Slovenia (SI)

Slovenia is a small, prosperous Central European republic nestled at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, and the Pannonian Plain — the first former Yugoslav country to join both the EU (2004) and the Eurozone (2007).

Capital: Ljubljana

Region: Europe

Language: Slovenian

Currency: EUR (€)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)

Emergency: 112

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Slovenia.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Vrtec (public kindergarten) €0–500/month (heavily subsidised based on household income — typically 20–80% state subsidy)

Age: 1–6 years (eligible from 11 months)

Subsidy available

The Slovenian government subsidises vrtec (public kindergarten) costs on a sliding scale based on household income. Families with the lowest incomes pay virtually nothing; higher-income families pay up to €450–500/month for a full-time place (still far below actual cost). The subsidy is applied automatically — request the calculation from the Centre for Social Work (CSD) with proof of income.

Apply to your municipal vrtec directly or via the municipality portal. Documents: child's EMŠO, parents' EMŠO, proof of address, vaccination record, and income documentation for subsidy calculation. Mandatory vaccinations are required for enrollment.

⏱️ Apply to your local vrtec immediately after arrival — popular vrtci (plural) in Ljubljana can have waiting lists of 3–6 months. Municipality websites list all local vrtci and their current capacity. Submit applications to multiple vrtci simultaneously.

Zasebni vrtec (private kindergarten) €600–1,200/month (limited subsidy available for some approved private vrtci)

Age: 3 months–6 years

Some private vrtci with municipal concession receive partial state support — check with the specific provider. Generally less subsidised than public options.

Contact the private vrtec directly. International options include British International School Ljubljana and Waldorf-based private kindergartens. Most require proof of vaccinations.

⏱️ Private vrtci typically have shorter waiting lists than public ones. International private kindergartens catering to expat families operate in Ljubljana.

🏫 Schools

Public primary school Free

Osnovna šola (OŠ)

Ages: 6–15 years (9 years of compulsory education) · Language: Slovenian (school books and materials free for all students)

Enrol at the local osnovna šola within your school district (šolski okoliš) at the municipality. Documents: child's EMŠO, parents' EMŠO, proof of address, vaccination record, and any previous school documentation. Non-Slovenian speaking children may be placed in an introduction class (uvajalni razred) or receive additional Slovenian language support. Contact the municipality for school district assignment.

Compulsory education (obvezno šolanje) applies to all children resident in Slovenia aged 6–15, regardless of citizenship status. Public primary schools are free and well-resourced. The school year runs September–June. Lunch (šolska prehrana) is subsidised for lower-income families. For families not yet speaking Slovenian, the Slovenian language integration classes are available in most larger schools.

Public secondary school (gymnasium or vocational) Free

Srednja šola (gimnazija / poklicna šola)

Ages: 15–19 years (4 years) · Language: Slovenian

Secondary education (srednja šola) is not compulsory but over 90% of students continue. Two main tracks: (1) Gimnazija — academic high school preparing for university (matura exam at age 18/19); (2) Poklicna in strokovna šola — vocational and technical school. Applications via the eVŠ portal (evs.ess.gov.si) in spring of Year 9. Entry is competitive for prestigious Ljubljana gymnasiums. Expat students should ensure they have appropriate Slovenian language skills — the entry requirements are in Slovenian.

The Slovenian matura (graduation exam) is the university entry qualification. International students may need to have foreign qualifications evaluated by ENIC/NARIC Slovenia (CMEPIUS) for university entry. The International Baccalaureate is offered by some private schools in Ljubljana.

International Schools

Ljubljana has a small but established international school sector: (1) International School of Ljubljana (ISL) — offers IB curriculum from Early Years to Diploma Programme, primarily English-language, fees €8,000–18,000/year; (2) British International School of Ljubljana — British curriculum through IGCSE and A-levels, fees similar; (3) Waldorf school — alternative pedagogy with an international approach; (4) French section at Zavod sv. Stanislava. Most international schools are located in Ljubljana and cater to the diplomatic, multinational company, and expat professional community. Waiting lists apply at popular international schools — apply immediately on arrival.

University

Tuition fee

Free for EU citizens enrolled in Slovenian public universities (in full-time study). Non-EU students: approximately €2,000–5,000/year for undergraduate; €3,000–8,000/year for graduate programmes. Private universities: €3,000–10,000/year regardless of citizenship.

Semester fee

No semester administration fee for full-time students in accredited programmes (beyond any applicable tuition). Some universities charge an administration/registration fee of €50–150/year.

Student visa

EU/EEA students: register residence at Upravna enota (potrdilo o prijavi prebivanja) within 3 months. No visa required. Non-EU students: apply for temporary residence for study (začasno prebivanje za izobraževanje) at the Upravna enota. Requires proof of university enrollment, accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient financial means. Processing: 1–2 months.

Health insurance

Slovenian students enrolled in a recognised programme are covered by compulsory health insurance through ZZZS (same system as employed persons). EU students with a valid EHIC from their home country can access emergency and necessary healthcare. Non-EU students must obtain health insurance — either via ZZZS registration or private international student insurance.

Application process

Applications for Slovenian public universities go through the eVŠ portal (vpis.si). Deadline: typically late June for September enrollment. EU students apply with their national qualifications or matura equivalent. Non-EU students may need ENIC/NARIC evaluation of foreign qualifications.

🗣️ Language Courses

Slovenian language and culture integration course

Provider: ZRSZ (Employment Service) / Javni sklad RS za razvoj kadrov · Duration: 120–300 hours · Levels: A1 to B1

Free for eligible non-EU immigrants and certain EU citizens registered as unemployed or in integration programmes

Non-EU immigrants with residence permits and registered EU jobseekers may be entitled to free Slovenian language courses through ZRSZ integration programmes. Ask at your ZRSZ regional office about eligibility. Starting Slovenian promptly is essential given its difficulty for non-Slavic speakers.

Slovenian for Foreigners — regular courses

Provider: Center za slovenščino kot drugi in tuji jezik (Ljubljana University Centre for Slovene) · Duration: 60–200 hours per level · Levels: A1 to C2

€200–500 per intensive course; €300–800 per semester course

The Centre for Slovene as a Second and Foreign Language at the University of Ljubljana runs the official Slovenian proficiency tests and provides quality courses. Essential for anyone planning long-term residence — the B2 exam is required for citizenship.

Private Slovenian language schools

Provider: Various (Berlitz Ljubljana, šola slovenščine, private tutors) · Duration: Flexible · Levels: All levels

€30–60/hour for private tuition; group courses €400–1,000 per module

Various private schools and tutors operate in Ljubljana and Maribor. The quality varies significantly — check reviews and ask for qualified tutors with experience teaching Slovenian to foreigners. For business Slovenian, specialist courses are available.

Premium Section

Education & Schools

Unlock the complete Education & Schools guide for Slovenia — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.

Become a Supporter

Support the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere