MAE – How to Apply
CERGE-EI Graduation Ceremony in room 7
How to apply
We are currently accepting applications on a rolling basis.
Read the application instructions before applying!
View the MAE Application Instructions.
Access the MAE Online Application.
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 are required 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 are required to provide contacts to two recommenders. You need to agree with these references so they expect to hear from us to get the recommendation.
You can apply at any time, but we encourage you to apply as early as possible. 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 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.
When you are accepted to the program, you will receive 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.
If you want an "American" style of teaching and learning in Economics and wish to study in English at a high level in order to obtain a U.S. degree MAE program is the best choice for you!. Within one year of study you will get a Masters in Applied Economics degree and a great job in economics.
English
The MAE program expects at least intermediate-level proficiency in English.
We usually do not ask for further proof of a student's English proficiency if the applicant has the following standardized English-language exam score, or better:
TOEFL paper-based exam: 570
TOEFL computer-based exam: 230
TOEFL internet-based exam: 88
IELTS: 6.5.
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. Such a Skype interview might be required if you don't have much formal evidence of your English-language ability in your application package.
You are not required to have an exam score to apply, but we strongly encourage you to report your score even if it is below the scores shown above.
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 MAE Application Instructions.
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, you should be an advanced user 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. If you need a visa, the deadline is March 31st.
- 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
When you are accepted to the program, you receive an exact individual offer for type of admission and tuition level. Soon after receiving your admissions offer, you will need to make a tuition deposit payment to confirm your place in the program.
After you make your tuition deposit payment, we will start working with you to apply for a long-term visa for your stay in the Czech Republic. You need to apply for the visa by April at the latest.
If you will attend the Preparatory Semester in Prague, you need to apply for a short-term visa in May or June.
You then attend the Preparatory Semester, either on-line or in Prague, in July and August. You must make the Preparatory Semester Fee payment by the beginning of July.
During the Preparatory Semester, MAE staff will assist you in finding appropriate housing for your stay in Prague.
By August, you should be able to pick up your long-term visa from your embassy or consulate. If you take the Preparatory Semester in Prague, you need to return home to pick up the visa.
In early September, you should travel to Prague to get settled in before the program starts in mid-September. MAE staff will pick you up at the airport, make sure you are comfortable in your housing situation, and provide all the practical support you need to make a smooth transition to living in Prague.
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