AAU Helps Pave the Way to Critical Reforms for International Students in Czechia

The Czech Republic continues to establish itself as a leading destination for international students, with nearly 18% of all university students in the country coming from abroad. Recognizing the vital role these students play in the nation’s education system, economy, and labor market, Anglo-American University Prague (AAU) co-organized the conference Study of International Students in Czechia with Charles University, the Council of Higher Education Institutions, and the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research.

Held on February 6, 2025, at Charles University, the event brought together nearly 200 participants, including university representatives, government officials from six ministries, business leaders, and international education experts to discuss how the country can better attract and support foreign students.

AAU Leads in Supporting International Students

As the university with the highest proportion of foreign students in the Czech Republic*, AAU has long been a champion of international student support, advocating for the eradication of unnecessary hurdles, particularly within the Czech student visa acquisition process, which remains a significant barrier to prospective students. The university’s leadership featured prominently at the conference, with AAU President Jiří Schwarz delivering opening remarks.

“We have always strived to remove unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles preventing [students] from coming and studying here. Greater openness to foreign students strengthens the export of our education, improves the Czech Republic’s higher education sector, contributes to economic growth, and enhances the overall well-being of society,” Schwarz stated.

Vice President for Academic Quality Richard Olehla also presented on behalf of AAU, reinforcing the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and globally connected academic environment. Miroslav Svoboda, AAU’s vice president for academic affairs, moderated the event, which helped facilitate discussions on how universities, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders can work together to ensure that international students not only choose Czechia for studying abroad but also remain in the country post-graduation to contribute to its workforce.

The Positive Impact of International Students

Czechia has positioned itself as one of the more internationalized education destinations in Europe, attracting students from diverse backgrounds. The country currently hosts approximately 56,000 foreign students, a number that has grown steadily in recent years. Their contributions extend beyond academia:

  • International students inject CZK 17 billion annually into the economy.
  • They create an estimated 6,000 jobs, helping to bridge critical labor market gaps.
  • 45% of international graduates choose to stay in Czechia to work, boosting the country’s skilled workforce.

“International students provide immense value to the Czech Republic—not only by enriching education with global perspectives but also by helping to counter demographic decline and an aging population. Moreover, they contribute billions of Czech korunas to the economy each year and serve as a highly skilled workforce for our labor market,” said Michal Uhl, Director of the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research.

However, challenges remain. Compared to other Central and Eastern European nations, Czechia lags behind in attracting students due to its complicated student visa procedures, lack of a national scholarship program, and barriers to integration. Many students, despite their willingness to stay, face difficulties in navigating legal and administrative processes that hinder their transition from academia to the labor market.

Key Takeaways: A Call for Reform

Discussions at the conference underscored the vital need for higher education reforms in Czechia to make the country an even more attractive and accessible destination for international students. Some of the main areas highlighted included:

  • Visa reforms and student immigration policies: AAU and other university representatives advocated for streamlining the Czech student visa acquisition process and eliminating the requirement for nostrification, which creates unnecessary hurdles for foreign students.
  • Government support and scholarships: Experts called for the introduction of a national scholarship program for international students to help Czechia compete with neighboring countries by offering stronger financial incentives.
  • Integration and retention strategies: Universities and policymakers emphasized the need for better support systems, including improved administrative assistance, legal guidance, and student-friendly labor policies that encourage graduates to remain in Czechia.

The importance of international students was further acknowledged by the president of Czechia’s largest opposition political party, who attended the event and later publicly recognized the critical role of foreign students in shaping the country’s future.

AAU Remains a Leading Destination for International Students

Through advocacy and active roles in discussions like this conference, AAU representatives said they aim to remain at the forefront of efforts to position Czechia as a premier destination for global talent. The event’s success reaffirmed that international students are taken seriously and represent an indispensable part of Czechia’s academic and economic landscape.

The conference received media coverage from:

For more photos from the event, go here and here.

* According to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.