Czech Government Scholarships Developing Countries 2027/2028: Eligibility & Application

Introduction

Pursuing higher education in Europe can transform your professional and academic trajectory. For students originating from targeted developing nations, the Czech Republic offers a life-changing opportunity through its official aid framework. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS) manages financial support for international scholars wishing to study at public universities. Reviewing the official website is the first step for prospective applicants planning their academic journey for the 2027/2028 academic year.

This program forms a vital component of the nation's foreign development cooperation. By funding specialized higher education degrees, the initiative helps build professional capacity in partner countries. Whether you aim to complete a follow-up Master's degree or pursue doctoral research, understanding the application rules, deadlines, and language tracks is essential for success.

Overview of the Czech Government Scholarships for Developing Countries

Administered jointly by several state ministries—including the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Health—this initiative supports scholars from specific regions. Operating under Government Resolution No. 870, the grants cover standard course durations at public institutions of higher education across the country.

Successful candidates receive financial assistance that covers tuition fees, living expenses, and accommodation costs. This ensures that recipients can focus entirely on their studies without financial distress. To review the comprehensive legal framework and guidelines, you can apply here through the electronic registration portal once the application window opens.

Eligibility Criteria and Eligible Countries

Not every international student qualifies for this specific financial aid package. Eligibility depends strictly on your citizenship, educational background, and compliance with administrative rules.

General Requirements

• Citizenship: You must be a citizen of an eligible developing country recognized under the Czech foreign development cooperation program.
• Exclusions: Citizens of the Czech Republic, EU member states, or foreign nationals holding permanent residence permits in the Czech Republic are strictly prohibited from applying.
• Academic Qualifications: Master’s applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree. Doctoral applicants must possess a completed Master’s degree.
• Application Limits: Candidates are restricted to one registration and one application per academic year. Multiple submissions lead to immediate disqualification.

Eligible Countries by Track

The country list varies depending on whether you choose to study in Czech or English.

• Czech-Language Track (Master's + 1-Year Preparatory Course):
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Georgia
• Ukraine
• Belarus (democratic forces)

• English-Language Track (Master's or Doctoral Programmes):
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Georgia
• Ukraine
• Belarus (democratic forces)
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Mauritania
• Zambia
• Bangladesh
• Cambodia
• Palestine
• Guatemala
• Honduras

Available Study Programmes and Language Tracks

The scholarship scheme offers two distinct pathways depending on your linguistic background and academic goals. Each track features specific programmatic structures and institutional partners.

Czech-Language Track

This pathway is designed for students who want to immerse themselves fully in Czech culture and academia. It pairs a follow-up Master’s degree with a mandatory one-year Czech language preparatory course.

• Preparatory Phase: Conducted at Charles University (specifically via the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies - UJOP). Students spend an entire academic year mastering the Czech language and relevant terminology for their field.
• Degree Phase: Following successful completion of the language course, students transition into their chosen two-year follow-up Master’s program at a public university.

English-Language Track

This pathway allows candidates to study directly in English without a language preparatory year.

• Follow-Up Master’s Programmes: Selected two-year programs taught entirely in English at designated public universities.
• Doctoral Programmes: Three- to four-year doctoral research tracks tailored for advanced academic professionals.

During the evaluation phase, applicants selecting English-medium tracks must complete an online entrance English language test directly through the application interface.

Step-by-Step Application Process and Requirements

Securing this funding requires careful planning and strict adherence to electronic submission guidelines. The submission window runs from August 21 to September 30, 2026, for the 2027/2028 academic year.

Step 1: Online Registration

Navigate to the detailed notification page to access the electronic submission system. Create your profile using a valid email address and fill out the personal information sections accurately.

Step 2: Uploading Mandatory Documents

You must upload scanned copies of required credentials before the deadline. Typical documents include:

• Valid passport or national identity proof.
• Certified copies of previous diplomas and academic transcripts (Bachelor's for Master's applicants; Master's for PhD applicants).
• A detailed motivation letter outlining your academic and professional goals.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional supervisors.

Step 3: Online Examinations

Depending on your chosen track, you will be required to complete specific tests within the portal:

• General Study Prerequisites Test: Mandatory for all applicants.
• English Language Test: Mandatory for all candidates applying to English-medium degree tracks.

Step 4: Final Submission and Review

Verify that all uploaded files are legible and correctly formatted. Submit your single registration before midnight on September 30, 2026. Successful candidates will be notified by the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research (registr@dzs.cz) following the evaluation period.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the application portal open for the 2027/2028 academic year?

The electronic registration system opens on August 21 and closes strictly on September 30, 2026. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

Can I apply for both a Master's and a Doctoral scholarship simultaneously?

No. Applicants are restricted to submitting only one registration and one application per academic year. Submitting multiple forms results in administrative disqualification.

Do I need to pay for the Czech language preparatory course?

No. If you are accepted into the Czech-language track, the scholarship covers the cost of the one-year intensive language and preparatory course at Charles University (UJOP), alongside your subsequent Master's studies.

Are citizens of any country eligible for the English-language track?

No. Only citizens from the specific developing nations designated in the official government decree are eligible. These include select countries across Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

How are applicants tested for English proficiency?

If you apply for an English-language study program, you must complete an online entrance English language test administered directly through the digital application portal during the review window.