Czech Government MEYS Exchange Scholarships 2026 News

What the Scholarship Actually Covers?

The Czech Government Scholarship is designed to support living expenses while tuition fees are waived at public institutions. For the academic year 2026/2027, the financial package includes:

• CZK 12,000 per month for students who do not hold a Master’s degree or equivalent
• CZK 13,000 per month for holders of a Master’s degree or equivalent (unless enrolling in another Bachelor’s or Master’s programme in the Czech Republic)
• Full exemption from tuition fees at public higher education institutions
• A direct subsidy from MEYS to the host faculty to support tuition-related costs

Important notes:

• The scholarship is paid monthly through the host university (either by bank transfer or in person, depending on institutional rules).
• Students are responsible for accommodation and meals, although dormitory accommodation may be requested.
• The scholarship is not paid during absences exceeding 30 days.
• Only half of the monthly amount is paid if the student is present in the Czech Republic for fewer than 15 days in a given month.

Students from selected countries (including Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, China, Poland and Romania) may receive their funding through authorities in their home country instead of directly from Czech institutions.

Who Can Apply: Eligible Academic Profiles

This programme is open only to candidates officially nominated by the relevant authorities in eligible partner countries. Direct applications to the Czech Ministry are not accepted.

Eligible applicants include:

• University or college students
• Graduates
• Ph.D. candidates
• Academic staff members (only where permitted under the specific bilateral agreement)

Applicants must intend to:

• Undertake a study stay (usually non-degree)
• Conduct a research visit
• Enroll in a degree programme, where permitted by the host university

Academic staff applicants must always provide a letter of invitation from a Czech public higher education institution. All applicants must select a field of study related to their previous or current academic background.

Step-by-Step Application Process: How the Nomination System Works?

The Czech Government Scholarship operates through a nomination-based system. Applicants cannot apply directly to MEYS. Here is how the process typically unfolds:

Step 1: Check Eligibility in Your Home Country
Contact the appropriate authority in your country responsible for bilateral exchange programmes. They determine eligibility criteria and national deadlines.

Step 2: Submit Initial Application Locally
In most countries, candidates first apply through their national authority. Some countries use a one-step online system, while others apply a two-step nomination model.

Step 3: Official Nomination
Only candidates formally nominated by their national authority are eligible to proceed.

Step 4: Online Registration
Nominated candidates complete registration in the Czech online application system and upload required attachments.

Step 5: Admission by Host University
The Czech host institution independently decides whether to accept the applicant under the scholarship framework.

Applications submitted directly to MEYS without official nomination are automatically rejected.

Scholarship Conditions and Important Rules

There is no legal entitlement to receive the scholarship. Awards are granted based on bilateral quotas and official decisions issued by the Ministry.

The scholarship may be withdrawn if:

• The recipient fails to begin their stay within 30 days of the approved date
• The recipient acquires permanent residence in the Czech Republic
• The applicant provided incorrect or fraudulent information
• The study or research stay is terminated prematurely

Medical insurance requirements differ for EU/EEA and non-EU applicants. Non-EU students must obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance covering the entire stay, including repatriation.