As a rule, the process of entering a university or college is a “family” issue. Parents take an active part in this process helping their son or daughter to make sense out of the abundance of study programmes, the requirements of educational institutions, and, in fact, decide on a university or college as such. We advise that you do not confine yourself to the framework of your own country but have a broader view at the future of your child.
For our part, we have prepared a detailed guide, which will help you make sure of the advantages of receiving education in Slovenia and make the right choice of an educational institution and future profession.
Why Slovenia Is the Best Option to Receive Education
Studying abroad is the first step towards successful employment and career growth. Now you can receive a quality education in many European countries. If you make a choice in favor of Slovenia, this will be a great solution. A small Slavic country, a member of the European Union, is ideal for study and life.
The education system of Slovenia has received international recognition. Colleges and universities in this country offer a variety of study programmes covering a wide range of relevant study programmes. All academic plans meet European standards. International education diplomas are recognized in the EU and the USA. Slovenian educational institutions attract foreign applicants with an affordable tuition fee and a number of additional opportunities.
Slovenia’s advantages include a favorable geographical location. This country is located in Central Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Foreign students receive a residence permit during their studies. The presence of a residence permit makes it possible to freely travel on weekends and holidays visiting neighboring countries or any other countries in the Eurozone.
When choosing a country for studying, safety is a very important factor. Parents who want to send their children to study in Slovenia have nothing to worry about. In the Global Index of Peace, which is being developed by an international group of experts, Slovenia took 7th place in 2017. When compiling this ranking, the safety of living is evaluated according to 23 parameters. These include the level of violence and crime, the observance of human rights, the degree of social protection, the level of trust between citizens and other indicators.
Slovenia is a stable, democratic, and tolerant country. International students feel as comfortable as possible here. Young people from Slavic countries who come to Slovenia to study fall into a close cultural and linguistic environment. The mentality is similar to Slovenes, which is the key to successful adaptation and communication. You can rest assured – your son or daughter will quickly get used to life in Slovenia, easily adapt to the chosen educational institution, and find friends.
Studying in Slovenia is an integration into the European lifestyle and into the international environment. Besides, this is a great opportunity for versatile leisure options. Slovenia is famous for its monuments of history, architecture, and culture, as well as natural attractions. Curious students will certainly be interested in ancient castles, palaces and temples, picturesque mountains, mysterious caves, and beautiful lakes. The attractiveness of Slovenia is enhanced by the sea and ski resorts.
Slovenian Universities and Colleges
There are three state universities in the country:
- The University of Ljubljana is the oldest and most prestigious university in the country. It unites 23 institutes and 3 art academies. Currently, more than 40 thousand students from many countries study here.
- The University of Maribor has the status of the second largest Slovenian university. It has about 15 thousand students. It includes 17 faculties. According to Times Higher Education, the University of Maribor is the most attractive university in Slovenia.
- The University of Primorska located in Koper has 7 faculties and 2 research institutes. This young and successfully developing university has 5,400 students.
The higher education system of Slovenia also includes private educational institutions with state accreditation and issuing state diplomas:
- The University of Nova Gorica. Its structure includes 4 faculties, the Academy of Arts, the Higher School of Viticulture and Oenology, 6 research centers, and the Faculty of Postgraduate Education. The university annually takes high places in the international Round University Ranking.
- 47 institutes. These universities offer highly specialized study programmes focused on the modern labor market.
- The country also has international universities that attract young people from different countries:
- The University of Alma Mater Europea.
- The European Mediterranean University.
The university programmes correspond to the Bologna system, which provides for three levels of study:
1. Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree, 3-4 years of training).
2. Graduate (Master’s degree, two-year programmes).
3. Postgraduate (Ph.D. degree, 3 years of training).
The study programmes offered by Slovenian universities are diverse. You will be able to choose the most suitable programme taking into account your interests and preferences. You can enter the Bachelor’s degree programme immediately after leaving school or secondary specialized educational institutions. To enter a Master’s degree programme, you must have a Bachelor’s degree.
Colleges of Slovenia also offer secondary vocational education. The various programmes of these educational institutions are primarily focused on obtaining practical knowledge and acquiring independent work skills. The conditions for admission to colleges include the presence of a secondary education certificate. On an individual basis, the administration of an educational institution may accept an applicant after the 9th grade.
The most important advantages of studying in Slovenia also include the opportunity to enter a university or college without passing exams. Entrance exams are set only for applicants entering creative and some special study programmes.
Training is conducted in Slovenian or English. In both cases, the provision of a document that confirms the language level is not required during the admission process. This is a definite advantage for foreign applicants.
The process of entering Slovenian educational institutions takes place in several stages. The first stage begins in February and early March. The second stage of accepting applications in colleges of the country takes place at the end of August. In universities, applications are accepted until mid-late September.
The Benefits Received by Students While Studying in Slovenia
Students of Slovenian educational institutions have many privileges that add attractiveness to this country. Foreigners can receive a residence permit for the purpose of studying. Holders of a residence permit can stay in Slovenia for the period indicated in the issued permit as well as to visit countries of the Schengen zone without a visa. Documents for obtaining a residence permit can be submitted in the country of residence by contacting the Embassy of Slovenia. Students can apply in Slovenia having entered the country with a tourist visa.
Foreigners studying in Slovenian universities have a legal opportunity to work. They are allowed to work from the first year of study. Employment takes place through the Student Service. Students are offered several vacancies. Membership in the Student Service can be obtained online or at one of the organization’s offices.
The life in Slovenia is made even more affordable by discounts provided for students. Significantly reduce meal costs are provided by special subsidies – bons. When ordering meals in a student cafeteria, city cafe, or restaurant, students pay half the price. As a supplement, you can get a salad or fruit. Parents can be sure that the meals of their son or daughter who went to study in Slovenia will be full, varied, and at the same time relatively inexpensive.
For full-time students, subsidized tickets for city public transport are provided. Student status makes it possible to buy train and intercity bus tickets at a discount. The discount system is also valid when traveling outside Slovenia.
Students can purchase tickets to cinemas, theatres, museums, concerts and exhibitions at preferential prices. You can also buy a subscription to a sports club, fitness center, or pool at a discount. Existing benefits make student life in Slovenia vibrant and interesting without significant cash expenses.
In this country, a student can easily live with 500 EUR per month taking into account the cost of housing, food, and other purposes. A trip to a neighboring country (Italy, Austria, Croatia or Hungary) on a day off will cost about 30 EUR. Such travels develop communication skills and broaden horizons.
The attractiveness of studying in Slovenia is also enhanced by the ability to perfectly master at least two foreign languages (English and Slovenian).
Price and Quality of Training
The ratio between price and quality of education is one of the main factors that applicants and their parents take into account when choosing a country. If to take this indicator into account, Slovenia is the best option for study. The relatively low tuition fee in Slovenian universities and colleges is combined with a high-quality education.
The University of Ljubljana offers undergraduate programmes costing from 1,800 to 2,500 EUR per year. Graduate studies cost 3,000–4,000 euros.
At the University of Maribor and the University of Primorska, prices for educational services are slightly lower. Here you can choose a Bachelor’s degree programme with a tuition fee of 1,500 EUR for foreign students. One academic year under a Master’s degree programme costs from 1,750 EUR.
The most attractive prices among Slovenian universities are offered by the University of Nova Gorica. The tuition fee for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme is 850 EUR per year.
The cost in colleges depends on the specific programme and can range from 1,000 to 3,000 EUR per year.
The educational system in Slovenia has a pronounced practical orientation. It is not focused only on the transfer of theoretical knowledge to students. The teaching staff of Slovenian universities is largely represented by practitioners. The educational institutions of this country are actively inviting teachers from the best European universities for participation in the exchange programmes. Graduates of Slovenian universities and colleges are thoroughly prepared to work in their chosen profession.
Job Prospects for Graduates
Universities and colleges of Slovenia undergo mandatory state accreditation. The country’s educational institutions issue their graduates with international diplomas. These educational documents are recognized in the EU and the USA.
If a student goes to study in Slovenia, then after graduation, he or she will be able to choose a suitable employment option. Some graduates leave for England, Germany, Austria, or other countries of Western Europe, which open attractive prospects for career growth and professional realization.
At the same time, many graduates of universities and colleges in Slovenia do not seek to change the familiar environment, they remain to live and work in this country, to which they are accustomed over the years of study. A large number of Slovenian companies, enterprises, and institutions are in dire need of young personnel.
After studying in Slovenia, some of the foreigners return to their native countries, where, of course, they enjoy great attention from employers due to the knowledge obtained and a prestigious diploma.
Foreign students usually earn extra money during their studies. By the end of the training, they often have a permanent employer. Partnerships of educational institutions with leading companies and enterprises of the region, which provide jobs for passing internships, contribute to the successful employment of young professionals in Slovenia. During the training practice, students establish useful contacts. Thus, students can avoid employment problems by the end of their studies.
Young specialists with a European diploma being in demand in the labor market have excellent career prospects. According to the British Institute for Personnel and Development, which conducts special studies in European countries, over 90% of graduates of Slovenian educational institutions find work according to their profession. This is one of the best indicators in Europe!
The Importance of Professional Assistance During Enrolment
The process of preparing for admission to any educational institution in Slovenia and the admission itself is a rather difficult and time-consuming task. Foreign applicants and their parents have to deal with the problems of choosing the most suitable university or college and a specific programme. There are some red-tape challenges that may appear during the enrolment and are characteristic of any European country. Besides, moving abroad for study purposes inevitably entails a number of routine issues that are difficult to solve alone, if not impossible.
That is why it is advisable to entrust the assistance in enrolment to the educational institution of Slovenia and obtaining a residence permit to professionals. The 2TM team has gained vast experience working with applicants and students from various countries. The company has well-established relations with Slovenian universities, institutes, and colleges.
You will receive detailed and reliable information about life and study in Slovenia, about the country’s educational institutions and the programmes that they offer. Experienced specialists will advise you on issues related to the preparation of documents for admission, translate an existing certificate or diploma into Slovenian or English, carefully check the entire package of documents and apply for admission.
2TM will also assist in registering a student at the place of residence, obtaining medical insurance and a bank account, as well as in solving any other problems that may arise. Cooperating with us, you will avoid red-tape problems, save time and energy, and be safe from unnecessary stressful situations!
Aleksandr Lysov
