Admission to Post-Secondary Study

Main information

Post-secondary study is intended for graduates of a three-year secondary vocational programme who have obtained a vocational (apprenticeship) certificate and wish to supplement their education with a school-leaving examination (maturita). Each specific post-secondary study programme leading to the maturita is always tied to a corresponding vocational field. There is a fixed link between the completed secondary vocational programme and the post-secondary programme that builds on it.  Post-secondary study builds upon secondary education and expands it in certain subject areas. A standardised entrance examination is always a compulsory part of the admissions procedure for post-secondary study. The length of full-time post-secondary study is two years; in distance, evening, combined, or online forms, the maximum length is three years. Study programmes are listed for each school in the register of schools and educational institutions.

Post-secondary study allows students who have already obtained secondary education with a vocational (apprenticeship) certificate to subsequently obtain secondary education with a school-leaving examination, in a manner that is tailored in content and duration to meet their needs.

This generally takes the form of distance, evening, or online learning.

This applies to you if

This applies to you if you have obtained secondary education with a vocational (apprenticeship) certificate and wish to acquire secondary education with a school-leaving examination.

When to use this service

At any time after obtaining secondary education with a vocational (apprenticeship) certificate, during the application time limits set for the admissions process.

Service settlement

What you need if you are using this service

You must submit the application form, including all required attachments, using the prescribed form. You must always provide proof that you meet the entry requirements – this includes attaching a copy of your vocational (apprenticeship) certificate, which forms part of the application. If your certificate has not yet been issued (e.g. due to the current school year not being completed), you must submit it no later than 1 September.

Where and how to solve this service

You can submit the application with attachments by post, via a data box, or in person – each application must be submitted separately to each school. In the first and second rounds, all submitted applications are identical. From the third round onwards, each application is specific to one school.

Additional information

What is the benefit of this service

The benefit is the opportunity to study a chosen secondary field that builds on and broadens your previously completed secondary vocational education. Upon successful completion, you will obtain the maturita, which allows you to pursue further study at a tertiary vocational school or higher education institution.

Appeal options

The appeal against the decision not to admit an applicant is decided by the Regional Authority or the Prague City Authority, depending on the location of the school. Appeals must be submitted through the headteacher of the school.