UCT PragueIncoming students Traineeship at UCT Prague Short-Term Visa
 
Short-Term Visa
Short-Term Visa

Short-Term Visa
 
 

If you plan to stay in the Czech Republic for less than 90 days and you are a non-EU citizen, you may need to apply for a short-term (Schengen) visa for study purposes.

Applications are submitted at the Czech Embassy or Consulate in your home country. If you are unsure whether you need a visa, check with the Czech Embassy in your country or your Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

⚠️ Important: Non-EU citizens who already hold residency in another EU country do not need a short-term visa for stays under 90 days.
Who needs to apply?

You must apply if you are a national of a country outside the Schengen Area and from a country without a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area.

Schengen countries include:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
💡 Note: Bulgaria, Ireland, Cyprus, Romania and the United Kingdom are not part of Schengen.
How long can I stay?

A short-term visa allows you to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is calculated based on your entry and exit stamps.

Visa Validity
The period when you are allowed to enter the area.
Duration of Stay
How long you can actually stay in the country.

Important for Erasmus+ trainees: The minimum traineeship is 60 days. If you exceed the 90/180 rule, you must leave and cannot re-enter until the limit resets. We strongly recommend using the Schengen Calculator.

Booking your appointment

You must arrange your visa appointment yourself; UCT Prague cannot make appointments on your behalf. Book as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance or signed Learning Agreement.

Required documents from UCT Prague:
  • Document confirming the purpose of stay
  • Letter of Acceptance
  • Proof of accommodation (only if in UCT dormitories)

To request these, email incoming@vscht.cz with your passport scan, the city of the embassy where you will apply, and confirmation of dormitory stay.

General Document Checklist
Personal Docs:
Valid passport, application form, recent photo, biometric data (fingerprints).
Purpose & Travel:
Proof of stay, accommodation, financial means, return ticket, and visa fee.

Delivery of documents: Standard post (3–4 weeks, free) or DHL Express (under 1 week, paid by student). We strongly recommend DHL Express.

The Visa Appointment

Submit documents in person. An interview may take place, and fingerprints will be collected. Processing time is usually 15 days (up to 45 days in some cases).

Critical Rules:
  • Documents must not be older than 180 days.
  • Documents must be in Czech (or officially translated).
  • Bring originals + copies.
  • Late arrival can cancel your application.

Note: UCT Prague cannot communicate with embassies on your behalf. Visa status is confidential.

After Arrival & Extension

Within 3 working days, register with the Foreign Police (unless your dorm does it). Bring your passport, registration form, and insurance confirmation.

Visa Extension: Short-term visas cannot be extended for traineeships. Extension is only possible in exceptional cases (force majeure), but total stay cannot exceed 90 days.