Author
The law provides access to education for children who are beneficiaries of international protection in the Czech Republic. Foreign children who legally stay in the Czech Republic, including those granted international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection), have the same rights and obligations to access education as Czech citizens under the Education Act. This includes preschool, primary, secondary and further education, subject to the general conditions of compulsory and age-appropriate schooling. Foreign children staying in the Czech Republic for longer than 90 days, including beneficiaries of international protection, are entitled to attend primary school on the same conditions as Czech students.
There is also a clear age framework attached to education. Compulsory education in the Czech Republic generally begins at age 5 (preschool) or 6 (primary school) and continues until the completion of nine years of basic schooling, typically ending at age 15. However, if schooling started later due to later arrival, compulsory attendance can extend to age 17. After reaching 18 years, a pupil is no longer obliged to attend school even if they have not completed compulsory education. These rules apply to all children legally resident in the Czech Republic, including those with international protection.[1]
In practice, children may still face some obstacles to effective participation. The most common challenge is the language barrier, as instruction is in Czech and limited proficiency can hinder learning and social integration. Other practical issues include documentation gaps, which can complicate appropriate grade placement, and age-related placement challenges, particularly for older children who have missed years of schooling. While there are no nationwide accelerated education programmes for out-of-school youth, schools can provide catch-up support and tailored learning plans.
To facilitate integration, the Czech education system offers preparatory language classes and Czech language instruction within schools, often referred to as ‘language preparation classes’ (třídy pro jazykovou přípravu)[2]. These classes are free and aim to help foreign children acquire sufficient Czech to participate in mainstream education. Additionally, teachers receive methodological support and municipalities may implement supplementary programmes funded by the state to assist foreign pupils with language learning and school adaptation.
The law guarantees pupils with special educational needs the right to free support through auxiliary measures and access to education in adapted facilities. Auxiliary measures are proposed by school advisory facilities (SAF – Školské poradenské zařízení, ŠPZ)[3] and provided by school staff, including specialists such as school psychologists, special education teachers, or behavioural advisors. Examples include Czech as a second language, assistant teachers, modified materials or evaluation, special textbooks, and inclusion in the special education system. The first level is a school-based support plan (optional), while higher-level measures recommended by SAF require an individual education plan with parental consent.
School advisory facilities (SAF), including pedagogical-psychological counselling centres and special teaching centres, provide free advisory services and methodological guidance for pupils and schools. Parents or students can register with SAF, which issues a detailed report and binding recommendation to the school within three months.
Higher-level auxiliary measures may involve inclusion in the special education system, either through individual integration into regular classes, group integration within regular schools, or attendance at specialised schools. Education of pupils with special needs is primarily conducted in regular schools, with separate schools or classes available for those with physical, sensory, intellectual, autism, learning or behavioural disorders, speech impediments, or multiple disabilities. Diagnosis is conducted by specialists, may last several hours, and requires an interpreter if the child or guardians do not speak Czech. SAF are in high demand, and appointments may need to be booked months in advance, but they cannot refuse applicants.
With the exception of the language barriers, there are no obstacles in accessing vocational courses financed by state Labor Offices. Furthermore, there are special vocational training programs offered by NGOs with finances from the ESF program.
Child beneficiaries of international protection have the same right to attend kindergarten as Czech citizens, as long as they are present in the Czech Republic and meet the residence requirements (e.g., holding the status of asylum seeker ).[4] Knowledge of Czech is not a condition for admission. Children in their final year before compulsory school attendance have priority admission, just like other children. Children must have proof of vaccination or a medical certificate if they cannot be vaccinated following the mandatory vaccination plan in the Czech Republic.
Beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to higher education under the same conditions as nationals. OPU is not aware of any special scholarships for beneficiaries of international protection and there are no specific obstacles (with exception of the language barrier). Some universities or their departments provide a scholarship for Ukrainian refugees (regardless of whether they are beneficiaries of international protection or not). [5]
[1] Section 36 of the Education Act.
[2] See the information available here.
[3] Section 116 of the Education Act.
[4] Section 20(2)(d) of the Education Act
[5] See e. g. Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University: Stipendium na podporu studia ukrajinských studentů (podzim 2025), available here.