'Graduates of Czech HEIs have free access to labour market irrespective of their nationality'

Graduates of accredited degree programmes at Czech higher education institutions have free access to the labour market irrespective of their nationality
In 2014, the number of Indian students studying in Czech was 242. By 2017, the figure increased almost threefold and the country was hosting 687 students, according to the official data. Indian students are looking at Czech Republic as a potential higher education destination- for courses in Natural Sciences, Agriculture, Engineering and IT among other courses - in a big way.
The number, however, seems small when compared to Indian students visiting the US or the UK but, the interest is growing. According to the representatives at Centre for International Cooperation in Education -Czech Republic - over the past few years, Czech Universities started adjusting to the demands of the new world; offering courses taught in English and opened their gates for foreign students.
EDUCATION IN CZECH
The country has a strong tradition of imparting modern education that meets international standards. Because of huge infrastructure investments from EU funds, the universities here have modern equipment and cutting-edge laboratories for students, say the officials. The pedagogy focusses on gaining deep knowledge and relevant skills in the selected field rather than general education.
"The Czech education system also allows foreign students to have free-of-cost education at public higher education institutes if they opt for a course in the Czech language," the representatives add.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The number of foreign-owned companies in the Czech Republic has climbed to 86,000, according to the Czech Credit Bureau. Graduates of accredited degree programmes at Czech higher education institutions have free access to the labour market and can apply to all jobs like Czech citizens - they do not need to apply for work permits like other foreigners, only long-term residence permits.
"Currently, an amendment to the Act on the Residence on Foreign Nationals in the Czech Republic is being discussed, which should enable university students and researchers to stay in the Czech Republic for up to nine months after completing their studies or scientific research in order to find a job or start a business," inform the official representatives.

THE PERKS
Cost of education and living are much lower in the Czech Republic than in the UK, the US or Canada and due to its strategic location, it is not expensive to travel anywhere around Europe. Apart from affordable living cost, the benefits for foreign students in Czech include several possibilities to work and support themselves while studying, an efficient health care system and overall safety in the country, say the representatives.
"Students can make use of a wide range of discounts with ISIC cards (International Students Identity Card). There is good accessibility of other local cities by public transport," say the representatives.
INDIA-CZECH TIES
On the European level, Czech HEIs cooperate with their Indian counterparts through the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility. On the national level, Indian students can make use of scholarships offered for short-term study or research visits at Czech public HEIs within the framework of a common intergovernmental exchange programme.
TOP UNIVERSITIES IN CZECH
A total of 18 universities in the Czech Republic feature in the top 300 institutions and two universities in top 10 of the QS EECA University Rankings 2018 - a dedicated ranking of top universities in Emerging Europe and Central Asia - and five of these are included in the QS World University Rankings 2018. Some of the best universities in Czech are:
• Charles University
• Czech Technical University
•Masaryk University, Brno University of Technology
• Palacky University
• University of Chemistry and Technology
• VSB – Technical University Ostrava
• Czech University of Life Sciences