IMMIGRATION TO SLOVENIA
EDUCATION

Slovenian education is still underappreciated by foreign applicants. Meanwhile, the state provides high-quality educational programs that are not only affordable, but also convenient because in most cases they do not require foreigners to pass a language test.

Proof of Slovenian language mastery will be required by the time you move on to the second year of studies or in case you want to enroll in Journalism or Slovenian studies. An educational institution must have all the necessary licenses.

An average cost of studying at a Slovenian university is about three thousand euros per year.

A wide selection of the best programs allows you to study economics, art history, and natural sciences. You can enroll in the universities of Ljubljana, Maribor, Koper, Nova Gorica and others. A complete list of higher education institutions is presented in the ranking, while here we will look into the most popular questions about education in Slovenia. All the materials are prepared by our research centre.

Let us consider who will qualify for obtaining a residence permit in the country. The following categories can stay in Slovenia for educational purposes:

• students of Slovenian gymnasiums, secondary or vocational schools;
• college students;
• students of university undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in Slovenia.

In order to be admitted, you will have to visit a university at least twice or use the services of an official representative. There are no entrance exams, but a few documents are required:

• CV;
• passport copy;
• photos;
• English proficiency test results;
• results of final exams (for the first year admission);
• an extract on the subjects studied for the last three years.

In addition to translating all the papers into Slovenian, you are usually required to write and provide a motivation letter and explain why you want to study here.

According to our experience, those who want to gain international background and expertise come to study in Slovenia. Also, the children of those who work in the country receive residence permit through their studies, for example, when one of the parents works in a Slovenian company. The legislation does not allow reunification for the first year, and therefore children are enrolled in studies. A spouse can also enroll in a college or university, thus receiving a residence permit and the possibility of family reunification.

To study in Slovenia, you need to collect a complete package of documents. To do this properly, consider hiring a professional consultant. You will need:

• international passport;
• application for a residence permit;
• confirmation of enrollment;
• sponsorship letter;
• confirmation of available funds (minimum 450 euros per month);
• health insurance;
• certificate of a clean criminal record;
• photo.

To apply for a student residence permit, there are two options: apply at the Slovenian embassy in your country or enter Slovenia with a tourist visa and apply here. With the first option, there is a high probability of delay. The embassy itself may be located in another city. In case of obtaining a tourist visa first, it is easier to do it in time for the beginning of the school year.
It is necessary to follow a clear procedure for obtaining an identification card, after which it is possible to submit documents and open a bank account.

Higher education in Slovenia provides several opportunities:

1. Residence permit valid for a year. College or university students get a permit from October 1 to September 30, school students – from September 1 to August 31.
2. Renewal with supporting document from school or university.
3. Right to live in Slovenia.
4. From the age of 16, opportunity to work part-time.
5. Benefits and discounts for food, public transport.
6. Opportunity to take part in international student exchange.
7. Upon graduation, employment or permanent residence, subject to the time spent in Slovenia. In the future, citizenship and the opportunity to permanently live in the country.

The most famous student city is Ljubljana. Students from Germany, Austria, Italy, the USA, Belgium and France enroll in Ljubljana universities. You will get an opportunity to participate in various joint programs, competitions and trips. What is important, is to adhere to the motivational goal. State authorities can revoke a residence permit if they find systematic violations of the educational process.

How much does tuition cost and is there a free education for foreigners?
Only those foreigners who already have a permanent residence or whose parent has a permanent residence study for free. They also study free of charge in primary and secondary schools if a parent works and lives in the country.

Can you enroll in a Slovenian university after graduating from high school?
Those who complete a full school or college program can enroll in a university. An additional year to study the language is not required, although in some cases a language certificate is a must.

What are the options after graduating from the secondary school?
You can enroll in a Slovenian gymnasium or a secondary technical school. But until the age of 18, you will need a legal representative in Slovenia. You will also have to pass exams with local graduates.

Are there any age restrictions for the university?
There are no such restrictions. A person of any age with the required level of education is eligible to enroll.

Can I obtain a residence permit attending language courses?
Such an opportunity existed several years ago. Starting from 2022, you can only obtain type D visa.

As you can see, an opportunity to study abroad and obtain a residence permit in Slovenia through studies, as well as to receive a new social status and the right to move freely within the EU depends only on your abilities and desire. If you have any questions, please contact our specialists. We offer the most complete and up-to-date assistance in choosing ways to study and live in Slovenia.