Practical Information
Visa
The MAE Study and Support office will guide you through each step of the visa application process. Since getting a student visa can be time-consuming, we provide personalized assistance in obtaining a visa. CERGE-EI has long 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.
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 university dorm room at subsidized prices. The dormitories are generally located outside the city center (30–45 minutes from CERGE-EI by public transport). Prices depend on the dorm and number of people sharing 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 per person |
Dormitory / Singe 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) as of September 2012:
1 EUR = 24.9 CZK |
1 USD = 19.3 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 |
Tube of toothpaste | 45 CZK |
Hair shampoo | 80 CZK / 200 ml |
Mobile phone services | 500 CZK / month |
Cinema ticket | 40-200 CZK |
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 city center and suburbs. A monthly pass costs around 550 CZK (260 CZK for students up to 26 years of age). More details here.