Higher Education System of Slovenia

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology is responsible for the higher education system in Slovenia. In Slovenia, higher education is imparted by the higher education institutions-public as well as private. The largest and the oldest university in the Republic of Slovenia is the University of Ljubljana. It is among the top universities in the world and one of the top institution among the European Universities. The higher education institutions of Slovenia and the degrees offered adhere to the Bologna process since 2009.

There are both public and private universities in Slovenia. Following are the institutions of higher learning in Slovenia:

In Slovenia, there are independent public and private universities that offer all three degree cycles in wide range of fields. The universities in Slovenia also conduct scientific research. 

Faculties in Slovenia focus in one or more interrelated scientific disciplines. The faculties carry out research and impart education at all degree levels. Faculties in Slovenia are either part of universities or are independent higher education institutions. 

Art academies in Slovenia provide training in one or more interrelated art domains. These institutions of higher learning must provide at least 2 cycles of degree- first and second or second and third levels. 

The higher professional colleges in Slovenia provide training in trades and occupational domains. Some of the professional institutions also perform research. The research can be conducted in collaboration with universities or independently. 

Universities, art academies and faculties of Slovenia offer all kinds of academic programmes. The higher professional colleges emphasize on bachelor level degree programmes. Some of the professional colleges in cooperation with universities also offer Master’s degree programmes.

The higher education degree structure is divided into 3 cycles: 

At this degree level, academic as well as professional-oriented study courses are offered. 

This cycle requires students to complete and defend a thesis. 

This cycle requires students to hold a master’s degree in a related field. Also, requires completion of a doctoral thesis. 

In Slovenia the university academic year commences in October and ends in September of the following year. The academic year is split up into 2 terms. 

Slovene students and pupils from EU member countries are required to pay tuition fees only for part-time studies. Full-time studies are free of charge for these students.

International students from non-EU member countries are required to pay tuition fees for all types of study programmes.

Students from EU countries do not require a visa in order to enter Slovenia. Such students must possess a valid passport or identity card. If such students wish to stay in the Republic of Slovenia for a period of more than 3 months, then they must register their place of residence at the local administrative within 3 months of their arrival. Students from Non-EU countries are required to get a visa in order to enter and study in Slovenia.