Social and Legal Aspects of Doctoral Study

If you are enrolled in a full-time doctoral programme and meet the relevant conditions – in particular, if you complete your studies within the standard period of study – the state pays your health insurance contributions on your behalf. This arrangement was introduced as a result of the joint efforts of the Student Chamber of the Council of Higher Education Institutions and the Czech Association of Doctoral Researchers.

However, if you are also self-employed, you are responsible for paying your own social security and health insurance contributions. Social security contributions are paid on your behalf only if you are employed by UHK under an agreement to perform work (DPČ) or a standard employment contract.

If you do not pay social insurance contributions, you are not entitled to maternity benefits as a doctoral student; you may, however, be entitled to parental benefits.

Further information is available from the Czech Social Security Administration or in the Higher Education Act.