Language Immersion Courses in Czech Republic

Most people who come to the Czech Republic to study a language come to learn Czech, and much of the teaching happens at universities. Their Czech courses for international students range from evening classes to semester and year-long courses, in person and online, according to the official portal Study in Czechia. Learning Czech also has a practical payoff: degree programmes taught in Czech at public and state universities are tuition-free regardless of nationality.

SpainExchange lists one language school in the Czech Republic: the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, whose Institute of Applied Language Studies teaches Czech for foreigners.

Types of Czech courses

• University language courses: semester, year-long and evening courses, run by the language centres of universities in Prague, Brno, Olomouc, Pilsen, České Budějovice, Ostrava and Zlín, among others
• Foundation programmes: about one year of intensive Czech combined with subject preparation and entrance exam practice, for students who want to take a degree in Czech
• Summer schools: usually 3 to 4 weeks of Czech classes, seminars on Czech culture and literature, and excursions
• Courses abroad: the 21 Czech Centres abroad offer full-time and online Czech courses

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports offers scholarships each year for selected applicants to summer schools. In Prague, the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University (ÚJOP) teaches Czech from A1 to C1, including special courses for doctors, and runs foundation programmes in Czech and in English.

Learning Czech in Pilsen

The Institute of Applied Language Studies at the University of West Bohemia teaches Czech for foreigners alongside English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Latin. It runs an international summer language school and preparatory courses for students who want to study in Czech. The university had 851 international students from 53 countries in full degree programmes in September 2026, so learners share the campus with a large international community.

Levels and exams

Most degree programmes taught in Czech require B2 level Czech, and many international students reach B2 within one year in an intensive preparatory programme. For an official certificate, the Certified Czech Language Examination for Foreigners (CCE) of Charles University holds the ALTE Q-Mark, valid until July 2031. People who apply for permanent residence after five years of continuous residence take a separate Czech exam at A2 level, which costs CZK 3,200.

Visas and practical tips

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa. Students from other countries apply for a short-term visa for courses and summer schools of up to 90 days, and for a long-term visa or residence permit for study purposes for longer stays, such as a foundation year.

• Decide the goal first: everyday Czech, a certificate, or B2 for a degree
• Check the intensity: hours per week differ between evening classes and foundation programmes
• Check the outcome: a course certificate, a recognised exam such as the CCE, or entry to a degree programme taught in Czech
• No previous Czech is needed: many international students arrive with little or none
• Compare cities: Prague has the most providers, while Pilsen, Brno or Olomouc offer smaller student settings

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to learn Czech to B2?

It depends on previous language experience and intensity, but many international students reach B2 within one year in an intensive preparatory programme.

Can I learn Czech at a university without being a degree student?

Yes. Many universities offer semester, year-long and evening Czech courses, as well as summer schools, for international students.

Do I need a visa for a Czech summer school?

Non-EU students need a short-term visa for stays of up to 90 days. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa.