Online and in-person Czech courses: how to get support from the Labor Office?

Want to feel more confident speaking Czech, feel more at ease at work and choose a learning format that suits you? At ICJ, you can study live online or in a classroom. Find out how M1, M2 and M3 work, which courses you can apply to have funded through the Labor Office CZ, and how we can help with your application. M1 is self-funded both online and in person; you can apply for funding for selected M2 and M3 courses.

3 levels

M1, M2, and M3, based on your knowledge

2 forms

Live online lessons and in-person study

1 goal

Greater confidence in Czech and in your professional life

Studying that fits your life

Do you prefer the comfort of home or the energy of a classroom?

Learning works best when it fits your life. Choose not just a course, but also an environment where you feel comfortable speaking and making progress.

Live online Czech class on a video call
💻 Learn from home or anywhere

Live online classes

Whether you’re in Brno, Prague or somewhere else, just join us on Zoom and learn with a real teacher. Ask questions, practise pronunciation, answer and talk with others. This is not a self-study video course.

  • Lesson recordings to review during the course
  • Textbooks and digital materials included
  • MyCat student account with schedule and assignments
  • Regular online consultations by appointment
  • Online final exam, in line with the programme requirements
How online classes work
Students studying together in a classroom
🏫 Learn in person with others

In-person classes

Would you like to meet your teacher and classmates face to face? In the classroom, you can practise Czech regularly, join conversations and try out real-life situations.

  • Time with your teacher and classmates
  • Practise speaking and understanding together
  • Ask questions and learn in a small group, depending on course availability
  • Courses in Prague or Brno, depending on availability
  • The ICJ team will confirm the schedule and details
Ask about in-person dates
What about funding? The application process is similar, but funding options vary depending on the study format and specific course. M1 online and in-person courses are self-funded. For selected M2/M3 courses, you can apply for funding through the Labor Office CZ, which decides whether to approve support before the course begins.

Your journey through Czech

Choose a level that helps you move forward

Learning well means learning in a way that suits you. You are not just choosing a course, but also an environment where you will feel comfortable speaking and making progress.

Student taking notes while studying M1
Starting from scratch

Czech for complete beginners

Start with confidence. Learn to introduce yourself, talk about yourself, your home and family, and handle simple conversations.

  • No prior knowledge required
  • 60 teaching hours
  • Pronunciation, vocabulary and your first sentences
  • Everyday situations made simple

8 900 CZK

Online course price for self-funded students

M1 online and in person: self-funded

I want to start with M1 →
People communicating in a work setting M3
I want to speak with more confidence

Czech for lower-intermediate learners

Take your Czech further: practise work calls and emails, understand documents and hold conversations more independently.

  • Entry level: A1.2
  • 150 teaching hours
  • Practical communication at work and in writing
  • You may progress towards A2, depending on your results

21 900 CZK

Online course price

Self-funded or apply individually to the Labor Office CZ

I’m interested in M3 →
What do the teaching hours mean? Each teaching hour lasts 45 minutes, and the final exam is not included in the stated course hours. The prices, course hours and entry levels shown are based on the online course. ICJ will confirm the exact dates, price, course hours and details for in-person classes.

Start how that works for you

Start online, then continue in a classroom

You don’t have to stick to one way of learning. With ICJ, you can build your Czech step by step and switch the learning format as your needs change.

Student learning online with support from a teacher
Step 1 · M1 ONLINE

Start learning from home, at your own pace

Build your Czech basics in live online classes. Like the in-person option, M1 online is self-funded. After completing it, you can move on to a higher level and check whether selected M2/M3 courses may be funded by the Labor Office CZ.

Browse courses
Students studying together in a classroom
Step 2 · FOLLOW-ON IN-PERSON CLASSES

Continue in the classroom and speak with more confidence

After M1 online, you can continue with in-person classes at a level that suits your Czech, for example with the follow-on M2 course, if it’s available in your city. For selected follow-on courses, you can apply to the Labor Office CZ for funding. Approval is assessed individually; you can also pay for the course yourself.

Check in-person options
Important distinction: M1 online and in-person courses are self-funded. After M1, you can continue to M2 and apply for funding from the Labor Office CZ for selected courses. Funding isn’t automatic; each application is assessed individually. We’ll help you choose the right path.
You don’t just learn words

Czech you can use in real life

In class, you’ll work with situations you actually encounter. It’s not just about knowing what to say – it’s about being able to say it at the right moment.

Work and job interviews

Understand job ads, talk about your experience, speak with colleagues and respond to everyday instructions.

Public offices and documents

Understand forms, instructions and basic official information.

Doctors and healthcare

Make appointments, describe symptoms and understand common recommendations.

Housing and services

Communicate when shopping, sort out housing and handle everyday tasks.

Getting around and free time

Ask for directions, read timetables and arrange plans.

Messages and emails

Read everyday notices and write simple messages at your course level.

Online, but together

You’re not just watching a video. You’re part of a live class.

ICJ online courses are taught live on Zoom. Your teacher guides you through the material, gets you talking and helps you practise speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Study Support

You’re not on your own as you work towards better Czech

A good course is more than a schedule of lessons. You should know what to expect, have someone to turn to and be able to revisit the material.

Student taking notes and working with learning materials

Ready-to-use learning materials

The online course price includes textbooks, worksheets, audio recordings and extra practice.

Student using a laptop for online learning

Your MyCat study space

Find your schedule, live lesson links, learning materials and assignments all in one place.

Students working together with their teacher

A teacher who’s there to answer your questions

Live online classes and regular consultations give you time to ask questions and clear up anything you’re unsure about.

Help with financing

Can the Labour Office cover the cost of the course for you?

Both the online and in-person versions of the M1 course are self-funded. Funding from the Labour Office may be requested for selected M2 and M3 courses. This applies to specific, pre-approved course variants; simply choosing an online or in-person format does not guarantee approval. ICJ can assist you in navigating this process.

Pay for online or in-person M1 yourself

M1 is self-funded in both formats. Completing it gives you the Czech basics you need for M2. If you meet the current requirements, you can apply to have selected M2 courses covered by the Labor Office CZ.

You can apply for funding

The Labor Office CZ considers your previous language studies, employment situation, reasons for learning and how the course may help. It may ask for additional documents.



A closer look at your individual situation

The Labor Office CZ may pay closer attention to how the course relates to your professional qualifications and in-demand jobs. Graduates of foreign universities may need to show that they have applied to have their degree recognised.

From interest to learning

Four steps to apply for funding

The paperwork can feel complicated. We’ll explain the process and prepare the documents provided by the school.

Choose a course and format

Tell us how much Czech you know and whether you’d like to study online or in a classroom.

Check the requirements

Contact your local Labor Office CZ. They will assess your work situation and the documents you need.

Apply in time

ICJ will prepare the school documents. You’ll need to submit your application in advance, following the relevant process.

Wait for the decision

The Labor Office CZ must approve the funding before the course starts. Once it does, you can arrange your start date.

Important: Funding is not guaranteed. Each application is assessed individually, and the Labor Office CZ always makes the final decision. According to ICJ’s information, funding for language retraining courses was limited in 2026, including a rule allowing one Labor Office CZ-funded language retraining course per person. Always check the latest process and requirements before applying.

What does the Labor Office CZ assess?

  • Whether you’re registered as a jobseeker or someone interested in employment.
  • How Czech can help you find or keep a job.
  • Your previous language courses and retraining.
  • A letter from your employer explaining why you need Czech, if applicable.
  • For M3, whether the course relates to your profession and any documents about recognition of foreign qualifications.

Which documents should you prepare?

  • Details of your chosen course and confirmation of its price from ICJ.
  • Proof of previous Czech studies or your current level, if requested.
  • Documents about your work situation and career plans.
  • If requested, a letter from your employer, proof of your profession or recognition of your qualifications.

An ICJ language assessment may be enough to place you in a course, but it may not replace documents the Labor Office CZ requires for funding.

Evidence of your progress

Complete the course and exam to receive your certificate

After meeting the requirements and successfully completing the course, you’ll receive an ICJ certificate of retraining for an accredited programme. The online exam takes place remotely on Zoom.

We’ll share the exam schedule and technical instructions in advance. Progressing to A2 after M3 is not guaranteed.

Everything practical

What do you need for online study?

No complicated equipment needed. Just a stable connection and a quiet place to join your class.

Laptop or desktop computer

A camera, microphone and basic computer skills are all you need to take part on Zoom.

Stable internet

Make sure you have a reliable connection and a quiet place to focus on your class.

A second camera for the exam

For the final online exam, you’ll also need a second device with a camera, such as a phone.

A new job opportunity. Easier conversations. More independence.

Every new phrase can make your next step in the Czech Republic easier. Start at your current level and keep moving forward.

FAQ

Answers to help you decide

Classes are live on Zoom and led by a teacher. Recordings are available for review during the course, but they do not replace required attendance.

ICJ offers online versions of M1–M3. In-person classes open in selected cities, depending on availability. Ask us and we’ll confirm which levels have places, the schedule and the price.

M1 has no entry-level requirement; M2 requires A1.1 and M3 requires A1.2. If you don’t have a certificate, ICJ can assess your level. The Labor Office CZ may ask for additional documents when you apply for funding.

M1 is self-funded in both formats. For M2 and M3, funding depends on the specific course and the Labor Office CZ’s individual decision before classes start. Approval is not guaranteed.

No. M1 courses, both online and in person, are self-funded and are not currently covered by the Labor Office CZ. You can apply for funding for selected follow-up M2/M3 courses if you meet the current requirements.

For admission, you usually need to show the required level with a certificate or an ICJ assessment. The Labor Office CZ may ask for a certificate from a previous course, including its length, exam result and level. Your local office decides which documents are sufficient.

Previous retraining may affect approval for another course. ICJ materials say that in 2026, one Czech language retraining course funded by the Labor Office CZ is allowed per person; vocational courses may be assessed differently. Check your situation directly with the Labor Office CZ.

In some cases, people registered as interested in employment can also apply. A letter from your employer explaining why Czech is needed for your role may help. Approval is individual.

When assessing M3 funding applications, the Labor Office CZ may favour people entering selected professions and university graduates who can show that their qualification has been recognised or that they have applied for recognition. This is separate from the language level required for the self-funded course. Check the requirements with the Labor Office CZ.

Apply well in advance. ICJ materials say applications through the online database should be submitted at least 30 days before the course starts, while the selected retraining form should be submitted at least 14 working days in advance. Check the current deadlines with the Labor Office CZ. The course cannot start before funding is approved.

Live classes, textbooks and in-house learning materials, an entry assessment, a MyCat account, lesson recordings for the duration of the course, assignments and feedback, consultations, the standard final exam and a certificate after passing.

We’ll help you choose a course, explain the application process and prepare the documents issued by the school, including a price confirmation. You are responsible for submitting your application and providing accurate information. The Labor Office CZ decides whether to cover the cost.

According to the latest information from ICJ, the next M2/M3 courses are tentatively planned for January 2027. M1 online dates will be confirmed separately. The exact date, format and location will depend on the current offer. Dates have not been officially confirmed yet.

Yes. You can take M1 online at your own expense, then continue with in-person M2 if the course is available and you meet the entry requirements. You can apply to have selected M2 courses covered by the Labor Office CZ. Approval is not automatic; it depends on the requirements and an individual assessment by your local office.

We are here for you

Not sure where to start? Send us a message

Tell us whether you prefer online or in-person classes, how much Czech you know, which city you’re in and whether you need help with the Labor Office CZ. We’ll help you find the next step – perhaps M1 online at your own expense, followed by in-person M2 with the option to apply for funding.

ICJ – Institute of Foreign Languages
Retraining Program: Czech Language for Foreigners · Accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MŠMT), Ref. No. MSMT-6128/2026-6 · Kolbenova 942/38a, Prague 9 – Vysočany.

Information regarding the pricing and benefits of the online program is based on ICJ documentation as of October 2026. The offer, the availability of specific formats, and the terms set by the Labour Office (ÚP) are subject to change. Decisions regarding funding are made exclusively by the Labour Office of the Czech Republic. The photographs used are for illustrative purposes only and are loaded from an external service; please replace them with approved images and verify their licensing before final publication. For in-person courses, please verify availability, pricing, and course scope.

Program Update: M1 courses—both online and in-person—are self-funded; the Labour Office does not currently provide reimbursement for them. Funding options are available for selected follow-up courses (M2/M3) and are subject to individual approval by the Labour Office.