FAQ
If you don't find your question answered here, do not hesitate to email mae@cerge-ei.cz.
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Program Structure
Admissions and Application
Tuition, Fees, Scholarships, and Financing
Support Services
Program Structure
What is the structure of the courses in the MAE program?
What courses will I take in the MAE program? How many courses do I have to take?
How long is the MAE program? How many semesters are there?
If a student studies full time, the duration of the program is 12 months, which includes the Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters. During this time students take 5 required courses (Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory, Quantitative Methods 1 and Quantitative Methods 2, and the Project Seminar), 3 required Applied English Skills courses, and 5 elective courses.
The Fall Semester includes courses in Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, the first of a two-course Quantitative Methods series and the first course in the three-course Applied English Skills series.
During the Spring Semester students finish the two-part Quantitative Methods series and continue with the second Applied English Skills course. In addition, students enroll in three electives of their choice, usually directed towards a certain specialization. Typically a wide variety of electives is offered each Spring Semester. However, the electives offered can vary from semester to semester. The offer also depends on student interest and enrollment.
In the Summer Semester, students take another two required courses, which include the Project Seminar and the last of the Applied English Skills series, and two electives, again towards a specialization. During the Project Seminar, students will get guidance for completing the capstone Project, which is a substantial piece of academic writing.
Does the MAE program require full time attendance?
Can I study part-time?
Can I take an interruption or break during my studies? If I do this, do I have to stay in Prague?
It depends on the semester. During the Fall Semester (which contains the basis of the Applied Economics degree) all students are required to take the same set of four courses and must attend all of them at one time. This means that full-time study is required in the Fall Semester.
Unlike the Fall semester, the Spring and Summer Semesters can be attended on a per-course basis if desired. That is, part-time study is allowed after the Fall Semester is completed. Students can take as many or as few courses as they want during each semester. Students choosing to study part-time have a more complicated study plan, and have to pay more attention to completing the program correctly.
First, studying part-time obviously extends the time to complete the program to over 12 months. Students have to finish the program within 4 calendar years of enrolling in September or your paid tuition is forfeit and your student status will be revoked.
Second, because certain courses are offered only during certain semesters, students should think ahead about course selection when enrolling on a per-course basis. For example, if a student decides to take only two electives in the Spring Semester, to complete the degree, the student will have to enroll in Quantitative Methods 2 and Applied English Skills 2, which are only offered in the Spring Semester. So that student would have to wait at least until the next Spring Semester to take these courses and finish the program.
If you do decide to study part-time after the Fall Semester, you do not pay any extra tuition. That is, tuition is the same for full- and part-time study. If you decide to take no courses in a semester, a minimal administrative fee is charged.
An “interruption” is simply when a student decides not to take any courses in a semester. This incurs the administrative fee mentioned above. If a student is not taking any courses, that student is not required to be in Prague during that semester.
Are there possibilities for writing a Masters thesis during the MAE program?
Is a thesis required to graduate?
Can I write the thesis in the 12-month program? When should I write the thesis?
If I do a Thesis, do I have to stay in Prague?
A thesis is not required for gaining the MAE degree and is not part of the degree program.
However, a student can decide to do a Thesis, and in this case we offer full faculty support. The requirements and procedure for completing the Thesis are agreed upon for each student’s individual needs. The student will need to have a faculty supervisor, and the Program Director has to approve the study plan. In addition to the diploma for the MAE degree, the student who completes a Thesis successfully receives a certificate for the Thesis and the Thesis is included in the student’s transcript.
The fee for completing a Thesis is usually 1500 Euro. This fee pays for the increased faculty attention to the individual student and added administration costs.
Students most often do the Thesis after finishing the rest of the MAE study program. It is very unlikely that students will be able to study full-time and complete the Thesis within the 12-month study schedule.
Students do not have to be present in Prague when writing the Thesis, although being here is beneficial for faculty supervision. Students have to be present for a Thesis Defense at the end of the process.
Should I complete the Project Seminar and write the Project if I do my thesis?
Yes. All student must write the Project by the end of the Project Seminar course. The Project is required for graduation. However, the Project can serve as a basis or draft of the Thesis. The Project and the Thesis can be closely linked.
I am from a English-speaking country. Will I need to attend English classes?
Yes. These classes are useful even for native speakers. Our English Department teaches academic writing, presentation skills, and other skills related to academic and professional success. They help you not only use the correct language in the professional world after graduation, but also guide you to think in the ways that the international academic and professional world expects. You can appeal to the Program Director to be exempted from these courses, but being exempted will not reduce your tuition, and the courses can only benefit your professional growth and success.
What are the advantages of the MAE program versus other European master programs?
· The MAE program is the only Applied Economics graduate program in Europe with a U.S. charter. A “charter” is a higher-quality certification than the more typical “accreditation”.
· Many European programs are 1.5 or 2 years long.
· Many European programs have much higher tuition. For example some programs have a similar “yearly” tuition as the MAE program, but you have to pay that tuition for two years instead of one.
· CERGE-EI has a uniquely qualified English Department, and the required English training your receive in the MAE program is far superior to any other European program, including programs in native-speaking countries. In fact such programs usually have no English-language or professional-language instruction at all.
· CERGE-EI is not only in Prague, but has a beautiful historical building in the center of Prague that is available to students 24 hours a day.
· Prague is a very comfortable and safe place to live. The city is certainly “developed”, with all kinds of cultural, sport, and entertainment options available. It is also cosmopolitan, with people from all over the world daily walking its streets. But it is also a very affordable place to live.
· The program includes not only an MA degree in Applied Economics, but also a Specialization that will be interesting to employers in that field.
· It is run as a “private” university program, and not a state university program. Mainly this means we are much more interested in satisfying our students as valuable clients/customers as well as students. Here you will be treated as a person, not a number.
· CERGE-EI has a long tradition of excellence in education, Economic research, and handling the needs of foreign students in Prague. CERGE-EI is the premier school of Economics in Central Europe and competes with Western European Economics departments.
Admissions and Application
What kind of academic background is required for the MAE program?
Background in Mathematics and economics is needed for applying for the MAE program. However, if you don’t have any or your background is not strong enough you will be required to attend the Preparatory Semester which will help you to prepare for the entrance exam and succeed in the MAE program.
Also note that at least Bachelor-level degree is needed for applying for the program.
What is the language of the program?
Entire program is in English and you don’t need to know any other language.
What is the deadline for applications?
The application deadline is March 31st 2011.
If I apply earlier will I know the final admission decision earlier?
No, the final decision is made only after considering all applications which met the deadline.
What do I need to do in order to apply for the MAE program?
You need to do the following:
1) Agree with two recommenders to provide references, and to do so promptly.
2) Mail translations and photocopies of diplomas and transcripts so they arrive at
CERGE-EI in Prague by March 31st.
3) Fill out the on-line application form completely and accurately and submit it before
March 31st.
4) Email scanned versions of diplomas, transcripts, translations, and exam score
reports to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it before March 31st.
5) Respond to all emails and contacts from the MAE program throughout the
admissions process.
Complete application instructions are available at the Admissions page.
What does the requirement to provide a “government-certified translation” of diplomas and transcripts mean?
This means that if your transcripts and/or diplomas are not in English, you need to have them translated. Most translation agencies will offer either general translations, or translations done by a translator who is certified by the national government. We require that the translation is done by the certified translator. Ask a local translation agency and they should be able to explain the difference to you.
Do I need to send official diplomas and transcripts in my native language?
Yes. You must submit both the photocopies of original (native) language records and official English translations. If your original documents are in English, there is no need for a translation.
Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS if I didn’t do this before?
If you have taken such a test, we require that you report your score. However, it is not obligatory for application that you have taken an exam.
However, it will be beneficial for you to take TOEFL or IELTS since the exam score is the best way to show us that your English is good. If you don’t have an exam score, we still do consider your overall application. Without the exam score, we will consider your likely English ability based on the application and depending on the case we might require you to attend a Skype interview or some other way to gather more information about your English ability. It is also possible that you would be required to attend the Preparatory Semester in English to be considered for admission without an exam score.
You do not need to take both exams. One exam or the other is sufficient.
Can I take my TOEFL / IELTS exam after the deadline for the application?
You can, but note that information might come too late to be considered in admissions. Thus if you decided to take an exam, try to report the results as soon as it is possible.
What TOEFL / IELTS score is acceptable in the MAE program?
The MAE program expects at least intermediate-level proficiency in English. Each application is considered on an individual basis and the following scores are not an acceptable minimum but rather guidelines:
· TOEFL paper-based exam: 570
· TOEFL computer-based exam: 230
· TOEFL internet-based exam: 88
· IELTS: 6.5.
If a student has English-language ability significantly lower than these scores, it is likely they he/she will have a problem studying at the Masters level entirely in English. We do not want to admit students, even if they will pay tuition, if they are not prepared to successfully graduate from the program in 12 months’ time.
The Preparatory Semester in English might be required for some students. For these students, this course will help to prepare for the rigorous American-style learning in English that characterizes the MAE program.
I didn’t take TOEFL / IELTS exam but my education was in English. Should I take the exam?
In any case it will be beneficial for you to take TOEFL or IELTS since the exam score is the best way to show us that your English is good. However if you don’t have an exam score we still do consider your overall application. We suggest that in your application you detail the University where you studied in English and for how long. In an email you can describe your English ability, too. Without the exam score, we will consider your likely English ability based on the application and depending on the case we might require you to attend a Skype interview or some other way to gather more information about your English ability. It is also possible that you would be required to attend the Preparatory Semester in English to be considered for admission without an exam score.
What is your institution code for the TOEFL test?
Our TOEFL code is 7351.
What if I have only one recommendation?
The application package should be complete, so you should try to meet all application requirements. If you will not be able to submit the complete package of documents we may still consider your application. Write us an email explaining the situation and the Program Director will decide if your application can be considered with only one reference.
Do I have to submit a project or research proposal alongside my application?
No, you are not required to submit a project or research proposal alongside your application.
Will you inform me when you receive my application and if it is incomplete?
Yes, you will get a confirmation e-mail upon receipt of your application. If your application is not complete we will contact you. Please be sure to respond to all our requests for information to make sure your application is complete so you have the best chance of getting the best admissions offer you deserve.
What kind of applicant is the faculty looking for?
We are looking for intelligent, hardworking and highly motivated students who desire a challenging, well-paid analytical job or a mid-career employee who wants to increase his or her skills. Of course it is preferable if the applicant has a background in Economics, but this is not a criterion for not being admitted. We are also looking for applicants who have English-language ability high enough to graduate from the program successfully in 12 months. In general we feel that students can learn the content of the course (the Economics courses) more quickly than they can raise their level of English ability. So we are more likely to accept students who have good English and relatively weak preparation to study Economics than vice versa.
Tuition, Fees, Scholarships, and Financing
How much is the application fee and what is the method of payment?
The application fee is 150 Euro and is paid only if the applicant is accepted to the program. The fee is waived if the applicant has a recruiter code on her or his application or if no recruiter was operating in the applicant’s region. We can accept a variety of methods of payment: bank transfer, credit card, wire transfer, etc. Each admitted student will be contacted to agree on the particular method of payment of tuition. The application fee will therefore be paid in August/September, not at the time of application.
How much does the program cost? Do you offer any discount?
The standard tuition fee for the complete MAE program (all 12 months, all courses) is 12,000 Euro. However, CERGE-EI offers a rather generous discount for particular students. A tuition discount will be given to students from developing or transition countries. A typical tuition level for such students is 8000 Euro. However, your tuition might be even lower since we offer a particular admissions package to each applicant being accepted, so there is no one standard tuition level.
Also CERGE-EI offers a scholarship of up to 50% of tuition. The criterion for the scholarship is the student’s previous academic performance and only exceptionally well-prepared applicants will get it. The scholarship is considered on an individual basis after we receive all applications.
Do you offer a scholarship?
Yes, CERGE-EI offers a scholarship of up to 50% of tuition. The criterion for the scholarship is the student’s previous academic performance and only exceptionally well-prepared applicants will get it. The scholarship is considered on an individual basis after we receive all applications. The number of scholarships granted depends on the budget situation and the applicant pool, but generally only a few scholarships will be granted each year.
Except for giving a tuition discount and scholarship we also can help you with whatever loans or aid you have access to, but unfortunately we do not administer any other grants or loans ourselves.
I will apply only if I get a scholarship. Can you evaluate my chances of getting the scholarship?
Unfortunately, no. These scholarships are considered on an individual basis after we receive all applications. We can't assess your chances at getting a scholarship before the application deadline. In any case, we strongly encourage you to apply and make your decision based on the admissions package you are offered.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
To apply for the scholarship, when you submit your application by emailing a letter describing why you should gain the scholarship. The letter should be two pages maximum. Remember that academic merit is the criterion for awarding the scholarship.
Support Services
Do you provide any support in finding an accommodation?
Yes, MAE staff will provide complete support in finding accommodation for your stay in Prague while you are an MAE student. Normally students will stay in a hotel for the first week when they arrive. During that time MAE staff will help students find an apartment and sign a lease with a landlord. We provide accommodation assistance by suggesting certain landlords and apartments, dealing with landlords and others who do not speak English or your language, and advising you as to the good and bad things about anyparticular apartment, knowing the local accommodation market. MAE staff will also indicate to you facilities near your initial accommodation, such as restaurants, grocery stores, drug stores, etc. Moreover, we will inform you about other MAE students staying nearby and potentially introduce you to them. If you wish, we can give you a quick tour of your neighborhood and of some of Prague's sights.
Do you provide any support in finding a part-time job?
CERGE-EI is willing to provide any kind of support that may facilitate the students stay in Prague during the academic year. It is our responsibility to assist students in finding accommodation with acceptable conditions for them. Obviously, all students need accommodation.
Students can also receive basic assistance in finding part-time jobs, although we don’t take this as such an important responsibility as something like accommodation. However the job market in the Czech Republic is as competitive as elsewhere in Europe and CERGE-EI does not have any influence on the decisions made by private companies regarding job offers. Language and culture can also be a barrier to getting a job in Prague. We are happy to help you find and obtain a job, but we do not guarantee that you’ll find a job nor can your part-time work affect your studies.
