Education Slovenia

Enrolling in kindergarten

Age groups: Kindergartens accept children from 11 months to 6 years old. Groups are divided by ages: from 11 months to 3 years and from 3 to 6 years.

Enrollment process

Choosing a kindergarten: It is recommended to select several kindergartens and prioritize them.

Application submission: Fill out a form and submit it to the chosen kindergarten. Attach copies of the child’s birth certificate, parents' passports, proof of residence registration, and, if necessary, medical documents.

Submission deadlines: The main enrollment period is February-March, but enrollment is possible throughout the year if there are available spots.

Enrolling in school

Entry age: Children start compulsory school education at the age of 6.

Enrollment process

School selection: You can enroll a child in the school of residence or choose another one, provided there are available spots.

Application submission: Provide the child’s birth certificate, proof of residence registration, and, if transferring from another school, academic records from the previous school, translated into Slovenian.

Submission deadlines: Enrollment in the first grade usually occurs in February, but enrollment is possible at any time during the academic year if relocating.

It is recommended to contact the selected institutions in advance to clarify details and requirements.

Kindergartens with foreign language instruction

Private kindergartens: Some private kindergartens offer programs in foreign languages such as English, French, or Italian. They may use Montessori or Waldorf pedagogy methods. It is recommended to review the institution's program and accreditation before choosing.

Schools with foreign language instruction

International schools:

Danila Kumar International School: A state school in Ljubljana offering International Baccalaureate programs in English for children from kindergarten to middle school.

QSI International School of Ljubljana: A private non-profit school with English language instruction following the American curriculum.

The French International School in Ljubljana: A private school offering instruction in French based on the French national curriculum.

British International School of Ljubljana: A private school providing a British curriculum in English.

Bilingual schools: In regions with national minorities, such as Prekmurje and Slovenian Istria, there are schools offering education in Hungarian and Italian, respectively.

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the programs and requirements in advance and visit the schools and kindergartens to get full information.

In Slovenia, the education system includes public and private preschool and school institutions, each with its own features.

Preschool institutions

Public kindergartens:

Curriculum: A unified educational program approved by the Ministry of Education of Slovenia.

Cost: Depends on the municipality and the child's age. There is a subsidy system considering family income and other factors.

Private kindergartens:

Curriculum: May offer alternative methodologies such as Montessori or Waldorf pedagogy, provided they have state accreditation.

Cost: Usually higher than in public kindergartens. Subsidies are possible if the kindergarten is listed in the subsidy registry.

School institutions

Public schools:

Education: Compulsory and free for children from 6 to 15 years old (9 grades). Programs are state-accredited, ensuring a unified quality of education throughout the country.

Language of instruction: The main language is Slovenian. In regions with national minorities (Prekmurje, Slovenian Istria), education can be conducted in Hungarian or Italian languages.

Additional expenses: Meals, educational materials, excursions, and extracurricular activities are paid separately. There are subsidies for meals for specific categories.

Private Schools:

Education: They offer a variety of programs, including international standards (e.g., International Baccalaureate). They may use alternative teaching methods.

Language of instruction: Instruction is often conducted in foreign languages such as English, French, or German.

Cost: Education is paid, and the cost depends on the specific institution and program. Subsidies are usually not provided.

Features for immigrant children:

Public Schools: Immigrant children have the right to free education on par with Slovenian citizens. Additional Slovenian language lessons are organized for them to facilitate integration.

Private and International Schools: May be preferable for children already proficient in the language of instruction offered by these institutions.

Additional Aspects

Quality of education: Public schools ensure a unified quality of education across the country, allowing access to quality education regardless of region.

Extracurricular activities: Public schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to promote the all-round development of students.

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the programs of specific institutions in advance and visit them to obtain complete information.

Slovenia actively develops inclusive education, providing children with special needs access to quality education and support. Most children with special needs are educated in regular kindergartens and schools, where special conditions are created for them:

Individualized educational programs: adapted curricula that consider the needs of each child.

Additional professional assistance: participation of special educators, speech therapists, and psychologists.

Use of assistive technologies: application of special devices and software to facilitate the learning process.

Special Educational Institutions

For children requiring more intensive support, the following are provided:

Special groups in regular kindergartens: small groups with an individualized approach.

Special schools and centers: institutions specializing in the education of children with specific needs. These institutions provide adapted programs and services for children with various disabilities, helping them develop skills and integrate into society.

Specialized Schools and Centers

Center for Hearing and Speech in Maribor: Assistance for children with hearing and speech disorders. Special educational programs, speech therapy, and audiological support. Education is adapted for children with cochlear implants and hearing aids.

Institute for Blind and Visually Impaired Children, Ljubljana: Education and support for blind and visually impaired children. Individualized educational programs, teaching reading and writing in Braille, mobility and orientation training.

Janez Levec Center, Ljubljana: Education and rehabilitation for children with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Individual educational programs, therapeutic services (art therapy, physiotherapy). Preparation for societal integration and life skills development.

Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Ljubljana: Support for children with hearing loss. Instruction in Slovenian Sign Language, speech therapy, psychological support. Programs are aimed at socialization and integration into society.

Center for Education, Rehabilitation, and Training in Kamnik: Assistance for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. Physiotherapy, speech therapy support, special educational programs. Programs for integration and preparation for independent living.

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Centers

University Rehabilitation Institute in Ljubljana: Medical rehabilitation for children with physical impairments and chronic illnesses. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy. Individual rehabilitation programs combined with educational services.

Special Hospital for Rehabilitation in Stara Gora: Rehabilitation of children with motor impairments. Comprehensive medical and educational support. Intensive therapy and integration programs.

Parents are advised to contact relevant institutions for comprehensive information about programs and admission conditions.

In Slovenia, special integration programs and Slovenian language courses have been developed for foreign children to facilitate their adaptation to a new environment and successful integration into the educational system.

Integration Programs

Initial Integration of Immigrants:

Description: A state program combining Slovenian language learning with an introduction to the history, culture, and constitutional system of Slovenia.

Volume: 180 hours of training with the possibility of an additional 60 hours if required.

Participation conditions: Free for citizens of third countries with appropriate confirmation from the local administrative unit.

Additional information: The program aims to develop communication skills in the new environment and prepare for the Slovenian language exam at levels A1, A2/B1.

Language courses for children and adolescents:

Slovenian Language Center as Second and Foreign Language:

Programs:

Summer School of Slovenian Language for Youth: Intensive courses for pupils and students wishing to study Slovenian during the summer period.

Online Slovenian language courses for pupils and students: Courses of various levels of complexity conducted online.

Goal: Development of language skills and familiarization with Slovenian culture.

Support in schools:

Additional Slovenian language lessons: State schools organize additional Slovenian lessons for foreign children to facilitate their quick integration and successful education.

Individual educational plans: Special plans are developed for students experiencing language difficulties, taking into account their needs and promoting effective learning.

Private language schools:

Hiša Jezikov: offers Slovenian language courses for foreigners.

AG Skupina: offers online Slovenian and English courses for students and adults.

It is recommended to contact selected institutions in advance for detailed information about programs, participation conditions, and class schedules.

In Slovenia, extracurricular activities for children include after-school programs, various clubs, societies, and camps, promoting the comprehensive development of students and their integration into the community.

After-school programs: After-school programs provide primary school students the opportunity to stay in school after regular lessons under the supervision of educators. Activities include homework completion, creative activities, sports games, and free time for relaxation.

Clubs and societies: These can be held by the school itself with the participation of internal mentors, as well as by external organizations based at the school.

Directions:

Sports sections: Football, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, and other sports.

Creative clubs: Drawing, music, theater, dance.

Scientific clubs: Robotics, programming, mathematics.

Language courses: Learning foreign languages, including English, German, and French.

Summer and winter camps: Organized by schools, municipalities, or private organizations during school holidays. Include sports events, creative workshops, excursions, and educational activities.

Parents are encouraged to actively collaborate with schools and local communities to choose the most suitable programs for their children.

School Education

Primary School:

In the first three grades (1–3), verbal assessment is used where teachers provide a qualitative description of the student's performance and development.

From the fourth grade (4–9), a five-point grading system is introduced:

5: Excellent

4: Very Good

3: Good

2: Satisfactory

1: Unsatisfactory

A grade of "1" is considered unsatisfactory, and the student must retake the material.

Secondary School:

The use of the five-point grading system continues.

Graduates take an exam (Matura), the results of which influence university admissions.

Higher Education

A ten-point grading system is used:

10: Excellent

9: Very Good

8: Good

7: Satisfactory

6: Sufficient

5 and below: Unsatisfactory

Grades from 6 to 10 are considered positive, while 5 and below are unsatisfactory, requiring a retake of the exam.

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS):

Slovenia, as part of the European Higher Education Area, uses the ECTS system to quantify the student workload.

1 ECTS credit corresponds to 25–30 hours of study work.

To complete one academic year, 60 ECTS credits are required.

The national grading scale corresponds to the ECTS as follows:

Excellent (10): A

Very Good (9): B

Good (8): C

Satisfactory (7): D

Sufficient (6): E

Unsatisfactory (5 and below): FX/F

Admission to universities in Slovenia for international students requires meeting a number of standard conditions, which may vary slightly depending on the specific university and program chosen.

Academic Qualification

Bachelor's: Completion of full secondary education certified by a secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent document is required.

Master's: A bachelor's degree in a relevant or related field of study is required.

Doctorate: A master's degree in the relevant field is necessary.

Recognition of Foreign Education

Foreign educational documents must undergo a recognition process (nostrification) in Slovenia. This process confirms that your education meets the standards established in the country. The recognition process can be conducted by the university itself or the relevant state authorities.

Language Proficiency

Slovenian Language: For programs taught in Slovenian, proof of language proficiency at level B2 or higher is required. Some universities conduct internal testing or accept international certificates.

English Language: For programs taught in English, test results validating language proficiency at level B2 or above (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, PTE) must be provided.

Entrance Exams

Most programs do not have entrance exams. However, for certain specialties such as journalism, pedagogy, and creative fields, additional tests or creative competitions may be conducted.

Submission of Documents

Applications are submitted through the eVŠ electronic system or directly to the chosen university. Application deadlines are usually February-May for the first intake and August for the second. It is recommended to check specific deadlines on university websites.

Visa Requirements

Upon receiving an admission confirmation, a national visa category D for long-term stay and study in Slovenia must be obtained. 

Financial Aspects

Tuition fees for international students are charged. The cost varies depending on the university and program, starting from 1,500 euros per year. Some universities and organizations offer scholarships and grants for international students with high academic achievements.

Additional Requirements

Some universities may request motivation letters, recommendations, or portfolios (for creative specialties). It is recommended to familiarize yourself with specific requirements on the official websites of the selected universities in advance.

Slovenia is home to universities that offer a wide range of high-quality educational programs attracting both local and international students. Here is a list of the most popular universities in Slovenia:

University of Ljubljana (Ljubljana): The oldest and largest university in Slovenia, founded in 1919. It ranks among the top 600 universities worldwide. Popular programs: Economics and Business; Mechanical Engineering; Computer Science; Medicine; Art and Design. International programs in English, developed infrastructure for scientific research.

University of Maribor (Maribor): The second-largest university in the country, founded in 1975. It ranks among the top 1000 universities worldwide. Popular programs: Humanities; Engineering; Information Technology; Agriculture.

Primorska University (Koper): A modern university, founded in 2003, focused on international cooperation. Popular programs: Ecology and Marine Biology; Tourism; Social Sciences; Linguistics.

Nova Gorica University (Nova Gorica): A small but prestigious university, established in 1995, with an emphasis on scientific research. Popular programs: Winemaking and Agronomy; Environmental Sciences; Physics; Humanities. Specializes in innovation and research, close cooperation with industry.

International Institute for Social and Human Sciences (Bled): One of the leading business schools in the Central and Eastern Europe region. Programs: MBA (Master of Business Administration); Executive Education. International student body, modern approaches to learning and teaching.

University of Ljubljana – Academy of Arts: A faculty of the University of Ljubljana offering studies in theater, film, radio, and television. Popular programs: Film Directing; Acting; Scriptwriting. Creative environment, emphasis on practice and collaboration with industry professionals.

For admission to universities in Slovenia, foreign applicants need to validate their diplomas and certificates by undergoing the foreign education recognition process.

Recognition procedure (nostrification)

Authority responsible for recognition: In Slovenia, foreign educational documents recognition is carried out by the ENIC-NARIC Center, operating under the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport.

Stages of the process

Application submission: The applicant submits an application for foreign education recognition to the selected university or directly to the ENIC-NARIC Center.

Document provision: The following documents in original and certified translations into Slovenian must be provided:

- Diploma or education certificate.

- Diploma supplement listing studied subjects and grades.

- Confirmation of the content and duration of the educational program (if necessary).

Decision issuance: A decision on qualification recognition is issued, confirming the applicant's right to continue education in Slovenia.

Review time: The recognition procedure usually takes from 2 to 4 months.

Document legalization

Apostille: If the country issuing the document is a party to the 1961 Hague Convention, an apostille must be affixed to the documents.

Consular legalization: For documents from countries not participating in the Hague Convention, consular legalization is required.

Document translation

All documents must be translated into Slovenian. The translation must be done by a certified translator or verified in accordance with Slovenian legislation.

Document submission deadlines:

The deadlines for submitting applications for education recognition and university admission may vary. Typically, the first stage of document submission is from February 1 to March 1, but specific dates should be clarified with the chosen educational institution.

By completing the recognition procedure for foreign diplomas and certificates, applicants gain the opportunity to enter Slovenian universities and continue their education in accordance with European standards.

Adult and further education:

 

In Slovenia, a variety of additional courses and programs are available for adults, aimed at language learning and professional development.

Language courses

Slovenian language:

Private language schools: offer Slovenian language courses with professional teachers, including online formats suitable for students and adults; organize intensive Slovenian language courses for those wishing to quickly learn the language for study, work, or living in Slovenia.

English language:

Specialized programs: Some schools offer business English courses and preparation for international exams.

Professional courses and programs

Professional colleges:

Programs for adults: There are professional colleges in Slovenia offering training and retraining programs for adults in various fields such as technology, economics, healthcare, and art.

Learning Flexibility: Education can be face-to-face, online, or in a blended format, allowing adults to combine studies with work or other responsibilities.

Adult Education:

Government Programs: The Ministry of Education of Slovenia supports adult education programs, including Slovenian language courses, vocational training, and general education courses.

Private Initiatives: Many private educational centers offer specialized courses for adults, tailored to the needs of the labor market.