Retraining through the Czech Labour Office in 2026: funded courses and financial support

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Thinking of changing careers or learning skills for a new job in Czechia? The Czech Labour Office (Úřad práce ČR, or ÚP ČR) may pay for approved retraining. Since 2026, registered jobseekers may also qualify for a financial allowance while attending a course they chose themselves. Payment for the course and an allowance paid to the learner are separate forms of support.

Which courses can the Labour Office fund?

There are two main routes. With Labour Office arranged retraining (zabezpečovaná rekvalifikace), the office arranges the course after a career consultation and agreement, pays its costs and may contribute to proven essential related expenses. With self-selected retraining (zvolená rekvalifikace), you choose the course and provider, but the office must assess in advance how the qualification will improve your employment prospects. A job offer conditional on training or a realistic plan to start a business can help explain your choice.

For approved self-selected retraining, the office may cover up to CZK 50,000 over three consecutive calendar years. This is a per-person ceiling that can cover several courses taken in succession, not an automatic grant. You may have to pay any cost above the limit. See the official retraining rules.

Can employed people apply?

People registered with the office as an uchazeč o zaměstnání (jobseeker) or a zájemce o zaměstnání (person interested in employment, which can include someone already working) may seek a funded course. Registration alone does not guarantee approval. You must meet the course requirements and explain its value for your career. If you are not registered, the online course application can also start the relevant registration request.

Who receives a retraining allowance in 2026?

Only eligible registered jobseekers (uchazeči o zaměstnání) can receive the retraining allowance. An interested person (zájemce) may qualify for course funding but not for this cash allowance. From 1 January 2026, the allowance is generally 80% of previous average net monthly earnings or the relevant assessment base, subject to individual rules. The monthly cap for 2026 is CZK 38,537. The Labour Office decides the actual entitlement and amount.

For office-arranged retraining, the allowance applies during the training period. For a self-selected course approved beforehand, it is paid for days of attendance. The new rule applies to self-selected courses starting on or after 1 January 2026; finishing in 2026 a course begun in 2025 does not by itself qualify. Retrospective approval of course costs and the allowance is not available. Read the Labour Office rules and the ministry's explanation of 2026 changes.

How to apply for self-selected retraining

Choose a course. Check the dates, fees, entry requirements and final assessment in the Jsem v kurzu catalogue. You can also consult a local Labour Office branch.
Explain your objective. Connect the training to a job, occupation or business plan. Attach a conditional employer offer if you have one.
Apply early. In the online database, apply at least 30 days before the start. With the paper form submitted through the office, allow at least 14 working days and include the required documents, including the provider's price confirmation. If you cannot use digital identity, visit a branch.
Wait for approval. Do not assume the course will be funded before the office confirms it. For online applications, follow email and account notifications.

Digital courses follow different rules

Digital education courses are a separate scheme. According to the ministry's Jsem v kurzu page, applications in 2026 are to open in the second half of the year. It describes a contribution of up to CZK 35,000 for an approved course, with a participant share of 23.27% of the price. Eligible low-income groups may have the full price covered up to CZK 35,000. Check that applications are open and review the current terms before enrolling. These figures are separate from the CZK 50,000 self-selected retraining ceiling.

When might you have to pay yourself?

Complete the course successfully and meet attendance requirements. Leaving without a serious reason or failing a required final exam can mean paying the provider yourself. Refusing suitable work corresponding to your newly gained qualification without a serious reason may also trigger repayment. Tell the office promptly about illness or another serious reason and keep supporting documents.

After training, browse current jobs on Jobscentr. You may also find our article on welding courses as a route into a new profession useful.