Article score: 4.67 out of 5 (6 reviews)
In this article, we discuss how the education system in Slovenia works, what is needed for admission, what the opportunities and prospects are during and after your studies.
Free consultationHigher education in Slovenia is suitable for those who want to study in Europe on a budget and later work in large international companies.
At Slovenian universities, the requirements for admission are quite simple. Students have the opportunity to travel, take part in international exchanges, and easily combine work with studies.
In this article, we discuss how the education system in Slovenia works, what is needed for admission, what the opportunities and prospects are during and after your studies, and how to stay in Slovenia if, with all your heart and soul, you fell in love with this country.
Slovenian higher education is divided into two types:
The total cost of studying in Slovenia varies depending on the level of education, institution, and duration of the program[9]. For example, the Visual Communications Design program at the University of Ljubljana lasts 3 years, while the Primary Teacher Education and Law programs last 4 years. The same is true with professional colleges, master's programs, and doctoral studies. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the program and its duration on the university website before applying.
Some universities have combined undergraduate and graduate programs — Single Cycle degree programs. Such programs last 5 years, which reduces the total duration of studies of study by a year.
In Slovenia, remote learning programs are not very common, but they are available at all universities in various specialties.
| Type of program | Duration | Min. cost per year | Avg. cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional college | 2-3 years | 1,130 USD | 3,955 USD |
| Bachelor’s | 3-4 years | 2,260 USD | 6,215 USD |
| Master’s | 1-2 years | 2,260 USD | 9,605 USD |
| Single Cycle | 5 years | 2,260 USD | 7,910 USD |
| Doctoral | 2-4 years | 2,260 USD | 3,390 USD |
The cost of housing and transportation is highly dependent on the location and conditions[10]. For example, the prices are highest in Ljubljana and on the coast, while a monthly bus pass costs the most in Maribor. When looking for an apartment, the fact that rental prices are most often indicated without utilities should be taken into account. It is better to clarify additional expenses in advance with the landlord. Students receive a discount on public transportation, as well as on various events, such as the Škisova tržnic student festival in Ljubljana.
The easiest way to get somewhere in Slovenia is by foot or on a bike. The latter option is very popular, with Slovenia ranked 13th in the list of best countries in the world for urban cycling.
The biggest benefit of being a student is the subsidized meals available at a variety of restaurants throughout Slovenia. A special coupon system ensures that you can always eat well at low prices, which also varies by city and restaurant. For each coupon, the state contributes 2.63 euros, and the rest of the cost is paid by the student — from 0 to 4.47 euros[2]. Since food prices in Slovenia are quite high, most students willingly take advantage of this opportunity[11].
| Expenses | Average amount |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (student hostel) | 136-215 USD/month |
| Renting a studio rent | 136-395 USD/month |
| Renting an apartment with a queen-sized bed | 102-282 USD/month |
| One bus ride | 0.8-1 USD |
| Bus pass | 10-30 USD/month |
| Taxi | 0.8-1 USD/km |
| Bicycle | 34-56 USD |
| Food and groceries | 169-282 USD/month |
| Visa for non-citizens of Slovenia and the EU | 90 USD |
| Entertainment (cinema, concerts, festivals) | 34-79 USD/month |
The first step is to go through the recognition procedure of foreign education. To do this, you need to submit an application along with an application for admission on the eVŠ portal. The recognition procedure is necessary if you are studying in Slovenia for the first time, and occurs simultaneously with document submission for enrollment. If you have already completed a bachelor's degree in Slovenia and plan to enroll in a master's program, then you do not need to go through the recognition procedure.
If you are applying for a bachelor’s degree at a Slovenian university, your high school grades will be converted to the Slovenian grading scale.
Before accepting applications, each university publishes a document with a detailed description of the admission procedure — the so-called call for enrollment. It indicates programs for different levels, study durations, number of available places, study modes, and other factors.
The call for enrollment is usually published for:
Each university also warns about additional exams and their dates (determined independently). These may be entrance exams for special talents and abilities.
In Slovenia, universities and colleges start accepting documents in February. The deadlines for document submission are divided into 3 waves:
For admission to bachelor's programs, applicants need to confirm their secondary education with a technical school or high school diploma. For master's programs, foreigners are admitted on a competitive basis according to their bachelor 's degrees and high school diplomas. There are entrance exams in creative areas (cinema, directing, design), pedagogy, and journalism.
Education in Slovenia starts on October 1st and ends in July.
Higher professional education (Višje strokovno izobraževanje) lasts two years and costs from 1,130-7,910 USD per year. Vocational college curricula focus on the development of practical skills in areas such as tourism, health and sports, economics, logistics, security, electrical engineering, and computer science. The program ends with the defense of final work based on the practice. Graduates receive an inzenir diploma.
Colleges prepare specialists primarily in those industries where there is a shortage of personnel, so it is easier for graduates to find a job. However, vocational education is still not as popular among foreigners as university education. Not all professional colleges are open to foreign students. This option can be considered if you already know Slovenian well and definitely want to work in Slovenia. It is also important that educational institutions work closely with local companies, in which students annually complete about 400 hours of practice, thereby increasing their chances of finding a job after graduation.
Slovenian schoolchildren can enter a vocational college upon completion of secondary vocational or general secondary education (9 grades + 3-4 years) and passing the poklicna matura final exam. Foreigners, on the other hand, require complete secondary education or a diploma from a technical school/college. For some programs, such as Photography and Media Production, you need to pass a creative exam.
In Slovenian colleges, the academic year begins on October 1st and ends on September 30th of the following year. In order to move on to the next year, you need to pass all seminars, exams, and practices. College programs are based on a modular system of education. Within a month or two, students take one subject and at the end of the module take an exam.
Teaching takes place only in Slovenian. For admission, a language certificate of Slovenian proficiency is not required. However, it is better to learn the language before the studies begin in order to fully understand the material and communicate with fellow students and teachers.
Bachelor's programs are the first stage of higher education in Slovenia, lasting 3-4 years and costing 2,260-12,430 USD. There are two main types of programs:
Typically, most universities write the program focus, AP or PP, in their descriptions, such as the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Ljubljana.
It is necessary to collect from 180 to 240 credits, depending on the duration of study (in other words, one year is equal to 60 credits). At the end of the program, students are required to defend their diplomas.
Most programs are conducted in Slovenian. Foreign students can opt to study in Slovenian if they have previously studied the basics on their own. This can be done on Slonline, an interactive site where applicants take a free online course and gain basic listening, reading, and writing skills. During the first year of studies, many universities offer the Year Plus program. These are mandatory Slovenian language courses for international students that aim to help them adapt to the Slovenian system and culture. Also, students have the opportunity to learn the Slovenian language in specific courses from universities — for example, at the Summer School of the Slovenian Language at the University of Ljubljana[13].
That being said, there are programs taught entirely in English during the first year[14]. For admission, you must confirm your knowledge of English by passing an internal exam or providing TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE results. Internal exams are especially common in theater and film departments, where it is mandatory to prove a B2 level of English at the university itself.
The academic year is divided into two semesters: fall — from October to January, and spring — from February to mid-July. Bachelor’s programs are designed for 30 weeks in the academic year, with 20 to 30 hours of lectures, seminars, and exercises per week. If the program includes practical training, then it can last up to 42 weeks, but the total workload will not exceed 40 hours per week.
All programs are evaluated with ECTS credits. One credit point is 25-30 academic hours; one academic year can last from 1500 to 1800 working hours.
Student performance is assessed on a scale from 6 (minimum passing score) to 10 (maximum score). Some courses use a Pass/Fail system instead of a scale.
Regarding the actual studies, it is usually not necessary to attend lectures, but professors strongly recommend doing so. Seminars and laboratory work are required. The university library is free for students — you just need to register.
You can also take part in a student exchange under the Erasmus+ program or on the basis of a bilateral agreement between countries.
You can simultaneously apply for three different programs.
Master's programs are the second stage of education in Slovenia. They last 1-2 years depending on the program and end with the defense of a master's thesis. For example, Urbanism at the University of Ljubljana is studied for 2 years, and Law for 1 year. Also, some programs have a "4+1" system or a Single Cycle master’s program, which combines bachelor’s and master’s programs and reduces the study time to 5 years (this is true when a separate master's program in the chosen direction lasts 2 years).
Master's programs have the same requirements for the number of credits earned — that is, one year is equal to 60 credits. You need to obtain 60-120 credits during the course of study.
Master’s students have access to significantly more programs in English than bachelor’s students — there are more than 70[14]. You can find one in almost any field, although most are related to management, marketing, entrepreneurship and economics.
In some fields, employers can only accept candidates with a master's degree — biology, chemistry, physics, computer technology, and natural sciences. This is considered a mandatory requirement for employment.
When applying for a master's degree in Slovenia, you need to think about your funding in advance. Because the education is quite intensive and takes up a significant amount of time, it is more difficult to combine master’s programs with work than at the bachelor's level.
Doctoral studies in Slovenia last from 2 to 4 years, in most cases — 3 years. A longer period of study is most often found in medical programs and a few other specialties. The program ends with the defense of doctoral work. Doctoral studies are the most inexpensive cycle of education in Slovenia. Programs cost 2,260-6,780 USD per year.
Like in other programs, a certain amount of credits must be obtained. Most of the credits (two thirds if the program lasts 3 years, and three quarters if it lasts 4 years) must be obtained as a result of research work.
During doctoral studies, students are required to conduct research on their own or take part in existing research. All information about ongoing research events and project resources is posted on the Slovenian EURAXESS website. There are also more than 900 research organizations in Slovenia. To learn more about major institutions and areas of research, visit the Invest Slovenia website.
There are fewer doctoral programs in English than there are for master's programs[14]. They are mainly available for physics, mathematics, natural sciences, law, computer science, and philosophy.
Most of those who complete doctoral studies pursue an academic career. Such a career is of particular interest to foreigners, although it is accompanied by certain difficulties.
It is more difficult for foreigners to break into academic circles, because they are generally closed to foreigners. An exception is the exact sciences. In the social sciences and humanities, emerging private academic institutions are gradually beginning to offer positions to foreigners, but only now is this process gaining momentum.
In Slovenia, there are a number of available doctoral and postdoctoral positions for foreigners. The call for applications is announced annually on the website of the Slovenian Fund for Human Resources Development and Scholarships. Also, each Slovenian university posts its own vacancy announcements. More possibilities for work are offered by the Slovenian Employment Agency job search system (only available in Slovenian).
To become an associate professor after receiving a doctorate in Slovenia, you must undergo special training, known as habilitation. This is a mandatory requirement for moving up the academic career ladder.
Academic staff members are civil servants in Slovenia. Therefore, their salary is determined by law and averages 1,611-4,227 USD per month[15].
An academic career in Slovenia involves the following positions:
The following positions are available at vocational colleges:
Administrative ranks:
There is also the honorary title of Emeritus Professor, which is awarded to professors for outstanding achievements.
Although Slovenia has been relatively successful among post-socialist countries in closing the gender gap, this is less clear in academia. Women here make up only 35% of the academic staff[8].
Most scholarships in Slovenia are intended for EU citizens. There are also separate programs that support students from Jordan and Palestine[16]. However, there are several other financial support options that students from other non-EU countries can apply for:
CMEPIUS, a scholarship from the Slovenian Mobility Center and European education and training programs, can be obtained if you participate in a short-term mobility program based on a bilateral agreement between countries. The scholarship is available to students of all levels of education — bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students. Slovenia has signed a bilateral agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Montenegro, Poland, People's Republic of China, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Turkey, and the Russian Federation.
The scholarship includes a monthly payment of 300 euros, free accommodation in school dormitories, discounted student meals, and basic health insurance.
One copy of each document is to be submitted:
Each of the listed documents, except for the passport copy and consent to data processing, must be certified by the seal of the university. The final decision on the admission of candidates is made by the host partner. Documents must be submitted by March 31st.
Competition for the University of Primorska scholarship is higher than for CMEPIUS, because undergraduate and graduate students from any country, including Slovenia, can apply for it.
The exact amount depends on the student's academic grades and can vary from 2,260 USD to 5,424 USD per academic year (10 months).
The scholarship application must be submitted online by September 30th.
Selected candidates are placed in a special register of the best students of the University of Primorska. They get the opportunity to conclude a scholarship contract for a period of one year.
By signing the contract, the student agrees that if he/she is offered a job by a partner of the Foundation (employer), he/she will accept the offer after graduation and continue working at least until the end of the scholarship period.
The GEA College is located in Ljubljana and focuses on entrepreneurship and management. Foreign bachelor’s students can receive a scholarship of 1,356 USD for three years (i.e. 452 USD for each academic year). You can also pay for your education with the scholarship.
To do this, you need to submit the following documents:
All applications are sent by email. The selected candidates are invited to an online interview. Whether you get a scholarship or not depends on the motivation shown in your letter, video, and interview.
Foreign students in Slovenia can work while studying under the Student Work program. This is a special contract that allows students to work part-time or on a temporary basis. You can get a job under such an agreement with Student Services agencies throughout Slovenia. They offer a list of available professions and control timely and full pay.
Students under the age of 18 cannot work more than 8 hours a day, with a maximum of 40 hours a week. For those who are older, there are no restrictions — even night shifts are allowed. This opportunity is provided not only to foreign students, but also to students as part of an exchange program. To be included in the database as an employee, you need to provide:
There are two ways to get a job:
That being said, the earning potential through Student Services is limited due to taxes. From 2015, Student Services are required to contribute 15.5% of salaries to pension and insurance contributions. This applies to wages not only of local students, but also of foreigners.
22.5% is deducted from each paycheck of all international students working through a Student Services agency to pay for income tax. In order not to pay taxes twice, a special agreement on the avoidance of double taxation — the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) — with the student's home country must be signed. In this case, part of the money can be returned. To find information about which countries are subject to this rule, it is best to contact the international taxation department of the Slovenian tax office. All information about available jobs, wages, contracts, and employment rules for foreign students can be found on the official Student Service website.
The unemployment rate in Slovenia is below the European average (7.3)[7] — only 4.7 percent[6]. However, it is more difficult for non-EU citizens to find a job, because the significant competition for foreigners is made by locals and migrants from the EU. To increase chances of employment, it is desirable to speak both Slovenian and English.
The average work week is 36-40 hours. Employees are provided with annual leave of at least 20 days per year (which increases depending on how long you have worked at the company) and about 12 holidays per year. Locals and foreigners have the same labor rights, including annual leave and public holidays.
There are types of contracts in which people are not insured by labor laws — these are student jobs, copywriter positions, contract work, and tutoring positions.
When applying for a job, be sure to send a motivation letter along with your resume, in which you should focus on the benefits you will bring to the company and how you will fit into its culture.
The average monthly salary in Slovenia is around 2,226 USD[17].
The highest paid professions in Slovenia in 2022[18]:
The most demanded professions in 2021 were:
The least demanded professions were:
Jobs in Slovenia are most often sought online. Popular sites include the Slovenian Employment Service, Mojedelo, and Career Jet.
Foreigners often come to Slovenia to teach English. You can find a job as an English teacher or tutor on the ESL Employment website.
You can also work for yourself, but the very concept of "freelancing" in Slovenia is not as common as in other countries. If you are self-employed, there is a discount for the first year and you pay less taxes. The exact amount will depend on income and the insurance that is required.
And for those who plan to work in the field of tourism, leisure with children, entertainment, sports, hotel business, or catering, there is an opportunity to attend a special event for foreigners, Seize the Summer with EURES[19]. Here, you can explore vacancies, meet employers, get an invitation for an interview, or receive career advice.
There are several ways to immigrate to Slovenia:
After 5 years of continuous residence in Slovenia, you can apply for permanent residence. You can leave the country during this time, so long as you renew your residence permit on time. This status will allow you to live in Slovenia for an unlimited period, and after 10 years of residence in Slovenia (including a residence permit and permanent residence), receive a Slovenian passport.
Slovenia ranks 4th in the EU in terms of the number of residence permits issued out of the total population of the country. In 2020, about seventy thousand non-EU citizens received a residence permit in Slovenia.
Slovenia is a popular and attractive choice for immigrating to Europe. This is due to the simple process of opening a company that allows business immigration. It is also one of the safest countries in Europe, with a low crime rate(4.3)[20] and a high standard of living(9.4)[-]. In addition, Slovenia offers opportunities to participate in various business areas and business activities throughout the EU. What is more, public primary and secondary schools are free for foreign citizens.
60+ countries
we work with
$1,000,000 saved
by students through scholarships
6,400 offers
our students got
