Why study a Bachelor or Master in Slovenia

Study in Slovenia

Studying in Slovenia is characterized by the quality of education and the presence of modern and advanced curricula, in addition to the fact that these universities have taught many of their programs in English, which contributed to the presence of a large number of international students in them.

Why should you study in Slovenia?

The reasons for moving to Slovenia for studying are too many to count:

• The country is endowed with cultural diversity. This makes it an exceptional spot for studying international relations, foreign policy, and language arts. Also, science and technology hold a strong place in Slovenian academics. In the country, study of medicine and dentistry are encouraged.
• Cultural events in the country are unbelievably well attended.Various festivals (particularly in summer) enchant visitors who come from near and far. Theatre and concerts are popular; Slovenians love to read and are proud of their cultural tradition.
• Studies are adapted to foreign students. Professors always take additional time for students and “off the record” they are usually less demanding towards foreign students.
• As mentioned before, studies are in English. Because there are smaller groups of foreign students, students get more individual time from professors and teaching assistants.

How much does it cost?

Tuition fees in Slovenia vary according to the choice of institution and study course. Higher Education for undergraduate degrees is free for all Slovenian and EU students studying full-time. Up to 80% of students pay no fees.

Tuition fee for students coming from EU member states is covered by the Ministry of Higher Education. Students have to pay an admission fee for the first year and the subsequent years.

There is a 30 € annual registration fee for all programs. International students from non-EU countries are demanded to pay the tuition fee for full-time studies in Slovenia.

In the country, the costs can vary between 1.500 € and 10.000 € a year, depending on the program and the institution. Bachelor degree for social science program costs nearly $1,500 per year. For technical study, arts program and natural science, the tuition fee is nearly $2,000 for one year.

Master’s degree: For social science program costs about $2,250 per year. For arts studies, technical programs and natural science, the tuition fee is about $3,000 for one year.

There are no distinctions made between Slovene, EU and non-EU students in the fee levels charged. Foreign students looking to study in Slovene must take a three-month language course in Slovene, which costs 1.320 €.

Living in Slovenia

The necessary living expenses for students in Slovenia are low compared to the rest of the European member states of the European Union and range from 500 to 600 euros per month.

Other costs of living

In Slovenia, the costs of housing and food are amazingly affordable. Students mainly eat in restaurants by using food coupons. Hence, the prices are really cheap. Nonetheless, the prices vary between cities and restaurants. The Republic of Slovenia contributes €2.63 per meal and the rest of the price is paid by the student. The highest price that a student has to pay after submitting a food coupon is €4.37 and the lowest price is €0 (paid for sandwiches).

The transportation

Another cost students might come across is transportation around the city. The cheapest way to get around is to walk, but this could take a while for longer distances. They also have another option, which is to buy an old bike. Prices hover around €30 – €50, according to the place from which the student buys the product.

Universities in Slovenia

The universities in Slovenia are unmatched. They offer sophisticated facilities and advanced curricula. There are multiple universities in the country that should be spotlighted. 

University of Ljubljana

University of Ljubljana is the oldest and largest higher education and scientific research bodies in the country. The university was established in 1919. It houses nearly 40,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students and employs roughly 6,000 higher education teachers, researchers, assistants and administrative staff in 23 faculties and three arts academies. The central building, all three academies and faculties are located in the center.

Some of the most recent and modern buildings were constructed on the outskirts of Ljubljana. This provided the university and its students a ubiquitous presence in the city. 

The university is known for its quality social and natural sciences and technical study programs, designed in accordance with the Bologna Declaration. The university’s projects keep pace with the latest developments in the areas of arts, sciences and technology locally and overseas. 

The university occupies several luminous positions in multiple rankings. It has been ranked among the top 600 universities by the prestigious Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). And it is placed 374th in The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), listed in the 801-1000 group in the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking, and the 601-650 group in the Quacquarelli Symonds ranking.

The University of Maribor

The University of Maribor was founded in 1975. Housing its 17 faculties, the University Library Maribor and the Student Dormitories, it is the second largest and second oldest university in Slovenia.

In recent years, the university has become a successful scientific institution, the primary mission and guiding principle of which is the spread and enrichment of knowledge. The university is quickly developing new areas of activity, testing new study methods and seeking new ways of integrating with its environment.

Modern and efficient research infrastructure is of key importance for the implementation of the basic scientific research activity of the University of Maribor, as well as support activities for the wider economic environment.

University of Nova Gorica (UNG)

The University of Nova Gorica was established in 1995, and it is very close to Italy. It has buildings in Nova Gorica, Vibava, Gorizia (very close to the Slovenian border, in Italy), and Ajdovschina.

With seven schools, four laboratories and six research centres, there are many options for courses taught entirely in English. They offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in the fields of natural sciences, management, engineering, biotechnical sciences, and arts and humanities.

Student Visa - Slovenia

In general, all nationals from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland must hold a student visa along with a residence permit.

EU, EEA and Swiss natioanls are not required to obtain a visa but need to register with the local authorities within 90 days of their arrival. 

Visa application procedures:

Candidates must complete the visa application form and submit it with the required documents to the nearest Slovenian embassy or consulate in person. The following documents must be submitted with the application form for a residence permit for international students in Slovenia:

• Acceptance letter issued by a higher education institution in Slovenia.
• A valid copy of the passport.
• Two passport-sized photos, and you will be asked to leave your fingerprint, your passport, and a copy of the first page.
  Educational certificates.
• Evidence of financial support: it can be a bank statement for the last 6 months, a sponsorship contract, or a scholarship.
• Health insurance guide: it should indicate the right to health facilities in the Republic of Slovenia and the term of insurance.
• Proof of residence in Slovenia
• The passport must be valid for an additional 3 months beyond the intended period of stay in Slovenia.
• A copy of the page in the passport where you have the entry stamp to Slovenia or a copy of a valid visa.
• A criminal record from your home country confirming that you have not been convicted of a felony (certified, translated into Slovenian).

How to apply - Slovenia

Foreign students wishing to complete their undergraduate or graduate study in Slovenia do not need to submit an IELTS certificate in the English language to obtain university admission, but mastery of the local language skills, i.e. the Slovenian language, and the ability to use it in conversation and writing are among the basic and necessary conditions before obtaining The foreign student on university admission, the issue that makes it difficult for Arab foreign students to obtain study places in Slovenian universities and colleges.

It is worth noting that there are many educational courses in the Slovenian language offered by colleges and universities operating in Slovenia. However, learning the Slovenian language by foreign students may require a period of time that many students prefer to spend at the university rather than wasting it in learning a new language. Of course, some universities and colleges operating in Slovenia, especially for the BA in management and business branches, offer their educational programs in English.

Scholarship in Slovenia

The Slovenian government and the universities operating in it offer a very low number of scholarships and scholarships annually due to the low cost of tuition for foreign students charged by universities, which causes a decrease in the probability of a foreign student obtaining a scholarship to Slovenia due to the intense competition between foreign students and the low number of seats granted .

EMUNI University Scholarship

EMUNI University in Piran, Slovenia is offering scholarships to foreign students at Masters level. Available field of studies is in Intercultural Business Communication. In order to enroll in this program, students must have an intermediate knowledge of Arabic, French or Italian. The scholarship entails an education fund that helps students offset their academic expenses.

Primorska University Scholarship

This scholarship from Primorska University is named Public Call Scholarship. This scholarship is available at the undergraduate level. All fields of study are eligible and students are not required to submit a separate application for it as it is an entry award. Students must be good at sports and extra-curricular activities to receive this award.

Students must also be good at academics and must pass an English language test with flying colors (because students who receive the scholarship usually get better grades than average language scores).

8ECM Scholarships

The European Congress of Mathematics (ECM) awards scholarships to prospective international students in the field of Mathematics. Applicants must have strong potential and must show enthusiasm to embark on their journey in the field of mathematics.

This is a research-based program and applicants must be from one of the specified developing countries. Students can be enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. program in mathematics at one of the partner universities.