The Sunny Side of the Alps
Located in the southern Central Europe, Slovenia is famous for its towering mountains, outdoor activities and ski resorts. Slovenian education system has been successfully cultivated in the past few years. Especially, higher education has had many legislative and structural changes. Thus, people in Slovenia have more chances to apply for higher education. The number of students in institutions is rapidly increasing.
Higher education in Slovenia has four branches: universities, faculties, art academies and professional colleges. Courses are designed by the senate of the institutions. Study programs are approved by the state. Students will receive a diploma after completing those programs. Courses will be assessed in credit points based on the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). One credit point represents 25–30 student working hours. One academic year is from 1,500 to 1,800 student working hours. In addition to teaching, research and art activities are also conducted.
Most of Slovenians are really good at speaking English and German. Students can regard this fact as an advantage since English and German are among the most spoken languages in the world. Slovenians speak Italian and Hungarian in some areas as well. All lectures for international students are provided in English. Hence, they don’t have to worry so much about language barriers.
The Slovenian government is generous and cares much about education issues so they offer many kinds of subsidies for students. Thanks to student benefits, you can get a pizza, soup, salad or dessert just for 2.5 €. Student benefits are also applied to 80 % restaurants in Slovenia. In addition, there are discounts in accommodation which can cost as little as 80 € to 150 € per month with all costs covered and in other activities such as sports.
Top 3 reasons to study in Slovenia:
Did you know this about Slovenia?
If you decide to study in Slovenia, you will enjoy its perfect location, with part of its territory by the Alps and part by the sea. Slovenia, member of the European Union since 2004, is also a member of the Schengen Area and the Eur ozone. This situation makes Slovenia an ideal destination for international students who would like to attain a higher education degree while discovering the rest of Europe. In addition, students are exempted from paying tuition fees at full-time study programs at public institutions, and enjoy affordable tuition fees at part-time studies and at private institutions.
Have you ever thought of becoming an international student in Slovenia? Then studying in Slovenia in English might be a good option for you. Many students decide to study part of their degree or their complete degree in English.
Why study in Slovenia in English?
English is the most common language in the world, and the language many students have been studying for years. It is also an international language, which means many more opportunities for your future career.
This is why we have taken the time to review, select and bring you programs whose main language of instruction is English – all in an easy-to-compare format. Use the search field above to conveniently find study programs in English in Slovenia offered by state-accredited institutions.
Applications for undergraduate (first cycle) and graduate studies (second and third cycle) in Slovenia are sent directly to the higher education institution you are interested in. The institution will examine the submitted documentation, will check whether you are eligible for the study program or course you applied for and will issue a letter of acceptance in case you are finally admitted.
In general, universities and colleges in Slovenia ask foreign students to submit the documentation described below in order to evaluate students’ eligibility:
Application deadlines in Slovenia
According to the Slovenia Higher Education Act, institutions must announce the pre-enrollment dates for undergraduate studies at least six months before the beginning of the new academic year. For graduate programs, institutions must announce the pre-enrollment date at least 3 months before the beginning of the new academic year.
In Slovenia, the academic year starts in October and runs through September the following year. The winter semester starts in October and runs until mid-January, while the summer semester runs from mid-February to the end of May.
In general, there are three application periods:
General requirements
First cycle studies (bachelor’s)
If you have successfully completed upper secondary studies in one of the signatory countries of the Lisbon Convention, are in possession of a valid school leaving certificate and qualify for higher education studies in your home country, you may also qualify for higher education studies in Slovenia. However, you are requested to prove your level of knowledge of Slovenian and/or English. In some cases, you are also requested to take additional qualifying courses.
Second cycle studies (master’s)
If you are applying for a master’s program at university in Slovenia, you are required to be in possession of a relevant bachelor’s or equivalent degree diploma.
Third cycle studies (PhD)
In the event you are applying for doctoral studies at university in Slovenia, you are required to be in possession of a relevant diploma or Master’s degree program.
Language requirements for studies at universities in Slovenia
Slovenian
Slovenian is the main language of instruction at higher education institutions in Slovenia. Therefore, if you are applying for undergraduate courses, you will be requested to prove your level of command of Slovenian. For some study programs, such as those related to education or languages and communication, you must prove your level of knowledge of Slovenian in the first year of study. For the rest of courses, you can prove your level of command of Slovenian in the second year of studies. In general, you are expected to have a level of command of the Slovenian language corresponding to, at least, B2 in the European Language Passport.
Do you need to learn or improve your Slovenian?
If you are applying for graduate studies, you are not required to have knowledge of Slovenian. However, you will need to prove you have knowledge of, at least, one world language.
English
If your study program or course is taught in English, you will be required to prove your level of command of English by presenting the results you received at English courses. Please, always check with your university whether your English studies are sufficient for you to meet this requirement.
Specific admission tests
For some study programs, such as those related to Arts, you will be requested to pass a test of artistic aptitude or psychophysical capacity. Therefore, we recommend you contact the higher education institution you are interested in to learn whether you must pass a specific admission test to be eligible to apply for the study program of your choice.
Minimum grade point requirement to access undergraduate studies (first cycle) in Slovenia
Some study programs may be very competitive and have limited study places. Therefore, applicants are ranked based on their grades from upper secondary school and other university entrance examinations taken at their home countries. Therefore, you may need to meet a minimum grade point or cut-off point in order for you to be eligible to apply for higher education studies in Slovenia.
