Structure of Education in Slovenia

The education system of Slovenia encompasses pre-tertiary education, i.e. school education, and tertiary education. 

Slovenian School Education

School education in Slovenia comprises basic compulsory education and upper secondary education. The basic education encompasses primary and lower secondary education and lasts for 9 years. The basic education is split up into three 3-year cycles. Upon successful completion of basic education, students can go for upper secondary education that is of two types: general, and vocational and technical upper secondary education. The duration of the upper secondary education varies depending upon the educational programme. 

Slovenia Tertiary Education

Higher education in Slovenia is governed by the Higher Education Act enacted by Parliament. The act also amended time to time according to requirements.  Higher education in Slovenia is imparted by the universities, professional colleges, art academies, and faculties. In Slovenia, there are both public and private higher education institutions. 

The degree structure is grouped into 3 cycles: first cycle is bachelor’s degree, second is masters, and third involves doctoral studies. First cycle study courses are at the undergraduate level, second and third cycle courses are at graduate level. 

Slovenia Education Structure

Pre-tertiary Education

Period of compulsory Education

  • Entry age: 6
  • Exit age: 15

Pre-school Education

  • Ages: 1 to 6
  • Providers: Kindergartens, pre-schools and day care centres

Basic Education

  • School type: Primary/elementary and lower secondary schools (a single structure)
  • Duration: 9 years
  • Grades: 1-9
  • Ages: 6 to 15
  • Credential: Certificate of Completion of Basic School

Upper Secondary Education

Upper secondary education in Slovenia comprises of general secondary and upper secondary vocational and technical education.

General Secondary Education

  • School type: High schools (Gimnazija)
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Ages: 15 to 19
  • Credential awarded:  Secondary school leaving certificate (Maturitetno spričevalo)

Technical Secondary Education

  • School type: Technical secondary school
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Ages: 15 to 19
  • Credential awarded:  Secondary school leaving certificate (Spričevalo o poklicni maturi)

Vocational Secondary Education

  • School type: Vocational upper secondary school
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Ages: 15 to 18
  • Credential awarded:  Secondary school leaving certificate (Spričevalo o zaključnem izpitu)

Short-term Vocational Programmes

  • School type: Vocational upper secondary school 
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Ages: 15 to 17
  • Credential awarded:  Secondary school leaving certificate/Certificate of final examination (Spričevalo o zaključnem izpitu)

Tertiary Education

  • Ages: 18 and above
First level: Undergraduate Studies-Bachelor’s degree
  • Duration: 3-4 years
Second level: Master’s degree
  • Duration: 1-2 years
Third level: Doctorate degree
  • Duration: 2-4 years (Varies depending upon the field)
  • Credential: Doktor znanosti

Educational Credentials

School Education Credentials

  • Certificate of Completion of Basic School (Spričevalo o končani osnovni soli)
  • Certificate of Final Examinations (Spričevalo o zaključnem izpitu)
  • Maturity Examination Certificate (Maturitetno spričevalo)
  • Vocational Maturity Certificate (Spričevalo o poklicni maturi)

Higher Education Credentials

  • General Care Nurse (Diplomirana medicinska sestra)
  • Technical College Diploma (Diploma visje strokovne soli)
  • Bachelor's Degree (Diplomirani)
  • Diploma in Pharmacy (Magister farmacije)
  • Diploma and Professional Title of Specialist (Diploma i strucni naziv Specialist)
  • Diploma and Akademic Title of Master (Diploma i akademski naziv magistar)
  • Master (Magister)
  • Master of Business Administration (Magister poslovne administracije)
  • Master of Arts (Magister umetnosti)
  • Master of Science (Magister znanosti)
  • Specialist in Medicine (Specialist medicine)
  • Doctor of Science (Doktor znanosti)
  • Doctor of Medicine (Doktor medicine)
  • Doctor of Dentistry (Doktor stomatologije)
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (Doktor veterinarske medicine)
For latest updates see official website Study in Slovenia
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