Practical Information
The PhD Study Affairs Office encourages and supports students by providing them with a range of services upon their arrival in Prague and during their studies at CERGE-EI. The PhD Study Affairs Office is the “go to” office for a wide range of information and advice, and offers a personal and open-minded approach to every student.
PhD Study Affairs Office
The PhD Study Affairs Office helps students with academic, practical and even personal issues. Our activities include admissions, financial support, assistance with visa and foreigner issues, assistance with nostrification of previous study results, and organization of the academic year.
PhD Study Affairs Office:
CERGE-EI, Office 314
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+420 224 005 161
Residence Permits / Visa
The PhD Study Affairs Office will guide students invited to the Preparatory semester or admitted to the PhD in Economics program 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.
Visa applications may be submitted at the Czech consulate (when applying from abroad) or the respective branch of the Department for Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic (when prolonging your visa in the Czech Republic).
Detailed and up-to-date information about visa matters may be found at the web page of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic:
http://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/information_for_aliens/index.html
http://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/immigration.aspx
Medical Insurance
Students who are admitted to the PhD in Economics program are enrolled in a CERGE-EI group policy (comprehensive care insurance).The PhD Study Affairs Office will provide more information after admission to the program.
Preparatory Semester students must arrange medical insurance from their home country for their stay in the Czech Republic (see more details at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs webpage, or contact your nearest Czech consulate).The PhD Study Affairs Office can provide more detailed information.
Accommodation
CERGE-EI students may apply for accommodation in the Charles University dormitories, which are generally located in the suburbs (about 45 minutes from CERGE-EI by public transport). Cost is approximately 3,000 CZK per month for a bed in a double room.
Dormitory places are booked by CERGE-EI for first-year students who indicate their interest on the application form. Second, third, and fourth-year students apply for dormitory places individually through the Charles University booking system each year. Accommodation for students invited to the Preparatory Semester is arranged by the PhD Study Affairs Office.
Most PhD students live in Hostivař dormitory.
Prices for private accommodation in Prague vary greatly depending on quality and location. Most advanced CERGE-EI students, however, have been able to find convenient flats within their budgets. First-year students are advised to opt for the dormitory, as CERGE-EI cannot assist students with renting private apartments.
| Type of accommodation | Prices |
| Dormitory / Shared room | 2,500-3,000 CZK per month |
| Dormitory / Single room | 3,500 – 6,000 CZK per month |
| Studio apartment | 10,000 -15,000 CZK per month |
| Shared apartment (3 people or more) | 5,000 – 9,000 CZK per month / person |
Public Transport in Prague
Prague’s public transport system is said to be one of the best in Europe. The metro, trams and buses cover the majority of the city and its suburbs. A monthly pass costs around 550 CZK (260 CZK for students up to 26 years of age). Find more details here.
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 Union cities such as Moscow. Prices are, however, higher than in less central Eastern European cities. Personal standards may vary, but a CERGE-EI stipend should allow you to cover all necessary costs including housing, food, transportation and reasonable incidental expenses.
Useful links:
Learn more about the life in the Czech Republic: http://www.czech.cz/en/Discover-CZ
Learn more about Prague: http://www.praha.eu/jnp/en/home/index.html
Local maps: www.mapy.cz
Czech language: http://www.locallingo.com/
