Author: Hammad Ishaq
Last verified on: September 23, 2025

Overview

What this programme is and who runs it:

• It is a scholarship scheme run jointly by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (Ministerstvo školství, mládeže a tělovýchovy – MŠMT) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí – MZV) of the Czech Republic, with cooperation from the Ministry of Health. (msmt.gov.cz)

• The programme is part of Czechia’s Foreign Development Cooperation, intended to support students from developing countries to study in public higher education institutions (universities) in the Czech Republic. (msmt.gov.cz)

• Governed by Resolution no. 870 of the Czech Government (27 November 2024), and by the “Guidelines for Granting Scholarships of the Government of the Czech Republic” valid for the period 2025-2030. (msmt.gov.cz)

Purpose:

• To provide access to high-quality higher education to foreign nationals from developing (third) countries.

• To strengthen human capacity, foster cooperation, and contribute to development in those countries by enabling students to return with skills. (msmt.gov.cz)

Benefits / Funding

What the scholarship offers and what is / isn’t covered:

• Monthly stipend:

  • Students in follow-up Master’s programmes receive CZK 16,000/month. (msmt.gov.cz)

  • Doctoral scholars receive CZK 17,000/month. (msmt.gov.cz)

• Duration:

  • The scholarship covers the standard length of full-time study for the specific programme. That means the usual duration for Bachelor's, follow-up Master’s, or Doctoral studies at public universities. (msmt.gov.cz)

  • If studying in Czech language and requiring preparatory language course, a one-year preparatory programme may precede studies. (msmt.gov.cz)

• What is covered:

  • The stipend is intended to cover necessary costs of living, including accommodation, food, public transport under the same conditions as Czech students. (msmt.gov.cz)

  • Recognition of foreign education may be required (costs/translation/legalisation etc). (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• What is not covered (or only partially):

  • Travel costs to and from the Czech Republic are not generally covered by the Czech government; they may be borne by the nominating party or the candidate’s own funds. (msmt.gov.cz)

  • Health services beyond standard care may need to be paid by the student. (msmt.gov.cz)

• Tuition / fees:

  • Tuition at public universities for regular full-time programmes is covered, since these are public institutions. The scholarship supports study at public HEIs. (msmt.gov.cz)

• Other support:

  • Medical certificate, health‐insurance obligations, residence permit assistance as needed. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Eligibility

Who can apply, academic levels, fields, and ineligible cases:

• Citizenship / Residency:

  • Eligible: Citizens of selected developing countries. For 2026/2027, eligible countries include:

    • Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus (democratic forces), Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Jordan. (msmt.gov.cz)

  • Not eligible:

    • Citizens of the Czech Republic.

    • Citizens of the European Union.

    • Foreign nationals with a permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Age / status:

  • Must be at least 18 years old by 1 September of the year studies commence. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Academic level:

  • Preparatory studies (language) for those applying to programmes in Czech, if language proficiency is insufficient. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

  • Bachelor’s study programmes (for eligible countries / where offered).

  • Follow-up Master’s (i.e. Master’s degree following a completed Bachelor’s).

  • Doctoral programmes for those holding a Master’s degree. (msmt.gov.cz)

• Fields of study:

  • For Czech-language programmes, a list of selected study areas for each country is published; applicants must select from those. (msmt.gov.cz)

  • English-language study (follow-up Master’s or Doctoral) is only possible in selected programmes. The programme list is subject to the guidelines. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Other ineligibilities:

  • Those who already have permanent residence status in Czechia. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

  • Students already enrolled in a public university in Czechia at the time of deadline still may be eligible in some circumstances, but they have extra documentation requirements. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Timeline & Deadlines

Important dates and when things happen:

Institutional preselection:

• Some countries require pre-nomination or recommendation via their embassy or mission. Applicants may need to apply locally first. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

A guide to the application process:

1. Read Guidelines & Check Eligibility

   • Download the official “Guidelines for Granting Scholarships of the Government of the Czech Republic” (English version) and make sure your country, field, and academic level are eligible. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

2. Prepare Required Documents (see next section) early. Be ready to translate, legalize, gather certificates, motivation letters, etc.

3. Online Application Registration

   • Fill in the electronic application form via the official portal: registr.dzs.cz/registr.nsf. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

   • This must be done by 30 September 2025. (msmt.gov.cz)

4. Tests

   • General knowledge test (required for all applicants). (msmt.gov.cz)

   • If applying for an English-language programme, there will also be an online English test. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

5. Embassy / Local Mission Stage

   • After electronic submission, in many cases, the Czech embassy / mission in your country may conduct interviews or request additional documentation. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

6. Submit Printed / Equivalent Documents

   • Some documents must be submitted in printed (or legal copy) form to a Czech embassy, or to the Ministry, or both. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

7. Admission / University Acceptance

   • If you are applying to study in Czech language (without needing preparatory course), you may need to secure admission (or certificate of admission) from the Czech university. (msmt.gov.cz)

8. Accept the Scholarship Decision

   • If selected, you will receive a Decision from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. You must accept it formally (often by signature) for scholarship to begin. (msmt.gov.cz)

9. Visa / Residence Permit

   • Apply for long-term visa / residence permit for study. Use the Decision granting scholarship as proof of purpose of stay and that funds are sufficient. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Required Documents Checklist

Here are the documents you typically need:

• Completed electronic application form via the official portal. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• CV (academic/professional experience). (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Copy of passport (or proof of identity). (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Birth certificate (legalised copy plus translation). (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Academic transcripts and diplomas / certificates (secondary school for Bachelor’s; Bachelor’s for Master’s; Master’s for Doctorate). These must be recognized/validated in Czechia; include legalised translations. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Documents detailing content and scope of previous education (list of courses, grades, etc). (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Motivational (motivation) letter – stating your expectations, why you chose the programme and how it will benefit your country. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Declaration(s): Acceptance of terms & conditions, health services, return to country after study. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Medical certificate confirming fitness to study. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Proof of language skills: Czech (if applicable) or English (for English-taught programmes). Usually via test or certificate. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• If already in Czechia or already a student there, additional documents like proof of current enrollment, results so far. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look For

What determines whether your application will succeed:

• Academic merit: Grades / transcripts, consistency, relevance of previous studies.

• Fit with programme: Field of study must be among the selected for your country; justification in motivation letter how this aligns.

• Motivation and potential impact: How you intend to use the education for benefit of your home country; clarity in goals.

• Language ability: Czech or English proficiency as required; ability to handle instruction in the chosen language.

• Completeness & correctness of documents: All translations, legalisations, declarations, etc. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to disqualification. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Interview or tests performance: General knowledge test; English test if needed; sometimes local embassy interviews. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Timeliness: Submitting everything by the deadline; also meeting all preconditions (e.g. recognition of diplomas) in time.

Practical Tips to Strengthen an Application

Here are actionable tips to improve your chance:

• Start early: Legalisation and translation of documents take time; test preparation (especially English) should begin in advance.

• Check country-specific study area list: Because not all fields are open for all eligible countries, align your proposed field to what is available. Use the country’s specific list. (msmt.gov.cz)

• Strong motivation letter: Be specific about why you choose the Czech Republic, the programme, what you have done so far, and how you’ll apply your education at home.

• Prepare for tests well: General knowledge test and English test have weight; practice both.

• Proofread all documents: Ensure consistency of names, dates, spelling, translation errors.

• Get good references: Academic or professional referees who know your work.

• Secure admission early if required: Especially for Czech-language programmes; confirm your place where needed.

• Demonstrate your return plan: Scholarship requires you to affirm return to country after studies; show how your home country will benefit.

• Monitor official announcements: Some details or lists (fields, test dates) are published by embassies or the Ministry, sometimes specific to your country. Don’t rely only on third-party summary sites.

Official Links & Apply Now

• Official programme page (Government Scholarships - Developing Countries): msmt.gov.cz – Government Scholarships Developing Countries (https://msmt.gov.cz/eu-and-international-affairs/government-scholarships-developing-countries) (msmt.gov.cz)

• Guidelines PDF (English): “Guidelines for Granting Scholarships of the Government of the Czech Republic 2025-2030” (English version) via MŠMT / DZS. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Application portal (online registration): Registr DZS – scholarship application form (http://registr.dzs.cz/registr.nsf) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Apply now: Use the official registration/electronic application form at registr.dzs.cz/registr.nsf before the deadline (30 September 2025). (msmt.gov.cz)

FAQ

Q1. Can I apply if I’m already studying in Czechia?
A1. Yes, in certain cases. Applicants who are already regular students enrolled in an accredited programme at a public university in Czechia at the deadline may apply but must meet additional documentation requirements (proof of current enrollment, transcripts to date). They may have different submission procedures handled via embassies or directly. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Q2. Is there any requirement to return to home country after studies?
A2. Yes. As part of the terms, scholars must sign an affirmation to return to their country of origin after completing their studies (or scholarship period). This is a binding part of the scholarship conditions. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Q3. Can I switch university or programme after scholarship is granted?
A3. No. Once the scholarship is granted, neither the public higher education institution, study programme, nor the language of study may be changed. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Q4. Are tuition or application/registration fees covered?
A4. Tuition at public universities is covered under this scholarship (for eligible programmes). However, travel costs or application administrative fees may not always be included; students may need to cover certain costs themselves. (msmt.gov.cz)

Q5. What happens if I fail to complete studies in the standard period?
A5. If you exceed the regular length of study, or the period for which scholarship has been granted, you may lose the status of scholarship holder and payments may cease. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Note: Always double-check deadlines, eligibility country lists, and required documentation on the official programme page or Guidelines PDF, as these may be updated. The information above is accurate as of the last verification date but subject to change.