Student in Ostrava? Your Wallet Will Thank You.

Everything nobody told you about student life in Ostrava. Spoiler: your wallet is going to be just fine.

Let’s be real. Being a student abroad is exciting, a little overwhelming, and sometimes expensive. The good news? Ostrava is already one of the most affordable cities in the Czech Republic, and with the right card in your pocket, you can make your money go even further.

That card is your ISIC. Think of it as your golden ticket to discounts on food, transport, culture, language courses, gym, and more. Keep reading, because this list might surprise you.

🗣️Learn the Language (for Less)

You do not have to pay full price to learn Czech or improve your English. Here is what is available for students:

Free Czech language courses for Erasmus students at
VSB Technical University of Ostrava
The University of Ostrava
20% off English courses at British Council
15% off the TOEFL iBT test
200 CZK discount on courses and exams at Hello.cz

PS: If you already speak some Czech and want to practice without the pressure of a classroom, come to our monthly Chat Club! Check the next date and join us!

🍽️Food and Cafés

The cheapest hot meal in Ostrava? The university canteen, also known as the menza. One meal costs around 40 CZK. Yes, really.

Outside the menza, your ISIC card gets you discounts at KFC, Vosime, and Subway. And local cafés and bars often have student deals too. It never hurts to ask!

🚌 Getting Around Ostrava (and Beyond)

Transport in Ostrava is already cheap. With student discounts, it gets even better:

Discounted monthly public transport ticket (Odiska) with ISIC
RegioJet and Leo Express: 50% off for students under 26
5% off travel tickets via Omio
33% off monthly nextbike subscription
10% off FlixBus tickets

Whether you are hopping between neighbourhoods or exploring the rest of the country, you are covered.

In case you have not noticed yet: Ostrava’s trams are blue, modern, and very cute. We said what we said. And if that was not enough, Ostrava was the second city in all of Europe to introduce card payment directly on the tram. Go ahead, be impressed. We will wait.

🎓 Scholarships and Study Support

Money for studying? Yes, it exists. Both VSB Technical University of Ostrava (including full-degree scholarships) and the University of Ostrava offer scholarship options for international students. You can also explore general opportunities via Study in the Czech Republic.

Looking for textbooks? Head to Knihy Dobrovský, they offer student discounts too.

👯 Student Communities

You are not alone here. Two ESN chapters are active in Ostrava: ESN Ostravská and ESN VSB TUO. They organise events, trips, parties, and buddy systems specifically for Erasmus students. Great way to meet people, explore the city, and feel at home faster.

🏋️ Sports and Fitness

Staying active does not have to cost a fortune:

Sports activities organised by both universities and ESN
Group lessons at VSB Technical University of Ostrava
Sports grounds at university dormitories
Cheaper gym access at dorms
Student discounts at regular gyms and sports clubs
Discounts on ski passes near Ostrava (yes, there are ski slopes nearby!)

🎭 Culture, Events, and Free Time

This is where it gets fun:

Zoo Ostrava: discounted entry
Museums: student discounts across the board
The National Moravian Silesian Theatre: 50% off
Colours of Ostrava festival: up to 600 CZK off
Beats for Love festival: student deals available
Cinestar cinemas: discounted tickets
Vitkovice and Banik games: discounts on ice hockey and football
Futurooms: 10% student discount
Student clubs Vrtule and T2: your go to spots for nights out

📱 Useful Things to Know

A few practical things that will make your student life in Ostrava smoother:

Both universities have apps for timetables, ordering food, and announcements
The ISIC app means you do not even need to carry a physical card
ESN event calendars are available online so you never miss out
Vodafone offers student tariffs for your phone plan
UniCredit Bank has student friendly account options
Teta drogerie: 30% off private labels after registration
Dr. Max: 20% off products

👗 Shopping and Lifestyle

Moment: 20% off
IKEA: 15% off
Takko Fashion: 10% off

Being a student in Ostrava really does come with perks. The key is knowing where to look and making sure your ISIC is always with you (or on your phone). Have a discount tip we missed? Let us know!