Czech Republic Government Scholarships 2027/2028 for Developing Countries: Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Study Opportunities

The Government of the Czech Republic has opened applications for its Government Scholarships for Developing Countries for the 2027/2028 academic year, providing eligible international students from selected developing and specific third countries with an opportunity to pursue higher education at public universities in the Czech Republic.

The scholarships are offered as part of the Czech Republic’s Foreign Development Cooperation Programme and are designed to support the education and professional development of nationals from selected countries. Depending on the applicant’s country and chosen programme, the opportunity supports selected follow-up Master’s and Doctoral programmes, with studies available in either Czech or English.

For the 2027/2028 academic year, applications are open from 21 August 2026 until 30 September 2026. Prospective applicants are therefore encouraged to begin preparing their academic documents, motivation letter, tests and other application requirements well before the deadline.

Opportunity Overview

• Opportunity: Government Scholarships – Developing Countries
• Host country: Czech Republic
• Academic year: 2027/2028
• Study level: Follow-up Master’s and Doctoral studies
• Study mode: Full-time
• Study language: Czech and English, depending on the programme and applicant’s country
• Host institutions: Public higher education institutions in the Czech Republic
• Application period: 21 August 2026 to 30 September 2026
• Application deadline: 30 September 2026
• Programme framework: Czech Republic Foreign Development Cooperation

About the Czech Government Scholarships

The Government of the Czech Republic has a long-standing tradition of providing scholarships to international students from developing countries.

The programme forms part of the country’s international development cooperation efforts and seeks to contribute to the educational and professional development of people from selected developing and specific third countries.

According to the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, more than 20,000 foreign nationals have completed studies at Czech universities with support from Government of the Czech Republic scholarships since the late 1950s.

The current scholarship programme is governed by Resolution of the Government of the Czech Republic No. 870 of 27 November 2024 and is implemented through cooperation between the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health.

Applicants should therefore understand that this is not simply a university-specific scholarship. It is a government scholarship programme connected to the Czech Republic’s broader foreign development cooperation policy.

Which Countries Are Eligible for the 2027/2028 Scholarships?

One of the most important aspects of this scholarship is that eligibility is restricted to nationals of specific countries.

For the 2027/2028 academic year, Government of the Czech Republic scholarships are available only to citizens of the following countries:

Europe and Eastern Europe

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Georgia
• Ukraine
• Belarus, specifically democratic forces

Africa

• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Mauritania
• Zambia

Asia

• Bangladesh
• Cambodia
• Palestine

Latin America

• Guatemala
• Honduras

Applicants should carefully verify their nationality before beginning the application because nationals of countries outside the official eligible-country list cannot apply under this particular scholarship call.

What Study Programmes Are Available?

The Government of the Czech Republic scholarship supports selected full-time programmes rather than every degree programme offered by Czech universities.

The available programmes are divided into studies conducted in Czech and studies conducted in English.

1. Czech-Language Study Programmes

For eligible applicants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine and Belarus, the scholarship can support selected follow-up Master’s programmes taught in the Czech language.

These programmes generally consist of:

• A one-year preparatory Czech language course; followed by
• A two-year follow-up Master’s degree programme in a selected field.

The preparatory language training is part of the scholarship and is provided by the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University.

Applicants interested in Czech-medium studies should consult the official list of selected areas of study before choosing a programme.

2. English-Language Master’s Programmes

Applicants from all countries included in the eligible-country list can apply for selected follow-up Master’s programmes delivered in English.

The English-medium Master’s programmes are generally two years in duration.

However, applicants should not assume that every Master’s degree offered by Czech public universities is covered by the scholarship. Candidates must select a programme from the official list of eligible English-medium programmes published for the scholarship call.

3. English-Language Doctoral Programmes

The scholarship also supports selected Doctoral study programmes taught in English.

These programmes generally last between three and four years, depending on the specific programme.

Doctoral applicants must have already completed a Master’s degree before they can qualify for scholarship support at the doctoral level.

Academic Requirements

Applicants should pay particular attention to the academic qualification requirements because the required previous degree depends on the level of study being pursued.

Requirements for Master’s Applicants

To receive a government scholarship for a follow-up Master’s programme, an applicant must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent undergraduate study programme.

The Bachelor’s qualification should provide the academic foundation necessary for the selected Master’s programme.

Applicants should also check the admission requirements of their selected university and degree programme because meeting the general government scholarship requirement does not necessarily mean that the applicant automatically meets every university-specific admission requirement.

Requirements for Doctoral Applicants

Applicants seeking a government scholarship for a Doctoral programme must have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.

Doctoral applicants should pay particular attention to the requirements of their selected doctoral programme, including any academic, research or admission requirements specified by the university.

English Language Requirement

Applicants seeking scholarships for English-medium studies have an additional requirement.

They must complete an online entrance English language test during the scholarship application process.

The purpose of the test is to establish whether the applicant has sufficient command of English for the proposed English-medium studies.

This means prospective applicants should not wait until the final day of the application period to begin completing the online application. The application is not considered complete simply because an applicant has registered.

Applicants should ensure that all mandatory components, including the applicable tests, have been completed.

How the Application Process Works

Applications for the Government of the Czech Republic scholarships are submitted electronically.

The application platform is available through the official Study in Czechia portal under the relevant scholarship call.

Applicants should follow the application process carefully and provide accurate information throughout the registration and submission stages.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before creating an application, determine whether:

1. You are a citizen of one of the countries listed in the official call.
2. You are applying for an eligible study programme.
3. You have the required previous academic qualification.
4. You meet the requirements for the selected university and programme.
5. You are not excluded because of your residence or citizenship status.
6. You can complete the required online tests.
7. You can submit the complete application before the deadline.

This initial eligibility check can save applicants considerable time.

Step 2: Select an Eligible Study Programme

Applicants should review the official lists of selected programmes before making their academic choice.

The scholarship does not cover every programme available at Czech public universities.

There are separate official lists covering:

• Selected areas of study for programmes offered in Czech;
• Selected Master’s programmes offered in English; and
• Selected Doctoral programmes offered in English.

Applicants should therefore identify an eligible programme rather than selecting a course simply because it is offered by a Czech university.

Step 3: Register on the Application Portal

Applicants must access the relevant scholarship call through the official Study in Czechia portal and register to begin the electronic application.

Each applicant is allowed to register only once and submit only one application.

This makes it particularly important to carefully consider the selected programme and review all information before submitting the application.

Step 4: Complete the Electronic Application Form

Applicants must provide the information requested in the online application form.

The information should be accurate, consistent and supported by the relevant documentation where required.

Candidates should avoid waiting until the final hours before the deadline because technical or connectivity problems can interfere with submission.

Step 5: Write the Motivation Letter

The application is complete only after the applicant has completed the required motivation letter.

The motivation letter should be treated as an important part of the application rather than a formality.

A strong motivation letter should clearly explain the applicant’s:

• Academic background;
• Reasons for choosing the proposed programme;
• Interest in studying in the Czech Republic;
• Academic and professional objectives;
• Relevant experience and achievements;
• Future career plans; and
• How the proposed education can contribute to the applicant’s professional development and, where appropriate, development in their home country.

Applicants should ensure that their motivation is specific to the chosen field of study rather than submitting a generic scholarship essay.

Step 6: Complete the Mandatory Tests

Applicants must also complete the mandatory tests associated with the scholarship.

Candidates applying for Czech-language studies complete the general study prerequisites test.

Candidates applying for English-medium studies must complete:

• The general study prerequisites test; and
• The English language test.

Applicants should therefore allocate sufficient time to complete all mandatory components.

Important Exclusions

The Government of the Czech Republic makes clear that these scholarships are specifically intended to support foreign nationals from developing and specific third countries.

As a result, the following people cannot apply for this particular type of government scholarship:

• Citizens of the Czech Republic;
• Citizens of European Union member states; and
• Other foreign nationals who have a permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic.

Applicants should carefully review their citizenship and residence status before submitting an application.

There is also no legal entitlement to receive a scholarship simply because an applicant submits an application. Meeting the eligibility requirements allows an individual to apply, but it does not guarantee that the scholarship will be awarded.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship is designed to cover the standard length of full-time study under the supported programme.

The exact structure of the scholarship depends on the study pathway.

For eligible Czech-language studies, the support includes the one-year Czech language preparatory course followed by the relevant Master’s programme.

For English-medium studies, the scholarship supports selected two-year Master’s programmes and selected three- to four-year Doctoral programmes.

Applicants should consult the official scholarship guidelines for the detailed financial and administrative conditions applicable to scholarship holders.

Duration of Study

The expected duration depends on the programme selected.

Czech-medium Master’s pathway

• One year of Czech language preparation
• Two years of follow-up Master’s study

English-medium Master’s pathway

• Approximately two years of follow-up Master’s study

English-medium Doctoral pathway

• Approximately three to four years of Doctoral study

The scholarship is intended to support the standard duration of the relevant full-time study programme.

Application Deadline

The application period for the 2027/2028 Government of the Czech Republic Scholarships for Developing Countries opened on:

21 August 2026

The final application deadline is:

30 September 2026

Applicants must complete and submit the electronic application by 30 September 2026 at the latest.

Successful applicants are expected to begin their studies during the 2027/2028 academic year.

Because the application contains several components, including a motivation letter and mandatory tests, applicants are strongly advised not to leave submission until the deadline.

Official Application Portal

Applications are submitted electronically through the official Study in Czechia portal.

The Government of the Czech Republic scholarship information is also published by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic.

Prospective applicants should rely on the official scholarship documentation when making decisions about eligibility, study programmes and application requirements.

Important Scholarship Documents

Applicants are encouraged to read the official guidelines carefully before submitting an application.

The Government of the Czech Republic provides detailed guidance covering the terms and conditions of the scholarship.

The official documentation includes:

• Guidelines for Granting Scholarships of the Government of the Czech Republic – English version
• Guidelines for Granting Scholarships of the Government of the Czech Republic – Czech version
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Lists of selected study programmes
• Information concerning personal data processing

The official English guidelines are particularly important for international applicants because they explain the applicable rules and conditions in greater detail.

Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Support

Applicants who cannot find answers to their questions in the official scholarship guidelines and FAQ documents can contact the programme support team.

The official information identifies registr@dzs.cz as the contact email for enquiries that are not addressed in the published documentation.

Applicants should first consult the official guidelines and FAQ before contacting the support team, particularly for questions concerning information already explained in the published documents.

Personal Data and Privacy

Applicants should also familiarize themselves with the information concerning the processing and protection of personal data.

The scholarship application involves the collection and processing of personal information, and the Czech authorities provide information about data protection in accordance with applicable European Union data protection requirements.

Applicants should review the relevant privacy information before submitting their applications.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Although meeting the eligibility criteria is essential, applicants should also focus on the quality and completeness of their submission.

1. Start Early

Do not wait until September to begin preparing.

The application involves multiple stages, including registration, programme selection, the motivation letter and mandatory tests.

Starting early gives applicants enough time to identify and correct errors.

2. Choose the Programme Carefully

One of the most important decisions is the selection of the study programme.

Applicants should confirm that their chosen programme appears on the official list of programmes supported by the scholarship.

3. Check Your Academic Qualification

Master’s applicants should confirm that they have completed a Bachelor’s degree.

Doctoral applicants should confirm that they have completed a Master’s degree.

Applicants should also consider whether their academic background aligns with the admission requirements of the programme.

4. Take the English Test Seriously

Applicants applying for English-medium studies must complete the online English language test.

Candidates should prepare for the test and make sure they have adequate time and a suitable internet connection when completing it.

5. Prepare a Targeted Motivation Letter

A generic motivation letter can weaken an otherwise strong application.

The letter should connect the applicant’s academic background, chosen programme and future ambitions.

Applicants should demonstrate why the proposed field of study matters to their professional development and explain why the selected programme is appropriate for their goals.

6. Read the Official Guidelines

Applicants should not rely solely on summaries posted on third-party websites.

The official guidelines contain the authoritative conditions governing the scholarship.

Candidates should read the guidelines before submitting their application and use the FAQ to clarify common questions.

7. Submit Before the Deadline

The deadline is 30 September 2026.

Submitting early reduces the risk of missing the deadline because of technical problems, incomplete tests or other unforeseen circumstances.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This scholarship may be particularly valuable for eligible nationals who want to pursue postgraduate education in Europe but need financial support to access higher education abroad.

Potential applicants include:

• Recent Bachelor’s graduates from eligible countries seeking Master’s-level study;
• Professionals with a Bachelor’s degree who want to advance their academic qualifications;
• Master’s graduates from eligible countries interested in doctoral research;
• Applicants interested in selected fields offered by Czech public universities;
• Students interested in studying in English;
• Eligible applicants from the specified countries interested in learning Czech before pursuing a Czech-medium Master’s degree; and
• Candidates seeking an internationally oriented academic experience that can support their future professional development.

However, applicants must always confirm that their nationality, academic qualifications and intended programme meet the official requirements.

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Why This Scholarship Is an Important Opportunity

The Government of the Czech Republic Scholarships provide eligible applicants with an opportunity to access postgraduate education at Czech public higher education institutions under a government-supported international development cooperation programme.

The programme is particularly significant because it combines higher education with the Czech Republic’s broader development cooperation objectives.

For successful candidates, studying at a Czech public university can provide exposure to an international academic environment, advanced knowledge in their selected discipline and an opportunity to develop qualifications that can contribute to their future careers.

The programme’s long history also demonstrates the Czech Republic’s longstanding involvement in supporting international students from developing and specific third countries.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Czech Republic Government Scholarships 2027/2028 for Developing Countries.

Final Checklist Before Applying

Before submitting the application, prospective candidates should make sure they have:

• Confirmed that their country is on the eligible-country list;
• Confirmed that their academic qualification meets the requirement;
• Identified an eligible study programme;
• Checked the language of instruction;
• Registered on the official application portal;
• Completed the electronic application form;
• Prepared and completed the motivation letter;
• Completed the required general study prerequisites test;
• Completed the English language test if applying for English-medium studies;
• Reviewed the official scholarship guidelines;
• Consulted the FAQ where necessary;
• Checked the application for errors and inconsistencies;
• Submitted only one application; and
• Submitted the completed application by 30 September 2026.

Conclusion

The Government of the Czech Republic Scholarships for Developing Countries 2027/2028 offer eligible nationals from selected countries an opportunity to pursue supported postgraduate studies at public higher education institutions in the Czech Republic.

The programme covers selected follow-up Master’s and Doctoral programmes, with opportunities available in English and, for applicants from specified countries, in Czech following a preparatory language course.

Eligibility is limited to nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus (democratic forces), Ethiopia, Gabon, Mauritania, Zambia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Palestine, Guatemala and Honduras. Applicants must also satisfy the academic and programme-specific requirements.

For the 2027/2028 academic year, the application period runs from 21 August 2026 to 30 September 2026. Because applicants must complete an electronic application, motivation letter and mandatory tests, prospective candidates should begin the process early and carefully follow the official guidelines.

Applicants should use the official Study in Czechia application platform and consult the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports for authoritative information before submitting their application.

The most important step is to verify eligibility and select an approved programme before investing significant time in the application. Candidates who meet the requirements should use the available application period to prepare a complete, accurate and compelling submission before the 30 September 2026 deadline.

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