The Czech Republic has increased its educational cooperation with a number of African countries, mostly through its foreign development assistance programmes, as of 2026. Most scholarships for the 2026–2027 school year are for master’s and PhD students, and they are mostly for students studying agriculture, STEM, or economics.
1. The Czech Government Scholarship (also known as the “Full-Ride”)
This scholarship is the most important way for African students to get money. It was made to help students from priority development countries do better in school.
- The Prize: 100% Paid for.
- Benefits: free tuition at public universities, a monthly living stipend, free help with housing, and health insurance.
- Study Tracks: You can study in English (for some master’s and PhD programmes) or in Czech (which includes a free one-year language prep course).
- Countries to Target in 2026/2027:
- Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Zambia.
- Important Deadline: The deadline to apply for the 2026 intake was September 30, 2025.
- The next cycle will start in 2027 or 2028. The portal is expected to reopen in July 2026 for the next group.
2. Programme for Visegrad Scholarships
The International Visegrad Fund gives scholarships to Master’s and Post-Master’s students from countries that are not in the EU to study in the “V4” region, which includes the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia.
- The prize is €3,000 per semester for the student and €1,500 per semester for the host university.
- Coverage: up to four semesters for a master’s degree or two semesters for research.
- 2026 Deadline: April 15, 2026 (Current).
- Requirement: Before starting the scholarship, applicants must have finished at least six semesters of college.
3. JCMM Scholarship for the South Moravian Region
The South Moravian Centre for International Mobility (JCMM) offers a special grant for people in Brno (the “Silicon Valley” of Central Europe) who are interested in technical or natural sciences.
- The award is 7,000 CZK (about €280) a month for the first year of school.
- Target: Master’s and PhD students who are not from the EU.
- 2027 Intake: Applications for the 2027 school year will be accepted starting on December 1, 2026.
- Requirements: Most of these scholarships are for programs taught in Czech, so you need to be very good at the language.
4. STARS and FSV Scholarships at Charles University
Charles University (Prague), the best university in the country, gives high-achieving students their own merit-based and research funding.
- STARS (Faculty of Science): Fully funded PhD positions in biology, chemistry, geography, and geology. Includes a monthly income that is guaranteed.
- FSV UK Scholars (Social Sciences): Gives a one-time grant of about €2,500 to help pay for the first year of English-taught master’s programmes.
- The deadline is usually in late April or May for the next school year.
5. How to avoid taking the IELTS in Czechia in 2026
Because of its flexible entry requirements, the Czech Republic is a “hidden gem” for English speakers:
- If your previous degree (for example, in Nigeria, Ghana, or Kenya) was taught entirely in English, most Czech public universities (like CTU or Charles University) will not require the IELTS or TOEFL if you send them an official MOI letter.
- You can study in Czech for free and without an English test.
- Internal Interviews: Instead of needing an expensive standardised test score, many faculties use Skype or Zoom to see how well you speak English.
6. Important Timeline for 2026 and 2027
- The Visegrad Fund Scholarship’s last day to apply is April 15, 2026.
- The best time to apply for FSV UK and STARS internal scholarships is between April and May 2026.
- The 2027/2028 government scholarship portal is set to open on July 20, 2026.
- The 2026/2027 school year starts in September 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Czech Government Scholarship is the best “full-ride” option for African students, especially Nigerians and Ethiopians. The STARS Program at Charles University offers the best academic environment for STEM researchers. Put a lot of emphasis on your motivation letter in your application because Czech committees want to see a clear connection between your studies and the needs of your home country’s development.
