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Gymnázium

gymnázium (secondary school)

What does “Gymnázium” mean in Czechia?

Gymnázium is a general secondary school that ends with a maturita (school-leaving exam) and is focused on further university admission. Admission is through entrance exams, like for other secondary school programs.

Benefits for Ukrainian children during admission

New § 20, paragraph 4 of the School Act (from 01.01.2026):

The Czech language exam is replaced by a conversation if the child studied outside the Czech Republic for ≥1 school year within the previous 3 years.
+25% time and a translation dictionary.
🔴 Math in Ukrainian is no longer possible.

What to expect at graduation

Maturita. For those who studied abroad for 2 years within the previous 8 (§ 20, paragraph 6, expanded from 01.01.2026), a special regime applies: Czech Language and Literature didactic test +30 minutes and a dictionary, written work — +40% time.

Important. A gymnasium is a path to university, and it starts with an exam where you must take mathematics in Czech. Language preparation should be counted in years, not months.

Examples of use

My daughter is applying to a grammar school.

My daughter is starting gymnasium (secondary school).

Gymnázium (a type of secondary school) ends with a maturitná skúška (final exam).

The gymnasium ends with a matura exam.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any benefits for Ukrainian children when applying to a gymnasium (secondary school)?

Yes: the Czech exam is replaced by an interview (if you studied outside the Czech Republic for 1 year or more in the last 3 years), +25% time, and a translation dictionary. But you can no longer take the math exam in Ukrainian.

What is the difference between a gymnasium and another secondary school?

This is a general education program, focused on further university admission; it ends with the *maturita* (school-leaving exam).