Education Slovakia

Kindergartens

 

Age restrictions: Children are admitted to kindergartens from 3 to 6 years old. In some cases, children as young as 2 years old may be accepted if there are available places and the child is potty-trained.

 

Application deadlines: Registration is usually conducted in May. Specific dates are set by the kindergarten director and published on the institution’s official website or on information boards.

 

Required documents:

   - A written application for admission.

   - A medical certificate from a pediatrician regarding the child's health, including information on mandatory vaccinations.

   - A copy of a document confirming legal residence in Slovakia (e.g., residence permit).

 

Priority admission:

   - Children who have reached the age of five have priority admission rights.

   - Children with postponed school start are also given priority.

 

Additional information

The number of submitted applications is not limited, so parents can apply to several kindergartens. Admission decisions are usually made by the end of June.

 

Primary Schools

 

Age restrictions: Children start school at 6-7 years old. The child must be 6 years old by September 1st of the relevant year.

 

Application deadlines: Applications for entry into the first grade are submitted from April 1st to April 30th.

 

Required documents:

   - A written application for admission.

   - The child's birth certificate.

   - A document confirming legal residence in Slovakia.

 

Admission procedure:

Children undergo testing, including a psychological assessment, to determine their readiness for school. Based on the test results, a decision is made regarding admission or a possible deferral of the start of schooling.

 

Additional information

Schooling is mandatory, and every child has the right to a place in a school in their local area. If parents choose a school outside their district, admission is possible if there are available places.

 

General recommendations

Language preparation: Education in public institutions is conducted in Slovak. It is recommended to start learning the language in advance to facilitate the child's adaptation.

Consultations: If any questions arise, it is recommended to contact the selected institution directly or local education authorities for up-to-date information.

Kindergartens with foreign language instruction

 

Many private kindergartens in Slovakia offer programs in English or bilingual education. They often use modern methodologies and provide a variety of additional activities. For example, in Bratislava, there are kindergartens where education is conducted fully or partially in English, facilitating early foreign language acquisition for children.

 

Schools with foreign language instruction

 

In Slovakia, there are several international schools offering instruction in foreign languages.

 

The British International School Bratislava, Bratislava: Founded in 1997; offers education according to the British curriculum for children from 3 to 18 years old; the school is accredited by the Ministry of Education of Slovakia and the International Baccalaureate Organization; the language of instruction is English.

 

Cambridge International School, Bratislava: Offers education under IGCSE and A-Levels programs for children from 6 to 18 years old, also has a kindergarten; provides more than 25 additional activities; the language of instruction is English.

 

LEAF Academy, Bratislava: An international boarding school for teenagers aged 14–19; offers an Advanced Placement (AP) program; teaching is aimed at developing leadership skills and entrepreneurial capabilities; the language of instruction is English.

QSI International School of Bratislava, Bratislava: A private international school; offers education following an American curriculum for children from 3 to 18 years old; the school is accredited and provides quality education in an international environment; the language of instruction is English.

 

Additional information:

 

Besides international schools, Slovakia also has public and private schools with advanced foreign language studies, such as German, French, and Spanish. Some offer bilingual programs, combining education in Slovak and a foreign language.

 

It is recommended to familiarize yourself in advance with the programs and admission conditions at the selected institutions.

Public educational institutions

 

Preschools

Age: Accepts children from 3 to 6 years old.

Cost: Education is free, but parents pay for meals and additional activities.

Language of instruction: Slovak.

Availability: Places may be limited, especially in large cities. 

 

Schools:

Primary schools: Education from 6 to 15 years old, free.

Secondary schools: Education from 15 to 19 years old, free.

Language of instruction: Slovak.

Quality of education: High teaching standards, meeting state requirements.

 

Private educational institutions

 

Preschools

Age: Accepts children from 2 years old.

Cost: Education is paid, cost varies depending on the institution.

Language of instruction: Programs may be offered in foreign languages, such as English or German.

Additional services: Often offer expanded programs, including art, sports, and language classes. 

 

Schools

 Primary and secondary schools: Education is paid, the cost depends on the school.

 Language of instruction: Many private schools offer education in foreign languages or bilingual programs.

Educational programs: May follow international standards, such as IB or the British system.

 Classes: Usually smaller in size, allowing more attention to each student.

 

Below are some of the popular public and private schools in Slovakia.

 

Bratislava

 

Public schools

 Ladislav Sara High School: Known for its high level of teaching and preparation of students for university entrance.

High school on Grosslingova Street: Offers advanced studies in foreign languages and natural sciences.

 

Private schools

 British International School in Bratislava: Offers a British curriculum in English for children from 3 to 18 years old.

 Cambridge International School: Offers IGCSE and A-Level programs for students from 6 to 18 years old.

 

Kosice

 

Public schools

 High school on Postova Street, 9: Known for its high level of teaching and preparation of students for university entrance.

 Pavel Horana High School: Offers advanced studies in foreign languages and natural sciences.

 

Private schools

 Anglo-Slovak School: Offers bilingual education in English and Slovak.

 

Trnava

 

Public schools

Jan Holý High School: Known for its high level of teaching and preparation of students for university entrance.

High school on Sportova Street: Specializes in student sports training.

 

Private schools

 Mercury International School: Offers English-language education with an international curriculum.

 

Zilina

 

Public schools

High school, Warsaw Highway: Known for its high level of teaching and preparation of students for university entrance.

 - Pavel Orszagh Hviezdoslav High School: Offers advanced studies in humanities.

 

Private schools

 Bilingual Gymnasium: Offers education in Slovak and English.

 

Presov

 

Public schools

  Jan Adam Reiman High School: Known for its high level of teaching and preparation of students for university entrance.

 High school on Konstantinova Street: Offers advanced studies in natural sciences.

 

Private schools

  Esprit International School: Offers English-language education with an international curriculum.

 

It is recommended to visit the official websites of the schools for detailed information on educational programs and admission requirements.

Slovakia's education system aims to support children with special educational needs by providing them with equal access to quality education and integration into society.

 

Inclusive education: Slovakia adheres to the principles of inclusive education, striving to integrate children with special needs into general educational institutions. This allows children to study together with peers, develop social skills, and ensure full participation in school life. 

 

Special educational institutions: For children who require a more specialized approach, there are special schools and classes tailored to their individual needs. These institutions are equipped with the necessary resources and qualified staff to ensure effective learning. 

 

The education system provides various support measures for children with special needs, including:

Special educational materials and compensatory aids: Use of adapted teaching aids and technical means to facilitate the learning process. 

Specialized pedagogical and psychological consultations: Professional support for developing individual educational plans and overcoming possible difficulties. 

Teacher assistants: Assignment of assistants to aid in learning and ensuring a comfortable environment for the child.

 

Professional training of educators

Teachers and specialists undergo special training to work with children with special needs, allowing them to effectively support and adapt the educational process to the individual characteristics of each child.

 

Cooperation with parents

Educational institutions actively interact with parents, involving them in the learning process and providing exchange of information about the child's progress and needs.

 

Below are some of the specialized educational institutions designed for children with special educational needs.

 

Special primary schools

 

Špeciálna základná škola pre žiakov s narušenou komunikačnou schopnosťou v Bratislave, Bratislava: The school specializes in teaching children with speech and communication disorders, offering individual programs and speech therapy support.

 

Špeciálna základná škola pre žiakov s telesným postihnutím v Košiciach, Košice: The institution is intended for children with physical disabilities, providing an accessible environment and specialized educational programs.

 

Special secondary schools

 

Stredná odborná škola pre žiakov so sluchovým postihnutím v Prešove, Prešov: The school offers vocational education for students with hearing impairments, preparing them for independent life and work.

 

Stredná odborná škola pre žiakov s mentálnym postihnutím v Žiline, Žilina: The institution provides vocational training for adolescents with intellectual disabilities, promoting their social integration.

 

Special kindergartens

 

Špeciálna materská škola pre deti s autizmom v Nitre, Nitra: The kindergarten is focused on children with autism spectrum disorders, offering specialized early intervention programs.

 

Špeciálna materská škola pre deti so zrakovým postihnutím v Banskej Bystrici, Banská Bystrica: The institution is designed for children with visual impairments, providing adapted educational programs and sensory support.

State initiatives

Guide for integrating foreign children into the educational process: The Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic has developed a guide for directors, educators, and parents. It focuses on the legislative aspects of receiving and integrating foreign children into the educational process, as well as teaching the Slovak language as a foreign language. 

Mandatory school attendance: Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, school attendance is mandatory for foreign children. This is aimed at improving integration and ensuring equal access to education. 

 

Language courses

Migration Information Center: The Migration Information Center organizes free Slovak language courses for foreigners, including children. Courses are available for citizens from non-EU/EEA countries who have a residence permit or allowable stay in Slovakia. 

 

Language school LIBERTY: For foreign students, Slovakia offers free education in secondary schools, grammar schools, and higher education institutions on the condition of studying in the Slovak language. LIBERTY school offers Slovak language courses from levels A1 to B2, including year-round, semester, and summer programs. 

 

These programs and courses aim to support foreign children in Slovakia, promoting their successful integration into society and the country's educational system.

After-school groups

In elementary schools, there are after-school groups where children can stay after classes under the supervision of teachers. Various activities are organized here:

- Creative activities: drawing, modeling, crafts.

- Sports games: football, basketball, active games.

- Educational activities: reading, homework assistance.

These groups help parents working full-time by providing a safe and developmental environment for children.

 

Interest-based clubs

Many schools and extracurricular institutions offer a variety of clubs:

- Sports sections: swimming, tennis, martial arts.

- Music clubs: playing instruments, vocals.

- Technical clubs: robotics, programming.

- Language courses: learning foreign languages.

 

Clubs

Clubs bring children together based on interest and contribute to the development of social skills. They can be organized at schools, cultural centers, or public organizations. Examples of clubs:

- Scout organizations: develop leadership qualities and survival skills.

- Theater studios: help to unlock creative potential.

- Science clubs: stimulate interest in science and research.

The Slovak Youth Council unites Slovak non-governmental organizations whose work is dedicated to children and youth, and collectively brings together more than 55,000 young people.

 

Camps

Children's camps are popular in Slovakia, offering a variety of programs:

- Sports camps: training in various sports.

- Language camps: intensive foreign language courses.

- Creative camps: music, theater, visual arts classes.

School grading system

In elementary and secondary schools in Slovakia, a five-point grading scale is used, where:

 

1: excellent

2: very good

3: good

4: satisfactory

5: unsatisfactory

It's noteworthy that in this system, a grade of "1" is the highest, while "5" is the lowest. This scale is used to assess students' knowledge in various subjects.

 

University grading system

In Slovakia's higher education institutions, the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is applied, ensuring the comparability of students' educational achievements across European countries. The grading in this system is as follows:

 

A: excellent

B: very good

C: good

D: satisfactory

E: sufficient

FX: unsatisfactory (fail)

Each grade corresponds to a certain number of credits that a student earns for successfully completing a course. To successfully complete the academic year, a student must accumulate a set number of credits, usually 60 ECTS for an academic year.

 Admission to Slovak universities for foreigners requires meeting several conditions, which may vary depending on the chosen institution and program. Below are the main requirements:

 

Academic qualification

Bachelor's degree: A certificate of complete secondary education equivalent to the Slovak one must be provided. In some cases, the procedure of nostrification — recognition of a foreign education document — may be required.

Master's degree: A bachelor's diploma in a relevant or related field is required. The diploma may need to be recognized in Slovakia.

 

Language requirements

Slovak language: For programs in the Slovak language, it is necessary to prove proficiency at a level sufficient for studies. This may be a certificate obtained from courses accredited by the Slovak Ministry of Education.

English language: For programs in English, a certificate proving language proficiency is usually required (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL). The minimum scores depend on the university and program, but are often IELTS 5.5–6.0 or equivalent.

 

Entrance exams

Some universities and programs require passing entrance exams or interviews. This is especially relevant for medical, arts, and technical specialties.

 

Document Package:

- Completed application form: Usually submitted online through the university system.

- Copies of educational documents: Certificates, diplomas, and their translations into Slovak, notarized.

- Language test results: Certificates proving proficiency in the language of instruction.

- Motivational letter: Description of study goals and reasons for choosing a specific program.

- Recommendation letters: From professors or employers.

- Copy of passport: Pages with personal data.

- Photographs: According to university requirements.

 

Document submission deadlines: Submission deadlines vary depending on the university and program. Typically, submission starts in January and ends in May-June for studies beginning in September. It is recommended to check specific dates on the website of the chosen university. 

 

Financial Requirements

To obtain a student visa, it is necessary to provide proof of financial means, confirming the ability to cover tuition and living expenses.

Considering possible differences in requirements between universities, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the admission conditions on the website of the chosen institution in advance and, if necessary, contact the admissions office for further clarification. 

 

 Below are the leading Slovak universities that attract both local and international students.

 

Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava

Ranking: The highest in Slovakia.

Founded: 1919.

Popular faculties: medicine; law; natural sciences; humanities; offers a wide range of programs in Slovak and English. 

 

Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Bratislava

Ranking: One of the best technical universities in Central Europe.

Founded: 1937.

Popular faculties: civil engineering; electrical engineering and information technology; chemistry and food technology.

 

Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice

Ranking: The second largest university in Slovakia.

Founded: 1959.

Popular faculties: medicine; law; natural sciences; offers programs in English in the fields of medicine and dentistry.

 

Technical University of Košice, Košice

Ranking: The leading technical university in eastern Slovakia.

Founded: 1952.

Popular faculties: mechanical engineering; mining; aviation technology.

 

University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Košice

Ranking: One of the leading specialized universities in Europe.

Founded: 1949.

- Popular fields: veterinary medicine; pharmacy; offers programs in English.

 

University of Economics in Bratislava, Bratislava

Ranking: The leading economic university in Slovakia.

Founded: 1940.

Popular faculties: economics; international relations; business; offers programs in English.

 

Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Banská Bystrica

Ranking: A leader in humanities.

Founded: 1992.

Popular faculties: political science; social sciences; pedagogy.

 

Alexander Dubček University in Trenčín, Trenčín

Ranking: Specializes in applied sciences.

Founded: 1997.

Popular fields: materials technology; engineering; a rapidly developing university, closely cooperating with the industrial sector.

For admission to Slovak universities, foreign applicants need to validate their diplomas and certificates so that they are recognized as equivalent to Slovak educational documents. 

 

Steps for validating foreign diplomas and certificates

 

Gathering necessary documents:

   - Original diploma or certificate of graduation.

   - Diploma supplement (academic transcript) with a list of studied subjects and grades.

   - Document legalization certificate (e.g., apostille) confirming the authenticity of documents in the country of issue.

 

Translation of documents: All documents must be translated into Slovak. The translation must be performed by a certified translator and notarized.

 

Submitting an application for nostrification:

   The application is submitted to the relevant authority in Slovakia responsible for the recognition of foreign educational documents.

   For higher education, this is usually the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic or a specific university if it has the right to conduct nostrification.

 

Payment of the administrative fee: The nostrification procedure may require the payment of a fee. The amount and method of payment depend on the specific institution.

 

Waiting for a decision: The review of the application usually takes one to three months. In some cases, it may be required to pass additional exams or provide additional documents.

 

Features

Additional requirements: Some universities may impose additional requirements, such as entrance exams or interviews.

Consultations: Before starting the process, it is recommended to contact the admissions office of the chosen university for detailed information on requirements and procedures.

Language courses

Slovak language for foreigners: Many educational centers offer Slovak language courses for adults, promoting integration and improving communication skills. For example, the Migration Information Center organizes free Slovak language courses, which are conducted online or in person in various cities across Slovakia.

Foreign languages: Language schools and centers offer training in English, German, French, and other languages. Courses can be both general and specialized (e.g., business English).

Professional courses and training

Information technology: Courses on programming, web design, database management, and other IT fields.

Business and management: Programs in project management, marketing, finance, and other business aspects.

Technical specialties: Training in mechanical engineering, electronics, construction, and other technical fields.

Medical and social services: Courses for nurses, social workers, and other specialists in healthcare and social support.

Professional development programs

Many universities and professional organizations offer professional development programs for specialists looking to update or expand their knowledge in a specific area.

Online courses

With the development of digital technologies, online courses have become popular, allowing for remote learning. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and others offer a wide range of courses in different languages, including Slovak.

State education programs

The Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic supports various adult education initiatives, including retraining and professional development programs.

It is recommended to contact educational institutions or use online resources to obtain detailed information about available opportunities.