Study in Slovakia
Your Gateway to European Education
Slovakia is a dynamic and welcoming country at the heart of Europe, offering high-quality education in a safe and affordable environment. Whether you are looking for a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD. programme, Slovak higher education institutions (HEIs) provide a wide range of study fields, many of them available in English and other foreign languages.
Legislation
The study at the HEIs in the Slovak Republic is governed by the Act on higher education. Pursuant to the transition provisions of the Act on higher education, HEIs can enrol students only to the accredited study programmes that are pursued on the basis of the credit system.
Higher Education System in Slovakia
Slovakia has a well-structured higher education system that follows the European Bologna Process. Universities operate under a three-tier system, offering Bachelor's (first level), Master's (second level), and PhD. (third level) programmes. All programmes follow the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), ensuring international recognition of diplomas.
There are three types of HEIs in Slovakia:
Public universities (20) – Funded by the state and open to domestic and international students. They cover a broad range of disciplines, from technical sciences to humanities.
Private universities (10) – Independently financed institutions offering innovative study programmes tailored to modern industry needs.
State universities (3) – Specialized institutions focused on military, security, and healthcare education, managed by the state.
Slovak HEIs are an excellent choice for those seeking high academic standards, practical education, and international exposure.
The Role of the Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education, Research, Development, and Youth of the Slovak Republic plays a key role in supporting and overseeing higher education in Slovakia. The ministry ensures:
Quality assurance – HEIs must meet strict academic standards, and all study programmes undergo evaluation.
Funding and financial support – Public universities receive state funding to maintain high-quality education, research facilities, and student services.
Coordination and policy-making – The ministry sets educational policies, aligns university programmes with European standards, and promotes research and development.
International cooperation – Slovakia actively participates in European and global education programmes, EU structures, enhancing student and staff mobility, academic networking and internationalization processes. 8 Slovak universities are a proud member of 8 European Universities alliances.
Scholarships and Grants
Slovakia offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid to international students. These opportunities make studying in Slovakia even more accessible:
Governmental scholarships of the Slovak Republic – Available for students from partner countries (https://www.vladnestipendia.sk/en/).
National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic - Support for study/research/teaching/artistic mobility of international students, PhD students, university teachers, researchers and artists at higher education institutions and research organisations (https://www.scholarships.sk/en/).
Full study scholarships – Support for talented students from abroad (https://scholarships.portalvs.sk/).
Erasmus+ Programme - under the programme, students can receive various types of scholarships, or a Slovak HEI can pay for a student from a HEI outside the EU to study for a semester.(https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships_en).
Research grants – Funding opportunities for postgraduate and doctoral students engaged in innovative research.
Quality Education with International Recognition
Slovak HEIs are known for their academic excellence, strong research capabilities, and modern infrastructure. Many institutions collaborate with international universities and research centers, ensuring that students gain globally recognized degrees.
Key features of Slovak higher education include:
Accredited programmes that meet European and global standards.
Experienced faculty composed of leading researchers and industry experts.
Cutting-edge facilities, including modern laboratories, libraries, and research centers.
Internship and career opportunities, providing students with practical experience in their fields of study.
Slovak HEIs participate in European exchange programs, research projects, and industry partnerships, offering students valuable international exposure.
International Student Support and Global Cooperation
Slovakia is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students. HEIs provide support services, including:
English-taught programmes, making higher education accessible to students worldwide.
Assistance with visas and accommodation, ensuring a smooth transition to student life in Slovakia.
Cultural and social integration programmes, helping students connect with local and international peers.
Slovakia also encourages academic collaboration and student mobility, with many HEIs partnering with institutions across Europe and beyond. Programs like Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and bilateral exchange agreements allow students to study abroad, gain international experience, and expand their career opportunities.
Start Your Academic Journey in Slovakia
Slovakia offers a world-class education system, safety, affordable living costs, and a central European location, making it an excellent choice for international students. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies, Slovakia provides an environment where you can develop your skills, engage in innovative research, and connect with a global academic community.
So why choose Slovakia as your next destination for education? Summary in a nutshell:
- All students enrolled in Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes can travel for free on trains in Slovakia after obtaining an International Student Identification Card from a Slovak HEI and registering with the Slovak Railway Company.
- a safe country with great academic and career opportunities.
- Accessible and affordable student accommodation.
- Affordable cost of living across Slovakia.
- High-quality education and internationally recognised degrees.
- Various scholarships and funding opportunities.
- Numerous organisations and student associations that help international students adapt.
- Slovakia's beautiful nature, with its stunning mountains, forests, and lakes, combined with its rich history, offers countless opportunities to explore and relax during your free time.
Ready to apply? Explore HEIs on https://www.portalvs.sk/en/informacie-o-vysokych-skolach and study programmes divided by the fields of study on https://www.portalvs.sk/en/.
Integration & Residence Support
Centres of Services for Foreigners (CSC) operate as specialized units under the Department of Services for Foreigners of the Migration Office of the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic (MO MoI SR). Their objective is to provide services to selected categories of persons and to support their integration into the territory of the Slovak Republic.
The target groups of CSC include the following categories of persons:
- International university students
- Highly qualified foreigners (with completed higher education)
- Employees in positions experiencing labour shortages
- Returning nationals (Slovak citizens returning from abroad)
- Persons with the status of a Slovak Living Abroad
- Family members of persons belonging to the above-mentioned groups
The CSCs operate in three regional capitals — Bratislava, Žilina, and Košice — ensuring regional coverage and accessibility of services based on the client's place of residence or planned residence. All centres are located directly on the premises of the respective departments of the Foreign Police (OCP PZ), which enables effective cooperation in matters related to residence.
Contact information:
- CSC Bratislava – Regrútska 4, 831 07 Bratislava
- CSC Žilina – Janka Kráľa 4, 010 40 Žilina
- CSC Košice – Trieda SNP 35, 040 11 Košice
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Phone: +421 961 570 333
Email: csc@minv.sk
The services of the CSC are not intended for all foreigners in general, but exclusively for those who belong to the target groups listed above. Each request is therefore assessed individually. The range of provided services may include, for example:
- Assistance with choosing the appropriate type of residence permit based on the client's individual situation
- Verification of completeness of documents and help with filling out applications (e.g., for visa/residence)
- Support in navigating the reservation system of the Ministry of the Interior
- Services in areas such as employment, integration, housing, and health insurance
CSC services are also available to representatives of institutions that mediate or manage the stays of foreigners — such as universities, research institutions, employers, EURAXESS centres etc., provided their clients meet the criteria of the target group. Consultations can be provided via email, phone or in person upon prior arrangement.
Information about the activities of the CSC is also available on the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic, in both Slovak and English:
- Slovak version: https://www.minv.sk/?centrum-sluzieb-cudzincom
- English version: https://www.minv.sk/?centres-of-services-for-foreigners
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Links:
Slovak Rectors´ Conference – internationalization
Slovak Rectors´ Conference – HE in the SR 2025
