Living in Prague

Starting a PhD is a significant step, often involving relocation and adjustments to a new environment. The information below is designed to help you plan and settle in quickly, so you can focus on your research and academic development.

A Safe and Student-Friendly City

Prague is one of Europe’s safest capitals, with low crime rates and a strong international community. English is widely spoken in academic and professional settings, and the city’s cultural and intellectual life is accessible to newcomers.

Cost of Living

Prague offers a high quality of life at a moderate cost compared to other European capitals. Typical monthly expenses for students range from CZK 18,000–25,000, including housing, food, and transportation. For detailed information, see Study in Czechia.

Housing Options

  • Charles University Dormitories: Affordable shared accommodation (approx. CZK 4,500/month) located about 30 minutes from CERGE-EI by public transport. First-year students are assisted with placement; from the second year onward, applications are made directly via Charles University Dormitories.
  • Private Accommodation: Available at higher cost, varying by size and location. First-year students are encouraged to use dormitories to simplify the transition. CERGE-EI cannot, unfortunately, provide help with finding private accommodation.

Transportation

Prague has an efficient public transport network (metro, tram, and bus) covering the entire city. Students under 26 receive substantial discounts; those over 26 receive partial reimbursement for passes through CERGE-EI.

Healthcare and Insurance

Public healthcare in the Czech Republic is high-quality and widely accessible, with small co-payments for visits and prescriptions. Full-time students in their first four years receive comprehensive health insurance arranged by CERGE-EI.

Well-being and Counselling

CERGE-EI reimburses counselling and therapy costs on a sliding scale (up to CZK 3,000/month). Students may choose independent therapists, including English-speaking providers listed at terap.io.

Student Life and Culture

Prague offers a vibrant cultural scene, with discounts available for students at theaters, museums, and concerts. CERGE-EI partially reimburses the MultiSport card, which provides access to gyms and sports facilities across the city.

Travel Opportunities

Prague’s central European location makes it easy to travel to major cities such as Vienna, Berlin, Krakow, and Budapest by train or bus. The city’s airport offers direct connections to many European and global destinations.

Support Services

CERGE-EI provides ongoing assistance through the Study Affairs Office, including help with visas, housing, healthcare, and orientation. This ensures you can focus on academic and professional goals without unnecessary administrative distractions.

Visa and Residence Permits

With a small student body, we provide admitted foreign students with step-by-step guidance on visas, residence permits, and related paperwork.

Apply at a Czech consulate abroad, or—if extending your stay—at the Department for Asylum and Migration Policy of the Ministry of the Interior.

Full details are on the Ministry of the Interior website.