Practical Information
Visa
The MAE program will guide you through each step of the visa application process. Since getting a student visa can be a difficult process, we provide personalized assistance in obtaining a visa. CERGE-EI has a lot of experience negotiating with officials and guiding students through both the official procedure and the unwritten realities of obtaining a visa. Please be diligent in keeping in close communication with the MAE program about your visa application.
If you plan on bringing family members to Prague with you, we will help them obtain visas as well. However, since family members are not MAE students, we cannot guarantee they will receive a visa, or make admission/enrollment conditional on family members getting visas.
Very soon after you receive your admissions offer, MAE staff will be in contact with you about applying for your visa. Contact the program if you have any questions or concerns about the visa procedure.
Accommodation
MAE students have the right to a Charles University dorm room at subsidized prices. The dormitories are generally located outside of the center of the city (30–45 minutes from CERGE-EI by public transport). Prices depend on the dorm and number of people in the room.
Prices for private accommodation in Prague vary greatly depending on quality and location. CERGE-EI will assist you with finding a flat to rent, according to your preferences.
Type of accommodation Prices
Dormitory / Shared room 2500–3000 CZK per month
Dormitory / Single room 3500–6000 CZK per month
Studio apartment 10000–15000 CZK per month
Shared apartment (3 people or more) 5000–9000 CZK per month per person
Living Expenses
Prague is a moderate city in terms of living expenses. It is much less expensive than Western European cities such as London or Paris or larger former Soviet cities such as Moscow. Prices are, however, higher than in Eastern European cities such as Kiev or Central Asian cities such as Tashkent. Of course, how much you spend on living essentials also depends on your personal standards, and Prague offers a wide range of spending options.
Exchange rate of Czech Crowns (CZK), valid for February 2012:
1 EUR = 25 CZK
1 USD = 18,5 CZK
Sample items Prices
Mineral water 15 CZK / 1.5 liter
Loaf of Bread 10 CZK
Milk 20 CZK / 1 liter
Eggs 20 CZK / 10
Whole chicken 75 CZK
Apples 30 CZK / 1 kg
Chocolate, bar 25 CZK
Beer (0.5 liter) in a pub 35 CZK
Meal in a restaurant 150 CZK
Combo meal in fast food restaurant 100 CZK
Toothpaste, tube 45 CZK
Hair shampoo 80 CZK / 200 ml
Mobile phone services 500 CZK / month
Cinema ticket 40-200 CZK
Public Transport in Prague
Public transport in Prague is said to be one of the best systems in Europe. The metro, trams and buses cover the majority of the center of the city and the outlying areas. A monthly pass costs around 550 CZK (260 CZK for students up to 26 years of age). Find more details here.
