“Learning, learning and learning 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 believe in the possibility of becoming a student at a European university. Do not give in to them. If you correctly calculate your strengths, 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 regard 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, inferior to France, the Netherlands or Sweden, the standard of living there is quite high. Moreover, as a member of the EU, the Czech Republic has a lot of advantages compared to countries that are not members of this union. Education is one of them.
Diplomas from Czech universities provide 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?
In addition, in this republic there are programs for foreigners taught in English, but they are all paid. Thus, making knowledge of Czech a prerequisite for free education, the authorities stimulate interest in it by national minorities, as well as foreigners.
In addition to being free, studying in the Czech Republic is also attractive because of the opportunity to get to know more about its culture and lifestyle. In addition, traveling on vacation in Europe, having a student Czech model, cheaper, and easier.
In addition, 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 free time. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to earn a lot or fully pay all your expenses in this way. Such a visa provides for permission to work only 150 hours a year. And the average payment per hour is from 70 to 120 CZK. At the rate of 1 euro - 26 kroons, it becomes clear that the payment is very modest. 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 graduation: the conditions are better there and the payment is higher.
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 for this, work and work again, let me introduce you to one of the best universities in this country. It is the oldest civil engineering university in the world, it was founded back in 1705.
We are talking about the Czech Technical University, located in the capital of this state.
Why is it worth studying 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. Studying here, students get a chance to practice 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 collections contain not only books of the times when the Earth was still considered flat, but also the latest literature.
It is important to note that the university also seeks to provide education for people with disabilities. So in its walls you can meet people in wheelchairs, who, along with the rest, study and lead an active social life. And if it so happened that you belong to this category, you have a real chance to get an education here.
Who is 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 for us in that he founded the Škoda Auto engineering plant. Apparently, therefore, 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 graduate of the ChVUT, but it was he who received the Nobel Prize for achievements in chemistry in 1975. And, as you know, this award for beautiful eyes has not been given to anyone yet.
- Ivan Pavlovich Pului. This Ukrainian-Austro-Hungarian scientist is known worldwide for his research on cathode rays. It was they who formed the basis of modern medical radiology. For a while, he, and not Wilhelm Roentgen, was even considered a true discoverer of the rays of the same name. However, it was later proved that it was he who discovered them in honor of whom they were named. At the same time, it was Puli who first studied them and applied in medicine. In addition, he was the first in the world to take a picture of the entire human skeleton as a whole.
- Christian Doppler is another well-known graduate. He was engaged in research in the field of optics and acoustics and discovered a 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, 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 guy once released Czech Technical University.
- Vojtech Merunka is a linguist who made a name for himself by attempting to create Slavic Esperanto - the Novo-Slovenian language. Unfortunately, he did not take root.
- Simon Wiesenthal. This is the name of the Austrian architect of Jewish origin. Having suffered during the Second World War at the hands of the Nazis, after its end, Wiesenthal became famous for his hunt for those Nazi minions who managed to escape punishment.
- Franz Anton Gerstner is the builder of the first railway in the Russian Empire. If you want to learn more about this story and laugh, watch the movie “Crazy” with Nikolai Karachentsov and Leonid Yarmolnik in the lead roles. Of course, he has a lot of ghosts, but as without this, if you want to shoot a good project.
In addition to the above persons, among the graduates of this university there were such famous personalities in the Czech Republic as the artist Oldřich Blážicek, the writer Jaroslav Havlicek, theatrical figure Vlastislav Hoffmann, the architect Josef Zitek, the physicist Bogumil Kvasil, the geographer and geologist Jan Kreichy, the industrialist František Kršizhli, Komaarek, surveyor Franz Muller, sculptor Karel Pokorny and others.
A brief history of the university
Since the Middle Ages, Prague has always been at the center of scientific progress. The need for systematic training of technical specialists forced the Holy Roman Emperor Joseph I, (who also owned Czech lands in those years) to establish an educational institution in Prague in 1705 under the name Stavovská inženýrská škola (Estates Engineering School).
The interest in this institution in Europe was very great, so a century later it grew into a polytechnic institute. Its first chapter was Frantisek Joseph Gerstner, a teacher and father of the creator of Russian railways.
This university in Prague acquired the modern name since 1920. By that time, it included 7 higher education institutions. Some of them gained independence after the end of World War II.
Today, the university is not only engaged in the training of highly qualified specialists, but also participates in exchange programs with others.
Teaching is conducted in both Czech and English. In the first case, education in the Czech Republic is 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, it is possible to go to each of the stages both within the framework of this university, and having received the corresponding diplomas in other states. Knowledge of the Czech language for free training is a must.
You can also study here in extramural and full-time forms.
Faculties
On the basis of this educational institution, there are 8 faculties that train specialists in many different specialties.
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering prepares bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Energy and Management, Electronics and Communications, Open Electronic Systems, Cybernetics and Robotics, Open Computer Science and Software Technology and Management.
In the magistracy, “Intelligent buildings (smart homes)”, “Biomedical Engineering and Informatics” as well as “Aviation and Cosmonautics” are added.
But the doctors at this faculty will have to choose one of the specializations in "Electronics and Computer Science".
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering prepares bachelors in "Mechanical Engineering", "Production and Economics in Mechanical Engineering", as well as "Theoretical Foundations of Mechanical Engineering".
The doctor at this faculty can then be the various branches of "Mechanical Engineering".
But for those wishing to obtain a master's degree, in addition to "Engineering", it is possible to obtain a diploma in "Aviation and Cosmonautics", "Nuclear Power Facilities" or "Intelligent Buildings".
The faculty of nuclear physics and engineering in this university has a special place. It appeared in 1955 as part of the Czechoslovak nuclear program with the assistance of scientists from the USSR. Today, he has a working nuclear reactor at his disposal, so if you decide to go there, stock up on iodine. Although after Chernobyl - should we be afraid of radiation?
But without jokes, this faculty prepares bachelors and masters in "Computer Science 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, and Nuclear Engineering. The rest are similar to undergraduate.
Another advanced faculty of the Czech Technical University in Prague is Biomedical Engineering. He prepares bachelors and doctors in Biomedical and Clinical Engineering, Public Protection, and several medical specialties (Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory and Rescuer).
In magistracy, everything is the same, except for the latter. They are replaced by "System Integration of Processes in Health Care" and "Devices and Equipment for Biomedicine."
The Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Czech Technical University prepares bachelors in "Surveying and Cartography", "Metrology", "Architecture and Construction", "Construction Engineering" and simply in the specialization "Construction".
Those who wish to become masters continue their studies there, plus at Nuclear Energy Facilities, Buildings and the Environment, and Intelligent Buildings.
In doctoral studies, you can choose from "Architecture and Construction", "Geodesy and Cartography" or "Civil Engineering".
Let's move on to more peaceful and less fantastic faculties. So, bachelors in architecture are preparing 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 the Preservation of Monuments".
The Faculty of Transport teaches undergraduate specialties:
- Economics and management in the field of transport and communications.
- Intelligent transportation systems.
- Air transport.
- Professional pilot.
- Transport logistics.
- Transport systems and equipment.
- Engineering informatics in the field of transport and communications.
- Operation and management of air transport.
- Technology aircraft maintenance.
You can become a master in this department in Transport Logistics, Intelligent Transport Systems, Transport Security Technologies, Transport Systems and Engineering, as well as in the Operation and Management of Air Transport.
In doctoral studies, the same areas, except for "Intelligent Transport Systems" and "Security Technologies in Transport". From replaced by "Economics and management in the field of transport and communications" and "Engineering informatics."
It is worth noting that in ChVUT one of the best faculties of information technology in Europe. Doctors of 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, are trained here. like a "knowledge engineer."
In the magistracy is added "Computer Security", "System Programming", as well as "Design and Programming of Embedded Systems".
In doctoral studies, you can master different areas of "Computer Science".
Institutes as part of the ChUT
As already mentioned, in 1920 several institutes were attached to this university. Some of them left its structure, but 2 remained and today are accepting applicants from all over the world.
- Institute for Higher and Postgraduate Education named after Masaryk. Bachelors in Economics and Management, masters in Development Project Management and Entrepreneurship and Commercial Engineering in Industry are trained here. And doctors on "Quantitative Methods in Economics" and "History of Technology."
- Research Institute of Materials and Building Structures Klokner. The proposed specializations are "Theory of Structures" and "The Science of Non-Metallic and Building Materials."
Additional resources of the university
University students are given a chance to use its additional features.
In addition to the library mentioned above, everyone is given free access to the international academic Internet service Eduroam.
Studying in the Czech Republic at this university also allows you to use the services of the Center for Technology and Innovation, as well as the state-of-the-art Information and Computer Center.
In ChVUT there is also its own publishing house, Czech Technology. It not only publishes textbooks, but also technical journals. So students have the opportunity to write about their discoveries in the field of study. Thus, by the end of studies, many publications can be collected in the graduate's portfolio, which will be a plus in his employment.
Among other things, the University owns the Bethlehem Chapel, located in the old part of Prague. All festive events are held here and important religious holidays are celebrated.
Also on the official website of the university there is an online store where students can order clothes with the symbols of the ChUT, as well as stationery, additional literature and the textbooks themselves.
Student Living Conditions
The issue of hostels at the Czech Technical University should be considered separately. So, many European universities often do not care about how to resettle their students, forcing them to worry about themselves. Fortunately, in ChVUT this problem is solved by 50%. And although this means that only half of the students are provided with housing, today this is a very high indicator.
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 the total mass, ChVUT is able to provide housing for more than 8 thousand students. It should be borne in mind that not all students here are nonresident. So, if you decide to enter here, the chance to get a place in the hostel is very high.
Cost of education
As we remember, to study here for free, you just need to know Czech. However, it will not be amiss to consider the cost of studying at the Czech Technical University in Prague.
So, a year at the bachelor's program will cost 4.4 thousand euros, and at the master's or doctoral program - 4.9 thousand.
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 Sweden or Germany. That is why foreigners often come here to study.
It is important to remember that, in addition to academic expenses, there are many others, which include medical insurance, food, travel and housing. And even if you are given a dorm room, you still have to pay utility bills from your pocket.
What to do?
Unlike many European universities, in the Czech Republic there is no competition of certificates. Upon admission, you will have to take exams in your chosen specialty and pass an interview, and foreigners 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 formalized on the official website. By the way, this menu section is available in Russian.
When applying via the Internet at each faculty, additional requirements for a package of documents can be put. 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.
- International passport.
- Long-term study visa.
- Certificate of health insurance.
- Bank statement on the availability of a certain amount of money in the account. This is to confirm your ability to pay for your own stay in this country.
Training courses
If you are not sure that you will be able to compete with Czech applicants or immigrants from other countries, before entering a university you can take training courses on the basis of ChVUT.
They are special for each faculty and are read by the same teachers as students. So, in addition to knowledge, you can make useful contacts and learn all the pitfalls of future training.
This service is paid and costs an average of about 4-5 thousand euros.
In addition to them, you can also study Czech at CTU so that you can continue to study for free. To do this, you need to master it at level B2.
Often, Czech courses are already included in the profile programs of courses for foreigners, although then their cost rises. However, with luck, you can get a discount of 10-15% of the total cost.
What is nostrification?
Please note, unlike other countries, you must go through another procedure before applying for income.
This is the so-called nostrification. This is the name of the process of recognizing your knowledge obtained in your own country, corresponding to the level of Czech.
Usually it lasts about a month, and if your excellent marks in the certificate are not the result of this bribe, but still your merit, you will not have problems.
Most often, foreign applicants are simply additionally assigned exams in those subjects from the certificate for which there are not enough hours by Czech standards.
To initiate the beginning of this procedure, a certified translation of the following documents is submitted to the Czech regional department of education:
- Certificate / Diploma.
- Appendix to it.
- Help with a list of school / university subjects and the number of hours on 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 go through this procedure.