From 1 February to 20 February 2026, families in the Czech Republic are submitting applications to secondary schools through the DiPSy system. For expat parents, this process can be especially confusing, because children who studied abroad or do not speak Czech as their first language often have different rules for entrance exams.

Who is considered a student educated abroad

From January 2026, Czech legislation clearly defines which students qualify for special conditions during the entrance exams.

A student is considered educated abroad if they studied outside the Czech Republic for:

at least 2 school years outside the Czech Republic within the last 4 years (including the current school year)

This applies regardless of nationality and regardless of how well the student speaks Czech.

The Czech language test can be waived

If the entrance exam includes a Czech language test, the school director must waive it upon request according to §20(4) of the Education Act.

Instead of a written Czech test, the student’s Czech language level is verified through an interview at the school.

This rule applies to both the unified state entrance exam (JPZ) and any school entrance exam that includes Czech language assessment.

Extra time and a dictionary are automatic

Students who qualify as educated abroad automatically receive:

25% extra time for written tests
the right to use a translation dictionary

This applies to the Czech test (if the student decides to take it) and to the mathematics test. No counselling centre visit is required.

Special rules for students from Ukraine with temporary protection

Students with temporary protection connected to the war in Ukraine automatically receive:

25% extra time
the right to use a dictionary
no need for a formal request

They only need to attach proof of temporary protection. The exact procedure depends on whether the application is submitted online in DiPSy or on paper.

How the student is evaluated without the Czech test

If the Czech test is waived, the student is ranked based on a reduced evaluation. This means the Czech language test result is not included in the final scoring. Instead, the interview replaces this part of the assessment.

What documents must be submitted with the application

To receive these adjustments, the student must submit:

school reports from the foreign school
simple translations (no official translation needed)
or confirmation of study abroad

What if the student does not fully meet these conditions

If your child does not meet the ‘educated abroad’ conditions, they may still be eligible for exam adjustments based on a recommendation from a school counselling centre.

Possible adjustments include extended time, dictionary use, separate room, or support person during the exam.

You can find official and up-to-date information here:

Many expat families do not know these rules exist and their children unnecessarily take the Czech test or miss the chance for easier exam conditions.

Understanding these adjustments can make the admission process much less stressful and significantly improve your child’s chances.

Source of photo: Canva

Source of text: ipc.gov.cz, dipsy.gov.cz, prihlaskynastredni.cz, msmt.gov.cz

What expat parents should know about Czech secondary school entrance exams