Financial Support

PhD students receive a monthly financial support during their first four years:

  • CZK 25,000–30,000 (~€925–1,110)

Additional funding may be available in later years to support timely completion of the PhD defense.

CERGE‑EI provides student financial support tailored to Prague’s affordable cost of living, allowing students to focus on research without financial stress. The financial support is intended to cover essential living expenses in Prague (it is not designed to support a family) and is paid monthly in Czech crowns.

Fellowships and Scholarships

  • First-Year Excellence Fellowship
    Up to three exceptional incoming students receive an additional CZK 4,000/month (~€150) on top of their regular stipend during the first academic year.
  • Second-Year Research Fellowship
    Supports students transitioning from coursework to dissertation research. Each spring, eligible students compete for merit-based prizes of up to CZK 55,000 (~€2,000).
  • Visegrad Scholarship Program
    PhD applicants from selected countries may independently apply for additional funding through this program. Eligible students come from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine.

Additional Benefits

  • Accommodation Stipend
    Some PhD students are eligible to apply for an accommodation stipend to help offset living costs. Students also have access to Charles University dormitories, which are significantly cheaper than commercial rates.
  • Comprehensive Medical Insurance and Mental Health Services
    CERGE-EI provides mandatory medical insurance for full-time students in their first five years, meeting residence permit requirements.
  • Public Transport Pass
    CERGE-EI partially reimburses the cost of the Prague public transport pass for PhD students over 26 years old; younger students benefit from lower rates.
  • MultiSport Card
    The program partially reimburses the cost of the MultiSport card, giving students access to sports and fitness facilities throughout Prague.
  • Residence Permit Fee
    CERGE-EI covers the residence permit fee for full-time students in years one through four, where applicable.