The Czech maturitní zkoušce usually serves as proof. Since this certificate can also be obtained at artistic schools, such as conservatories, and some vocational schools, it is also possible for graduates of these schools to attend a university.
In addition, there are many acceptance tests that are obligatory for most courses. In higher education institutions with the focus on arts, architecture and sports an additional entrance exam is due, the talentová zkouška.
The dates for entrance examinations are set by each institute separately. They can vary greatly, especially for rather uncommon subjects. You should therefore find out about the admission procedure well in advance.
Foreign students admission
Your secondary school leaving certificate from your home country will usually be acceptable as proof of higher education entrance qualification in the Czech Republic. It may happen that you have to have it validated by regional school authorities, the školská oddělení krajských úřadů.
Foreign students at tertiary institution in the Czech Republic are treated equal to Czech citizens. They do not have to pay tuition fees and get the same benefits as Czech students. However, they are expected to study in Czech. If students wish to study in any language other than Czech they have to pay tuition fees. There are basic one year Czech classes to prepare students for their studies.
If you already have a degree in another country and want to study in a postgraduate program you have to check with the university you are applying for to see if they will accept your diploma.
Note that everybody who wants to study in the Czech Republic has to provide a health insurance certificate.
Chances of getting accepted at a Czech university
In 2004, the most popular subjects at undergraduate level in the Czech Republic were business and management, followed by humanities. Teaching subjects and social studies were somewhat behind in third place. The interest in technical subjects was comparatively low.
Since there are only a limited number of places available for each subject students have the highest chance of admission in technical fields, although the odds for getting a place to study business, management and humanities were only slightly worse. Applicants wishing to study law or medical subjects however had the lowest chances, as only one in every eight and one in every five students respectively got accepted.