Admissions
CERGE-EI Graduation Ceremony
How to apply
We are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis. Apply at any time, but apply as early as possible.
Read the application instructions before applying!
View the MAE application instructions.
Access the MAE on-line application form.
Two main practical concerns make it better to apply early: getting a visa and the Preparatory Semester.
Depending on your country of citizenship and residence, getting a visa can take several months. For example, if you are an EU citizen, you can generally apply later since the visa process will be quicker.
Most students attend the summer Preparatory Semester in July and August. These are on-line courses, but to attend you need to apply and allow time for us to process your application. If you can't attend the Preparatory Semester because you applied after or during the Preparatory Semester, you might be less prepared for the program in the Fall.
Mostly, the application asks for your contact and study information. There are two main things that might take more time to prepare for the application:
- You need to mail original certified English translations of transcripts and diplomas, so you need to get them translated and have an original copy to send to us.
- You need to provide contacts to two academic recommenders. You need to agree with these references so they expect to hear from us to get the recommendation.
If and when the applicant is accepted to the program, she or he receives an exact offer for type of admission, tuition level, and payment plan. We take an individual approach to admissions and tuition.
For scholarship application information, see Tuition & Fees.
Admissions standards
Previous education in Economics is welcomed, though not required.
The program is attractive for students of Economics who want to further their qualifications and students with degrees in other fields who want a career change. See Careers for more information on jobs in economics the MAE helps you obtain.
Applicants to the MAE program must hold at least a Bachelors degree.
Applicants with Masters-level degrees are welcome to apply. The program is certainly appropriate for many Masters-degree holders.
CERGE-EI does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.
We consider all applications on an individual basis.
Students should want an "American" style of teaching and learning in Economics and want to study in English at a high level. Of course, they should also want a U.S. degree. They should want a Masters in Applied Economics within one year of study and to get great jobs in economics.
English
The MAE program expects at least intermediate-level proficiency in English.
Students are usually allowed to begin the program in September without attending the Preparatory Semester in the summer if they have the following standardized English-language exam scores, or better:
TOEFL paper-based exam: 570
TOEFL computer-based exam: 230
TOEFL internet-based exam: 88
IELTS: 6.5.
However, these scores are only guidelines and each application is considered on an individual basis. If you have English-language ability close to these scores, the MAE program might also ask you to participate in a short Skype exam to further assess your ability.
You are not required to have an exam score to apply.
No matter what score you have on English-language exams, you should report those scores on your application and send scanned versions of the score reports as described in the application instructions on the Admissions page.
The working language of CERGE-EI, and the MAE program, is English. You will study in English for all credit courses from the very first day of classes in September.
The MAE program includes Applied English Skills courses. These courses are beneficial also for native speakers. They prepare you to operate fluently in professional positions in English after graduation.
By the end of the program, all students should be advanced users of professional English.
Mathematics
Economics is a mathematics-intensive field and some knowledge of higher-level math is needed to begin the program.
Students who have completed a bachelors degree in Economics or a technical field that includes math courses will most likely be well prepared for the MAE program.
Instruction in math is part of the Preparatory Semester in Economics and for promising students extra tutoring in math is available during the MAE program.
Generally, it is easier to increase your Mathematics ability quickly to succeed in the program than it is to increase your English ability.
Timeline
- Application deadline: accepted anytime, but apply as early as possible.
- Preparatory Semester: beginning of July to end of August
- Beginning of the MAE program: mid-September when the Fall Semester begins.
- End of MAE program: the following August when studying full-time for the whole program.
After applying
Click here for the step-by-step Arrival Guide.
When the applicant is accepted to the program, she or he receives an exact offer for type of admission and tuition level.
Applicants who are accepted might be required to attend either the Preparatory Semester in Economics or the Preparatory Semester in English, or both, or neither. These might be offered in on-line or in-person format.
See the Arrival Guide for a description of the study visa application procedure and information on the practical support the MAE program offers.
Full support in getting a study visa, finding housing, and other technical matters is provided for all students and applicants attending the Preparatory Semester and/or the MAE program. CERGE-EI MAE staff will be in touch with each student soon after the application is submitted to offer support.
CERGE-EI has many years of experience solving the particular concerns of foreign students in Prague.
Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any visa-related questions.
