Study Medicine in the Czech Republic: Guide for International Students

Located in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is one of the continent’s most beautiful and culturally rich countries. It’s no wonder that it has grown to become a desired study destination, attracting over 50,000 international students every year. The reputation for quality education and affordability are the reasons why many international students come to study medicine in the Czech Republic. 

Charles University, established in 1348, ranks high on the list of the oldest and most reputed universities in central Europe for medicine. Other top universities are also charting high on global rankings by Q.S. World Rankings and U.S. News & World Report. These lead to research and development, providing affordable education, a holistic environment, and safe accommodation. Offering medical courses in the English language, the MUDr degree in Czechia spans a duration of 6 years.

Overview: Study Medicine in the Czech Republic

Why Study Medicine in the Czech Republic?

• Students can access high-quality education and medical research from globally recognized universities. 
• Medical degrees from the Czech Republic are recognized worldwide by all significant bodies including WHO and MCI.
• Medicine Graduates from the Czech Republic can work in any specialization in the field of medicine. They can also practice their medical career in any part of the world.
• With over 50,000 International students studying in the Czech Republic, the education system has adapted itself to their comfort and offers a diverse outlook. 
• The Czech Republic has one of the oldest and top-ranked medical universities that collaborate with the best teaching hospitals for clinical exposure. 
• Most medical faculties in the Czech Republic offer a 6-year general medicine program, 5 years dentistry program, and 5 years pharmacy program.
• Most Czech Republic Medical universities offer English language programs mixed with a cultural and historic setting. 
• The cost of living is very affordable when compared to other European countries.

Medical Degree in the Czech Republic: MBBS vs MUDr

MBBS is the popular blanket term for studying medicine in India and UAE. Different countries have different degrees awarded to medical students. Conventionally, MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. However, these undergraduate degrees are not awarded in the Czech Republic. 

All the universities here offer a MUDr degree which spans a duration of 6 years. MUDr. stands for Medicinae Universae Doctor – Doctor of Medicine. It is the only available course in Cezchia, after which students can opt for medical specialization training. This title indicates the successful completion of a six-year university study in General Medicine. Candidates with a MUDr degree are also eligible to practice their medical career anywhere in the world.

Top Medical Universities in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic boasts several top-rated medical universities for international students. These include 

Charles University 

Charles University was founded in 1348. It is one of the world’s oldest institutions and consistently ranks in the top 2% of universities in the world. The medical schools under its aegis include 

• First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University 
• Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
• Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
• Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University 
• Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University 

The various schools offer medical programs for applicants worldwide with English-taught courses in General Medicine and Dentistry. The curriculum of the MUDr (General Medicine) and MDDr (Dentistry) courses is fully compatible with the current international standards and is accredited by the European Union.

The cost of studying medicine and dentistry in the Czech Republic also includes living expenses such as rent, transportation, and more.

Masaryk University 

Masaryk University is the second-largest university in the Czech Republic with nine faculties and more than 200 departments, institutes, and clinics. Since its establishment in 1919, the university has represented a strong liberal character, and it is one of the most prestigious teaching and research institutions in Central Europe. 

The Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University is amongst the best medical programs in the country, offering courses in General Medicine and Dentistry. 

Palacky University

Palacky University, founded in 1573, is the Czech Republic’s second-oldest university. The University of Palacky is renowned for its profound Medical programs and various research conducted in the medical field. There are a total of eight faculties, as well as specialized research centers and institutes at the university. 

The University’s General Medicine and Dentistry programs prepare secondary school graduate students for lucrative careers in healthcare. High professional standards are maintained, in conformity with current knowledge and legal laws. 

Ostrava University 

The University of Ostrava (UO) is a public research university educating over 9,000 students in six faculties. Established in 1991, the university’s curriculum is tailored for the students to receive proper theoretical and practical knowledge. 

The first two years of the MUDr degree are dedicated to theoretical studies while clinical practice begins in the third year of study. Within the course duration of 6 years, students become full-fledged medical professionals.

Admission and Entry Requirements for Studying Medicine in the Czech Republic

If you are wondering how to apply to medical universities in the Czech Republic, the application for admission can be made via Gyanberry. Outlined below are some general documents required to get admission to the medical programs in Czech Universities.

• Academic transcripts
• Copy of passport
• Previous education proofs
• 2 passport size photographs
• English language Certificate (may be required)
• Hepatitis B vaccination (may be required)
• Proof of application fee receipt (may be required)
• No criminal activity proof (may be required)

Other eligibility criteria include

• High grades in high school, especially in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (at least 50% marks are mandatory)
• English proficiency test
• Passing marks in the university’s own entrance examinations
• Respective national level test score of the native country of the applicant

Tuition Fees and Scholarships for Medical Studies in the Czech Republic

The cost of medical studies in the Czech Republic averages no less than 15,000 USD per year depending upon the university. The estimated cost of living in the Czech Republic is 7,000 USD annually.

However, the cost of studying medicine can be brought down by availing of scholarships.  Pre-admission and post-admission scholarships to study medicine in the Czech Republic are rare but not completely inaccessible for those with high academic standing. 

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (MEYS) awards annual scholarships through its intergovernmental exchange programs for international students. These scholarships are available to students from eligible countries. 

The modified 2023/24 provisions include 

• Up to 10 months of research/study stay at a Czech public higher education institution in the country free of charge,
• 9,000 CZK (approx. 400 USD) per month for graduate students,
• 9,500 CZK (approx. 420 USD) per month for postgraduate students,
• Accommodation at the student dormitory for a discounted price, 
• Meals will be provided at the student dormitory for a discounted price,
• No visa application fee

Other university-specific scholarships include 

• Top Student Faculty Award for Foreign Students, Charles University
• Best International Medical Student Award, Charles University
• Merit Scholarship, Palacky University
• Newcomer’s Scholarship, Masaryk University 
• Merit Scholarship & Bursary Program, Masaryk University

Students can look for funding options through third-party sources and government organizations too. However, the return on investment is huge as the medical universities here are relatively affordable.

Career Scope After Medical Studies in the Czech Republic

Students can look into several future opportunities after studying medicine in the Czech Republic. There are predominantly three future prospects:

• Become a medical practitioner 
• Pursue Post Graduation or Doctoral Research
• Enroll in the specialization training program 

If you wish to practice medicine in the Czech Republic after your degree program, you will need to apply for an employee card. Graduates from the Czech Republic Medical faculty in English or any language other than Czech and wish to practice medicine in the Czech Republic must mandatorily register with the Czech Medical Chamber (CMC). 

To register with the CMC, graduates need to deliver the documents mentioned below to a District office according to their residence or place of work. The documents required for registration with the CMC:

• Filled registration form
• Officially verified copy of the diploma/degree certificate
• Document issued by The Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic which will allow them to work as a physician in the Czech Republic.

To obtain this document from the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, you must prove the ability to communicate in the Czech language to the extent required for the performance of the profession of physician.

It is important to note that Czechian laws state that medical graduates or general practitioners cannot work without supervision. Enrolling in the Specialization Training Program allows graduates to practice independently. 

Conclusion 

Czechian universities offer medicine courses of 6 years duration culminating in a degree called Medicinae Universae Doctor – Doctor of Medicine. The most popular universities offering medical programs in the Czech Republic are Charles University, Masaryk University, Palacky University, and the University of Ostrava. It is quite affordable to study medicine in the Czech Republic as the average tuition fee is 15,000 USD per year. To know more about medical studies in the country, contact Gyanberry at Gynaberry.