History
USB is a relatively young institution (established in 1991). However, if we look further back into history, it had what to build on. There had been the decades-long tradition of training teachers and higher education specialists for a variety of branches of agricultural production but also for theological and philosophical studies, or the tradition of pond management and fish farming, which go back even further into the past.
Education
There are currently about nine thousand students studying at the University in more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes and fields of study. Full-time and part-time forms of studies are on offer. The University of South Bohemia also offers joint and double degree programmes in cooperation with partner universities.
Over the past twenty years, a whole series of study fields have built up significant reputations and the work of certain departments has placed us among the foremost centres of science in the country and abroad. Our students have the chance to work with the foremost experts and benefit from cooperation with the Czech Academy of Sciences and other cooperating institutions. Great emphasis is placed on practical training, involvement in science and research projects and cooperation with the world of entrepreneurship.
Research
Over the years, we have become a respected centre of university science and research not only within Czechia but in certain areas also on European and world level. The international prestige of the University is based, for example, on the activities of research teams in a variety of parts of the world such as the Arctic and Papua New Guinea, where we have our own research stations, but also the South Bohemian Research Centre of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses (CENAKVA) offering its research capacities to domestic and international scientists. We involve our students in science and research projects, and we attempt to ensure that the most modern equipment and technical support is available to them.
Career
Our aim is to educate a modern generation of teachers, agricultural specialists, experts in economics and business, natural sciences and their application, health and social services, and human and social sciences. The quality of the education is to be such that the overwhelming majority of graduates of the University can find employment without difficulties. We wish to stay in touch with our former students through the USB Alumni Club that is being developed.
Student services
The goal of the university is to create a student friendly environment on the university campus and all its facilities. Foreign students get support from the Central and Faculty International Offices and the Erasmus Student Network ESN USB Budweis as well. The student organisation ESN USB Budweis brings together Czech and foreign students. ESN mentors help foreign students with their arrival and the initial paperwork. In return, they encounter new cultures, practice a foreign language, make new friends, and gain new experiences.
Students can also use the services of the the University Counselling Centre, Career Advisory Centre, Support in Emergency and Crisis Situations and other services.
Housing services
The cost of living and accommodation in Ceské Budejovice is significantly lower than in many other European cities, making it an affordable place to live and study.
The accommodation capacity at USB consists of four buildings (D1 to D4) located directly in the university campus. The D5 dormitory, that is located about 15 minutes walk away from the main USB campus and the D6 dormitory located in the USB sports complex. The total capacity of the dormitories is 2,300 beds used to full capacity by university students throughout the academic year.
The university dormitories are the most common and safest option of accommodation for students. They provide calm and nice accommodation at a good price.
Library services
The library collection of USB is stored in two floors of a modern library building that provides more than 450 000 books and journals, tens of thousands of e-books, more than 500 study places in various study rooms, 100 PCs with internet access, Wi-Fi connection, self-returning of books 24 hours a day, copying, printing and scanning services, a cafe and a bookshop of Academia publishing.
ICT services
All University students receive a user account which will give them access to the wireless network. Each international student is given a university ID card. This card gives the access to the university buildings and allows to use services at the university (canteen, printing and copying, library). Students get discounts for transport, restaurants, cinemas, museums, exhibitions and concerts.
Medical services
Each student has the responsibility to arrange his/her own insurance for medical purposes and in case of medical repatriation need, which must be valid in the Czech Republic. Your health insurance entitles you to visit any general practitioner or a dentist.
Campus life
The University of South Bohemia will pleasantly surprise you with its large and modern campus, which includes many interesting places where you can relax and enjoy sports or cultural and social events. Our beautiful campus and vibrant student life make it a great place to live and learn. From our dormitories to our numerous clubs and organizations, there is always something happening on campus. And with the city centre of Ceské Budejovice just a short walk away, you will have the opportunity to explore all that the Czech Republic has to offer.
Sports facilities
The University of South Bohemia provides its students a wide range of sports activities and foreign students can attend various sports courses. Apart from the traditional sports such as tennis, volleyball, basketball and swimming you can choose from courses such as climbing, spinning, yoga, martial arts, squash or scuba diving.
And with its beautiful mountain ranges, national parks, winding rivers, countless ponds, and other amazing natural sites, the Czech Republic, and the Region of South Bohemia are the best choice in all four different seasons – experience spring nature walks, swimming in the summer, farm fun in the autumn, skiing in the winter – the possibilities are truly endless.
Student clubs
The Student Union of the University of South Bohemia, as well as ESN USB Budweis, an association primarily focused on international students, are among the most important student life actors. These groups organise the most successful and largest events and recruit new members among students in lower years every year in order to maintain a varied and culturally interesting programme for the next generation of incoming students.
ESN USB Budweis is a student organisation, which helps international students, provides buddies and organizes many activities such as trips and other social events. Buddies will help you with your arrival and in the first days of your stay.
USB is the holder of institutional accreditations in 9 fields of study:
• Biology, ecology and environment
• Economic fields
• Philology
• Philosophy, religious studies and theology
• Historical sciences
• Social work
• Teaching
• Health care fields
• Agriculture