IT education in the Czech Republic and admission to programming
You can enter an IT specialty and study programming in the Czech Republic after school or college. Requirements for applicants depend on the chosen university, specialization, and program: in some places, the main focus is on mathematics, while in others, computer science knowledge is tested. Also, to study in a Czech or English course, it is necessary to confirm language proficiency. To choose a suitable IT faculty, it is important to compare curricula and preparation requirements in advance.
Which IT fields and universities to choose in the Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, there are about 70 universities, 26 of which are public. It is they who provide free education in the Czech language both to citizens of the country and to foreign students. More than 6 public universities have programs in cybernetics. Among Czech IT universities, the most popular are the Czech Technical University in Prague, Masaryk University in Brno, and Charles University at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics.
What IT fields can be studied
When choosing IT education, you can choose between computer science, software engineering, and related fields.
Computer science studies programming, algorithms, data structures, mathematics, and the principles of computer systems. For example, at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University, there is a Computer Science program where students study algorithms, programming, and the structure of computers.
Software engineering focuses on the creation of software products. It teaches how to write code, design applications, test programs, and provide their support. At the IT Faculty of the Czech Technical University in Prague (FIT ČVUT), students can choose the Software Engineering specialization as part of the Bachelor's program in Informatics.
Related fields include cybersecurity, data analysis, computer networks, and bioinformatics. All these fields are represented in the programs of the Faculty of Informatics at Masaryk University in Brno.
It is important to understand: education in IT universities in the Czech Republic is not IT courses. In courses, one usually learns a specific skill or tool. A university program provides a broad technical foundation and knowledge.
How to compare faculties
To compare IT universities in the Czech Republic, it is important to look at the program content, the language of instruction, and the admission requirements. For example, at one university you can study general computer science and choose a specialization later, while at another you can directly enroll in cybersecurity or software development. Below is a comparison of undergraduate programs.
| Faculty | Program | City | Language | Term | Disciplines | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Czech Technical University (ČVUT), FIT | Computer Science (Informatika) | Prague | Czech or English | 3 years | Programming, algorithms, software development, information security, networks, and computer systems | For the 2027/2028 intake: Mathematics exam or SCIO test; for the English program, confirmation of English B2 |
| Charles University, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics | Computer Science | Prague | English | 3 years | Mathematics, algorithms, data structures, programming, databases; specialization in AI or databases and web technologies | For the 2027/2028 intake: Certificate, proof of English, and fulfillment of requirements for mathematical preparation |
| Masaryk University, Faculty of Informatics | Informatics; programming and development; cybersecurity; bioinformatics | Brno | Czech | 3 years | Algorithms, programming, discrete mathematics, computer systems; depending on the program — information security or analysis of biological data | For the 2027/2028 intake: TSP entrance test. Exemptions from it are granted if the established conditions are met. |
How to enroll in an IT specialty
To get an IT education in the Czech Republic, you need to choose a university and a program, after which you should check the admission requirements, prepare the documents, prove your language proficiency, and, if required by the faculty, pass entrance exams. The admission procedure depends on the specific university, program, and language of instruction, so it is better to start preparing in advance.
What is required for admission
To study in the Czech Republic, the applicant needs:
- To have documents of complete secondary education
- Nostrification. A foreign certificate must undergo recognition in the Czech Republic through nostrification
- Confirm language proficiency. Usually a certificate or other document confirming the required level of language proficiency is required.
- Prepare the documents provided for by the faculty you plan to apply to
- Submit an application for admission. Follow the deadlines set by the university and do not forget to pay the registration fee.
- Prepare for the entrance tests. Depending on the program, they may test knowledge of mathematics, computer science, logical thinking, and other subjects.
Check the possibility of being exempt from exams. Some faculties take into account the results of olympiads and final exams. For example, at FIT ČVUT for admission to the 'Computer Science' program in 2027/2028, a mathematics exam is scheduled. But you can get an exemption if you scored at least 75% on the Czech extended final mathematics exam CERMAT, obtained an IQ result of 130 on the Mensa test, or were among the top 10% of participants in the SCIO testing. Results of specialized olympiads and competitions are also taken into account.
Do you need to know programming in advance
For admission to IT programs in the Czech Republic, it is not necessary to know programming in advance. University programs teach languages, development principles, and working with algorithms from scratch. However, mathematical training, logical thinking, and the willingness to independently figure out tasks are necessary.
It is important to distinguish two points: admission requirements and preparation for study. In the first case, knowledge of programming languages is not considered during selection. Once you are admitted to the university, development experience and knowledge of languages such as Python or C will help you adapt more quickly to classes and practical assignments.
For example, at FIT ČVUT for the bachelor's program Informatika in the 2027/2028 intake, the main entrance test is the mathematics exam. Knowledge of programming languages is not listed as a mandatory admission requirement.
What IT programs teach
The curriculum for IT specialties depends on the chosen faculty and specialization. The first courses are usually devoted to the following knowledge:
- Studying programming languages, principles of writing and testing code
- Mathematics. Linear algebra, mathematical analysis, probability theory
- Algorithms and Data Structures
- Databases. Designing information storage systems, working with SQL
- Computer networks, operating systems, study of network protocols
- Information Security. Fundamentals of Data Protection.
In the senior years, there are more opportunities to choose courses according to interests. After graduation, graduates can work as programmers, software developers, system administrators, information security specialists, data analysts, or continue their studies in a master's program.
How to prepare and calculate expenses
It is better to start preparing for admission to IT programs in the Czech Republic by studying the Czech language and reviewing mathematics. Knowledge of programming can be acquired in parallel, but it is not mandatory for admission.
For preparation for admission, Medstudy has a program 'IT and Technical Specialties.' It is designed for an academic year, includes 1020 academic hours, and is available in both online and offline formats in Prague. As of November 2026, the cost of the program on promotion is 4700 euros instead of 5900 euros. View the program and payment terms.
It is important to take into account that this is the cost of the Medstudy preparatory course. In public universities in the Czech Republic, programs in the Czech language are free for students regardless of nationality. Additionally, expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, and documentation processing need to be considered.
FAQ
Is it possible to enroll without programming experience?
Yes. IT programs are designed for applicants without development experience.
Is mathematics necessary?
Yes. For example, FIT ČVUT conducts an entrance exam in mathematics.
How does computer science differ from software engineering?
Informatics studies algorithms, programming, and the structure of computer systems. Software engineering is focused on the creation of software: design, development, and maintenance of applications.
What language requirements apply?
They depend on the program. For the English-language Computer Science program at Charles University and the FIT ČVUT program, English at the B2 level is required.
Is it possible to study in Czech without paying tuition?
Yes. In public universities in the Czech Republic, education in programs in the Czech language is free for students regardless of citizenship.
How to choose a faculty according to the curriculum? Name the subjects and projects that should be compared.
If you are interested in application development, pay attention to software engineering. If you want to study algorithms, artificial intelligence, and computer systems, consider computer science programs.
