from other countries, before entering a university, you can take training courses based on the CTU.
They are special for each faculty, and they are read by the same teachers as the students. So, in addition to knowledge, you can make useful contacts and find out all the pitfalls of future learning.
This service is paid and costs an average of 4-5 thousand euros.
Besides them, in CTU you can also study the Czech language in order to continue to be able to study for free. To do this, you need to master it at level B2.
Often, the profile programs of courses for foreigners already include teaching Czech, although then their cost increases. However, if you're lucky, you can get a 10-15% discount on the total price.
What is nostrification?
Please note, unlike other countries, there is one more process to go through before applying for admission.
This is the so-called nostrification. This is the name of the process of recognizing your knowledge acquired in your homeland, corresponding to the level of Czech.
Usually it lasts about a month, and if your excellent grades in the certificate are not the result of a profitable bribe, but still your merit, you will have no problems.
Most oftenforeign applicants are simply assigned additional exams in those subjects from the certificate for which there are not enough hours by Czech standards.
To initiate the start of this procedure, a certified translation of the following documents is submitted to the Czech Regional Education Department:
- Certificate/diploma.
- Appendix to it.
- Reference with a list of school / university subjects and the number of hours for them.
- Certificate confirming that your educational institution is accredited by the Ministry of Education of the country where it is located.
Remember, no matter what academic stage you enter, you will always need to pass this procedure.
