Scholarships

Czech Government Scholarship 2027 — Fully Funded Master’s & PhD in Europe

Faseeh Sultan

August 27, 2026
One Comment

Czech Government Scholarship 2027 — Fully Funded Master’s & PhD in Europe

The Czech Republic has quietly funded over 20,000 international graduates since the late 1950s — and for the 2027/2028 cycle, it is doing it again. The Czech Government Scholarship under the Foreign Development Cooperation Programme offers citizens of 13 selected developing countries a funded path to a Master’s or PhD at a Czech public university, taught entirely in English. Tuition is covered by the government. A monthly stipend runs for the full standard duration of your programme. The application window opened on 21 August 2026 and closes on 30 September 2026 — that is a tight six-week window. If you are from an eligible country, this guide gives you everything you need to apply, understand what the funding actually covers, and decide whether this programme is the right fit for you.

Detail	Information
Scholarship Name	Czech Government Scholarship — Foreign Development Cooperation
Country	Czech Republic (Czechia)
Level	Follow-up Master’s (2 years) / Doctoral PhD (3–4 years)
Funding Type	Government-funded — tuition + monthly stipend + health coverage
Application Opens	21 August 2026
Application Deadline	30 September 2026
Study Begins	Academic year 2027/2028
Open To	Citizens of 13 specific developing countries (English track: all 13)
Pakistani Students Eligible	No — Pakistan is not on the 2027/2028 eligible country list. See FAQ for future cycle guidance.
Official Link	Apply Here

🎓 About This Scholarship

The Czech Government has offered development scholarships to students from the Global South for over six decades. This is not a new initiative — it is an established, government-to-government development aid programme managed jointly by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with health services coordinated through the Ministry of Health. The programme operates under Government Resolution No. 870 of November 2024.

What makes this programme genuinely distinct from similar European scholarship schemes is its dual-track delivery. The Czech-language track (available to a narrower set of countries) includes a fully funded one-year preparatory Czech language course before the degree begins. The English-language track — the focus of this article — is open to all 13 eligible countries and allows students to complete their Master’s or PhD entirely in English at a Czech public university.

Unlike the Erasmus Mundus programme, which requires applicants to enrol at multiple partner institutions across Europe, the Czech Government Scholarship places you at a single Czech public university for the full duration of your degree. There is no joint-degree complexity, no moving between countries mid-programme. You pick your programme, you apply, and if selected, you study in one place.

The scholarship has produced over 20,000 graduates across its history. The fact that the Czech government continues to fund this programme annually, and has expanded the English-language track year after year, signals genuine institutional commitment.

🎓 Funding and Benefits

Tuition fees: Fully paid by the Czech Government on behalf of the scholarship holder — you do not pay the university directly
Monthly stipend: CZK 16,000 (approximately PKR 110,000 / USD 700) for Master’s students | CZK 24,960 (approximately PKR 172,000 / USD 1,090) for Doctoral students (verify current exchange rates — these are approximate at time of writing)
Health coverage: Equivalent to Czech public health insurance — standard medical care is covered. Note: the scheme does not cover all specialist treatments, pregnancy-related care, or certain elective procedures. Review the Guidelines document for the full scope.
Accommodation: Scholarship holders are eligible for student dormitory accommodation, paid from their monthly stipend at the same rates Czech students pay
Meals: Access to student canteen facilities at subsidised rates, covered from the stipend
Duration: For the full standard length of the programme — 2 years for Master’s, 3–4 years for Doctoral

Important caveat on “fully funded”: Several scholarship directories describe this as a fully funded scholarship without qualification. The official guidelines make clear that international travel to and from the Czech Republic is not reimbursed. Accommodation, meals, and local public transport are also covered from the monthly stipend rather than paid separately. For Doctoral students, the CZK 24,960 monthly amount is workable for living in Prague or Brno — both cities are significantly more affordable than Western European capitals. For Master’s students at CZK 16,000, budgeting carefully matters. (verify on official website for current living cost guidance)

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

Must be a citizen of one of the 13 eligible countries for the 2027/2028 cycle: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus (democratic opposition), Ethiopia, Gabon, Mauritania, Zambia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Palestine, Guatemala, Honduras
Must not currently be enrolled at a Czech university at the time of application
Citizens of the Czech Republic, EU member states, or foreign nationals with Czech permanent residence are not eligible
For a Master’s scholarship: must have completed a Bachelor’s degree
For a Doctoral scholarship: must have completed a Master’s degree
English language test: Required for all English-track applicants. An online English language test is taken as part of the application process itself — it is not IELTS or TOEFL, but a test administered through the application portal. No external English certificate is required at the application stage. (verify on official guidelines)
Must also complete an online general academic aptitude test as part of the application process
Pakistani students: Pakistan is not on the 2027/2028 eligible country list. This programme changes its country list each cycle — Pakistani students should monitor the official site for future calls. Bangladeshi students are eligible for this cycle under the English-language track.

🎓 Who Should Apply — and Who Probably Shouldn’t

✅ Strong fit:

Citizens of the 13 eligible countries with a completed Bachelor’s (for Master’s) or Master’s (for PhD) from an accredited institution
Students who want to study in English in Europe without needing to demonstrate IELTS or TOEFL — the programme uses its own online test
Doctoral applicants with a clear research focus who can articulate a dissertation direction in their application
Students comfortable with the understanding that the stipend covers living costs but does not include international flights or guaranteed separate accommodation allowances
Bangladeshi students in particular: Bangladesh has appeared in the Czech Government scholarship eligible list in recent cycles, indicating an established bilateral relationship. Applicants from Bangladesh with strong academic records from recognised universities are well-positioned.

❌ Not the right fit:

Citizens of countries not on the 2027/2028 list — including, currently, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
Students expecting the scholarship to cover all expenses including flights and full rent (it does not — living costs come from the monthly stipend)
Students seeking programmes at private universities — this scholarship applies only to Czech public higher education institutions
Anyone already enrolled at a Czech university

🎓 Available Programmes and Fields

The English-language track covers selected Master’s and Doctoral programmes at Czech public universities. Based on available information, confirmed fields include:

Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary Sciences
Economics and Business Administration
Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology
Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics
Information and Communication Technologies
Social Sciences, Journalism and Information
Health and Welfare (select programmes)

The full list of approved English-taught Master’s programmes and Doctoral programmes for 2026/2027 is published in two separate Excel files on the Ministry of Education website. You must choose from the approved list — you cannot simply apply to any programme at any Czech university.

Full programme lists: Selected Master’s Programmes in English | Selected Doctoral Programmes in English

The universities involved include major Czech public institutions. Charles University Prague, Czech Technical University, Brno University of Technology, and Masaryk University Brno are among the institutions historically included in this programme — verify the current approved list on the official portal. (verify on official website)

🎓 Required Documents

Motivation letter — signed, officially verified (DOCX or PDF) — this is the only mandatory document in the application portal, though additional documents are required at later stages
CV focused on studies and employment
Photocopy of travel document (passport or national ID)
Declaration of acceptance of scholarship conditions
Declaration of acceptance of health services conditions
Statutory Declaration of Return — confirming you intend to return to your home country after completing studies
Medical certificate confirming your health condition
Officially certified copy of your qualifying degree (Bachelor’s for Master’s applicants; Master’s for Doctoral applicants)
Officially certified transcript of completed subjects and exams
Proof that your previous institution is accredited to provide higher education
For Doctoral applicants only: an overview of publishing activities, a research outline, an idea of dissertation focus (3–5 pages), and two letters of recommendation from professors at academic institutions

Note for Bangladeshi applicants: Degree certificates from Bangladeshi universities must be officially certified. Check with the Czech Embassy in Dhaka on whether HEC-equivalent attestation (from the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh) is required at the visa stage — this is separate from the application process itself. (verify on official website)

🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process

Register on the portal at studyin.gov.cz — you can only register once. Use your real name and a valid email address you check regularly.
Access Call 455 — the specific call for English-medium studies 2027/2028. Navigate to it from your registered account or use the direct Apply Here link.
Complete the online English language test — this is administered through the portal itself, not externally. No IELTS or TOEFL required at this stage.
Complete the general academic aptitude test — also online, within the portal.
Upload your motivation letter — this is the only document marked mandatory at submission. It must be signed and officially verified. Write it for the specific programme you are applying to, not a generic version.
Upload remaining documents — CV, passport copy, certified degree, transcript, declarations, and (for PhD) the research outline and recommendation letters.
Submit before 30 September 2026 — the portal closes at the deadline. Late submissions are not considered. Set a reminder for at least one week before the deadline to catch any technical issues.
Await decision — successful applicants are notified through the relevant Czech Embassy and receive their scholarship decision letter by the end of June 2027 (verify this timeline on official guidelines).

Practical tip: The motivation letter is the strongest differentiator in this application. Doctoral applicants in particular should clearly name their intended research topic, name a potential supervisor at the Czech university if possible, and explain how the research connects to a concrete need or application in their home country. Generic motivations — “I want to develop professionally” — do not distinguish candidates in a competitive pool.

🎓 Important Dates

Milestone	Date
Application Portal Opens	21 August 2026
Application Deadline	30 September 2026
Study Year Begins	Academic Year 2027/2028 (September 2027)
Scholarship Decision Notification	By end of June 2027 (verify on official website)

📌 Bookmark this page — we update deadlines as soon as changes are announced.

🎓 Why Apply — Why the Czech Republic

Prague is consistently ranked among the most liveable and affordable capital cities in Central Europe. The Czech Republic offers a high standard of education — Charles University is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1348 — at a fraction of the living costs of Germany, the Netherlands, or the UK. For Doctoral students, the CZK 24,960 monthly stipend is genuinely sufficient to live comfortably in Prague or Brno without part-time work.

Czech degrees are recognised across the European Union. Completing a Master’s or PhD in the Czech Republic opens pathways to EU-wide job markets, particularly in engineering, natural sciences, economics, and ICT. The Czech Republic also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, and its tech and manufacturing sectors actively recruit internationally educated graduates.

Careerwise, the “return to country of origin” declaration is a requirement, not an enforceable legal restriction — but the spirit of the scholarship is development-focused. Applicants who frame their studies around a genuine developmental goal — research relevant to their home country’s needs, or a field where skilled graduates are scarce at home — will write stronger applications and feel the programme’s alignment with their own goals.

Gradualin Editor’s Note: This is a legitimate, well-funded government scholarship with a six-decade track record. It is not the most glamorous European scholarship — it does not have the brand recognition of Chevening or Erasmus Mundus — which is precisely why competition may be lower than you expect, especially for Doctoral programmes. The English test within the portal is a meaningful filter, but it is not IELTS-level gatekeeping. For serious applicants from the 13 eligible countries, particularly Doctoral candidates with a clear research direction, this is an underutilised opportunity. Average applicants with generic motivation letters and no programme-specific fit will not succeed. Strong applicants who pick the right programme and write a targeted motivation letter have a realistic chance.

🎓 Frequently Asked Questions

These questions are based on what students most commonly search about this programme.

Can Pakistani students apply for the Czech Government Scholarship 2027/2028? No. Pakistan is not on the eligible country list for the 2027/2028 cycle. The eligible country list changes with each annual cycle — Pakistan has not been included in recent cycles, but this can change. Pakistani students should monitor the official Study in Czech Republic portal annually in July–August when the new call is announced. In the meantime, explore similar European government scholarships such as the Finland Scholarships 2026 or Study in Germany 2026 Guide.

Can Bangladeshi students apply for this scholarship? Yes. Bangladesh is explicitly listed among the 13 eligible countries for the 2027/2028 cycle under the English-language track. Bangladeshi students can apply for both selected Master’s and Doctoral programmes taught in English. The application deadline is 30 September 2026.

Is IELTS required to apply? No external English test like IELTS or TOEFL is required at the application stage. Instead, applicants for English-taught programmes complete an online English language test through the application portal itself as part of the submission process. Make sure you have sufficient internet access and time to complete it before the deadline.

Does the scholarship cover accommodation costs separately? No. Accommodation is not funded separately. Scholarship holders are entitled to apply for student dormitory accommodation, but the cost is covered from the monthly stipend — the same amount Czech students pay. The stipend is designed to cover living costs including accommodation, meals, and local transport. Budget accordingly before applying.

Can I apply if I am already studying at a Czech university? No. The scholarship specifically excludes applicants who are already enrolled at a Czech university at the time of application.

What happens after I receive the scholarship decision? You will receive your scholarship decision letter through the Czech Embassy in your home country. This document is used to apply for a long-term student visa or residence permit for the Czech Republic. Your studies begin in September 2027. (verify this timeline on official website)

🎓 Official Source

Application Portal: Apply for Scholarship — Call 455
Official Scholarship Page: Czech Government Scholarships — Ministry of Education
Study in Czech Republic Portal: studyin.gov.cz
Official Guidelines PDF: Guidelines_2026.pdf
Official FAQ PDF: FAQ_2026.pdf
Contact: registr@dzs.cz
Phone: +420 221 850 100
Address: Na Poříčí 1035/4, 110 00 Prague, Czech Republic

🎓 Summary Table

Detail	Information
Scholarship Name	Czech Government Scholarship — Foreign Development Cooperation
Country	Czech Republic (Czechia)
Level	Follow-up Master’s (2 years) / Doctoral PhD (3–4 years)
Funding Type	Government-funded — tuition + monthly stipend + health coverage
Monthly Stipend	CZK 16,000 (Master’s) / CZK 24,960 (PhD)
Application Opens	21 August 2026
Application Deadline	30 September 2026
Study Begins	Academic Year 2027/2028
Open To	Bangladesh, Cambodia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Ethiopia, Gabon, Mauritania, Zambia, Palestine, Guatemala, Honduras
Pakistani Students Eligible	No — not on 2027/2028 eligible country list
Official Link	Apply Here