The Czech Republic is a leading European study destination. Every year, almost 50,000 students across the globe pursue their higher education here. More than 10,000 students choose to study medicine in Czechia, contributing to the paramount importance of premedical courses in the Czech Republic.
Students can receive world-class medical education in several disciplines and specializations, owing to the presence of top-ranking medical universities in Czechia. Candidates can apply to direct-entry master’s programs and doctoral programs.
To prepare students for general medicine programs, premedical courses serve an irreplaceable purpose. This article highlights all the premedical programs in Czechia that international students can enroll in along with their cost and eligibility criteria.
Overview: Premedical Courses in the Czech Republic
This table provides an overview of the available premedical courses for international students. These courses are the gateway to medical studies in the Czech Republic. Read further to know more about each program in detail offered by top-ranking medical universities in Czechia.
Program Name | Institute / University | Program Duration |
Premedical Course | Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University | 5 months |
Medicine COMPLEX (in English) | Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies in Poděbrady, Charles University | 2 semesters |
Medicine COMPLEX (in Czech) | Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies in Prague (Krystal Center), Charles University | 2 semesters |
Foundation Program | Masaryk University | 20 weeks |
Online Foundation Program | Masaryk University | 10 weeks |
Pre-med Course in Prague | King Charles Medical College | 22 weeks |
Online Pre-med Course | King Charles Medical College | 100 hours |
Third Faculty of Medicine in Prague, Charles University
Program Duration: 5 months
Program Cost: CZK 110,000
The Third Faculty of Medicine in Prague offers international students an intensive five-month course to prepare students for the medical entrance exams at Charles University.
The course is taught in English and includes topics from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in the entrance exams.
In addition to the core subjects, two additional subjects, namely Communication in Czech and Medical English are taught.
However, it is important for students to note that the tuition fee of CZK 110,000 does not cover accommodation, books, meals, and health insurance. Students must arrange their accommodation and health insurance during the study period.
Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies in Podebrady, Charles University
Program Name: Medicine in English COMPLEX
Program Duration: 2 semesters
Program Cost: EUR 6,560
Application Deadline: 24th August, 2023 (for students without visa)
The preparatory program by Charles University prepares international students to study English-taught medicine and related programs in the Czech Republic.
The preparatory program commences with a two-week intensive orientation course in Czech and English, providing an introduction to Czech culture, history, and essential information about the study center and Charles University. From the third week onward, students will engage in specialized subject lessons aimed at preparing them for entrance exams in medical fields. Subjects taught under the program include:
- General Biology
- Biology for Doctors
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Medical Ethics
- Basic Latin Terminology for Doctors
- Professional English and Basics of Czech Language.
Students take tests and exams regularly between and at the end of two semesters: winter and summer. Upon the completion of the course, a certificate is awarded to them.
For more information, you can visit the program website or contact us.
Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies in Prague (Krystal Centre), Charles University
Program Name: Medicine COMPLEX
Program Duration: 2 semesters
Program Cost: EUR 5,940
Application Deadline: 24th August, 2023 (for students without visa)
The initial phase of the preparatory program entails a two-week intensive course focused on the Czech language and culture. During this period, students will also receive an introduction to Czech history and gain essential knowledge about the study center and Charles University. Subsequently, from the third week onward, the curriculum will shift towards specialized subjects aimed at equipping students for the entrance exams in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. Subjects taught under the program include:
- General Biology
- Biology for Doctors
- Chemistry
- Physics
Students take tests and exams regularly between and at the end of two semesters: winter and summer. Upon the completion of the course, a certificate is awarded to them.
For more information, you can visit the program website or contact us.
Foundation Program, Masaryk University
Program Duration: 20 weeks
Program Cost: CZK 200,000 or 8,442 EUR
The in-person foundation program at Masaryk University is specifically designed for international students. The program helps students prepare for the entrance exams for General Medicine or Dentistry. Subjects include Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and the Czech language.
The curriculum is spread over 25 teaching hours per week for 20 weeks. Classes are conducted at the Masaryk University campus with a maximum capacity of 40 students.
E-learning Preparatory Courses, Masaryk University
Program Cost: 100 EUR for each course
The Medical Faculty at Masaryk offers three E-learning preparatory courses for students who wish to apply to the university’s General Medicine or Dentistry programs in the English language. The 3 science subjects can be purchased as separate courses at 100 EUR for each course. These include
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
Czech language classes are not included in this course. The course is for students who wish to prepare for the university’s General Medicine or Dentistry entrance exams. According to the data collected, 80% of course participants are seen to succeed in the entrance exam after enrolling in this program.
Pre-med Course in Prague, King Charles Medical College
Program Duration: 22 weeks or 38 weeks
Program Cost: EUR 10,285 for the 22-week course and EUR 16,500 for the 38-week course
King Charles Medical College in Prague was established to prepare students to enter medical universities. The college aims to make acceptance into Czech medical schools easier for international students by training them for entrance exams.
The premedical course at King Charles Medical College is supervised by Charles University’s First Faculty of Medicine. The course helps students to gain admission into two of the best medical universities in Czechia: Charles University’s First Faculty of Medicine and Palacky University.
The duration ranges between 22 and 38 weeks, with two weeks of orientation before the course commencement. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including
- Medical English
- Czech language A1 level
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Physiology & Anatomy
The 22-week program lets students apply to only English-taught medicine and dentistry programs.
An alternative 38-week program is also available that trains students in the Czech language up to the B2/C1 level. This extended program can help students apply to Czech-taught programs (which are tuition-free) besides the English-taught programs.
An online version of the pre-medical course is also available with 100 hours of training. Czech language lessons are not included in the online course.
Cost of Premedical Courses in the Czech Republic
The entire cost of premedical courses in the Czech Republic is roughly half of the annual cost of medical studies.
The average program fee is approximately USD 7,200.
Online programs are much more affordable than in-person courses as the latter provide Czech language classes as well.
The costs listed in the table only relate to the program fee. Additional charges for accommodation, food, insurance, etc., are not included.
Course | Institute | Program Cost in CZK | Program Cost in USD/EUR** |
Premedical Course | Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University | 110,000 | USD 4,889 |
Medicine COMPLEX (in Czech) | Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies in Mariánské Lázně, Charles University | 140,641 | EUR 5,940/ USD 6,426 |
Medicine COMPLEX (in English) | Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies in Poděbrady, Charles University | 155,320 | EUR 6,560/ USD 7096 |
Foundation Program | Masaryk University | 200,000 | 8,889 |
E-learning Preparatory Courses | Masaryk University | 2,424 for each course | 107 for each course |
Pre-med Course | King Charles Medical College | 249,336 (22 weeks)
400,004 (38 weeks) |
11,082 (22 weeks)
17,780 (38 weeks) |
*Amounts in CZK have been converted from EUR at 1 EUR = 24.24 CZK.
**Amounts in USD have been converted from CZK or EUR at the exchange rates of 1 CZK = 0.0044 USD and 1 EUR = 1.08 USD.
Please note that exchange rates are subject to change periodically.
Admission Requirements for Premedical Courses in the Czech Republic
The eligibility requirements for premedical courses in the Czech Republic are basic. Students are required to have completed their high school education.
- Secondary School Diploma
- Academic Transcripts (Academic documents should be nostrified or officially issued)
- Curriculum Vitae
Applications are made online through the institutes’ websites. Students will receive details and access to their online study portal for applications to online premedical programs.
Conclusion
General Medicine is a popular choice among international students. Studying dentistry or pharmacy in the Czech Republic is also a lucrative option. But for people who lack the necessary subjects in high school education can complete a premedical course in the Czech Republic to be eligible for medical studies. There are different programs available, and the average duration ranges from 2 to 8 months. For more information on these programs, contact Gyanberry at Gyanberry, a one-platform tool that allows you to apply to multiple universities at once.