FAQ · Education 35

An archived education profile last modified on 07/12/2021, and not validated by the country, says secondary students in Slovakia often take private tutoring to prepare for the university admission examination. About 20 to 30 percent of primary and secondary students took some form of private tutoring, and roughly 56 percent of university freshmen in 2004/2005 reported tutoring at the end of their secondary studies. In 2004 those students spent on average 170 euros on private tutoring, according to the study the profile cites as Kubanova 2006, and it says there are no more recent studies. There is no legislation regulating private tutoring and no legal restriction on teachers giving lessons, and some schools do not formally forbid authors of entrance examinations from tutoring applicants. Tutors mostly provide their services in the shadow economy, without trade licences or income tax. The Trade Licensing Act of 1991, amended in 2008, sets conditions for only two areas, foreign languages and arts, requiring a higher-education degree for foreign-language teaching and setting no qualification requirement for other school subjects.

The King Sejong Institute at the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University in Bratislava began in September 2020 as the 54th institute of its kind in Europe and one of 213 institutes in 76 countries. It was founded in February 2020 under a contract dated 12 February 2020, signed by dean Marián Zouhar and by Chung Byung Hwa, the Korean ambassador authorised to represent the King Sejong Institute Foundation. The faculty and that foundation are the founders entitled to certified Korean-language teaching, and the mission is to teach students and the public about the Korean language and culture and to be a platform for cultural exchange between the Republic of Korea and Slovakia. Korean is taught by two female lecturers of Korean nationality, while culture lectures and activities are led by experienced domestic and foreign lecturers. A director appointed by the faculty leads the institute, and Miloš Procházka, an assistant professor in the Department of East Asian Studies, is currently entrusted with that role. The institute address is Gondova ulica 2, 811 02 Bratislava 1, with the secretariat in room NB 320 and the classroom in room NB 321 on the third floor of the new annex at Múzejná ulica 10.

Pupils fulfil compulsory attendance at the catchment basic school in the school district of their permanent residence unless parents choose another basic school, and a municipality that does not found a school may set up a common school district with neighbouring municipalities. If a municipality does not provide a school and a pupil has to commute, transportation is subsidised, and that subsidy is withheld when free transportation is already available. The school register kept by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth under Act 321/2025 on school administration should place a basic school as near as possible, so that distance falls and the pupil can use public transport, especially in the first stage. In less densely populated areas a school may combine several first-stage grades in one class, and a pupil whose school does not offer every grade continues at a school that teaches the later grades. In exceptional cases the founder may lower the minimum class size, particularly where transport links are limited, where teaching is in a national-minority language, or where more than 80 percent of the pupils come from a socially disadvantaged background. The Eurydice page that states these rules was last updated on 14 August 2026 and describes a commuting subsidy together with public transport.

A Demagog fact-check dated 30 October 2025 says the School Act amendment that parliament approved on 21 October 2025 introduces no new vaccination duty. The vaccination remark in the explanatory report concerns planned electronic applications to kindergartens, basic schools and secondary schools, and a link to the National Health Information Centre so a parent would not have to attach a vaccination and fitness certificate separately. Mandatory vaccination of children and adults comes from Act 355/2007 on the protection of public health, and Ministry of Health decree 585/2008 sets the details of which vaccinations, timing and target groups apply. The mandatory list given there covers diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, invasive haemophilus infections, invasive pneumococcal disease, and measles, mumps and rubella, while the Public Health Authority draws up the calendar. Under School Act 245/2008, information on mandatory vaccination is one condition for admission to pre-primary education in kindergarten, and that condition does not apply to admission to basic education. The Ministry of Education page quoted by the fact-check says that missing the mandatory vaccinations is not a reason to refuse a child a place in kindergarten.

The British International School Bratislava publishes its 2026-27 fees in euros and says Nord Anglia Education reviews them each year. One-off charges are a non-refundable registration fee of 900 euros payable on enrolment, a deposit of 1,200 euros that is refundable if notice follows the school's terms, and an application fee of 900 euros charged instead of registration when a child is placed on a waiting list. Annual tuition is 12,640 euros for nursery, 16,020 euros for reception, 20,140 euros for years 1 and 2, 21,290 euros for years 3 to 6, and 24,170 euros for years 7 to 9. It then rises to 24,990 euros for year 10, 25,800 euros for year 11, 26,720 euros for year 12, and 27,530 euros for year 13. Those fees include tuition, textbooks and teaching materials, specialist English, learning support, the year 11 IGCSE and year 13 IB diploma exam fees, swimming, skating, and most local trips. They do not include school meals, uniforms, the optional bus, or some optional after-school activities and residential trips.

A Eurydice note last updated on 14 August 2026 says the Slovak school year begins on 1 September and ends on 31 August. It is divided into two terms and generally ends on 30 June, while the autumn, Christmas, half-term, spring, Easter and summer holidays have exact dates published each year by the Ministry. During the teaching period a headteacher may grant pupils up to five days of holiday for serious reasons, especially organisational ones, and in exceptional circumstances or a state of emergency the ministry sets any longer break. The Minister of Education, Science, Research and Sport may also interrupt or change teaching for the time needed when a natural disaster, an energy crisis, or another serious event occurs. The organisation of the year is set out in Decree 231/2009. Classes run from Monday to Friday and as a rule start at 8:00, though a headteacher may set the daily start between 7:00 and 9:00, and a lesson usually lasts 45 minutes.

EURAXESS says health insurance is mandatory for every international student staying in Slovakia, and proof of valid cover must be given to the Foreign Police when temporary residence is requested. An EU, EEA or Swiss student who is insured at home can use a European Health Insurance Card for medically necessary care, while a student from those countries who is not insured at home falls under Slovak public insurance with the state as payer and must register within eight days of studies beginning, with proof of enrolment. A third-country student who studies under an international agreement binding on Slovakia is also covered by that public system and must register within eight days, adding a confirmation of international status from the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth. A third-country student outside such an agreement is not in the public system and must hold private insurance for the whole stay. A foreign scholarship holder who lives in Slovakia, is not otherwise publicly insured, and has a scholarship for more than one month under a government-approved programme, an international agreement, or a European Union programme is entitled to public insurance free of charge. That cover does not start by itself, so the holder must register with one of the Slovak public insurers.

The Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava says dormitory places for 2026/2027 go only to newly admitted students from the first admissions round and to continuing students, and only within the capacity of the halls. A student who has not turned 17 by 1 September of that academic year is not housed in the university's Bratislava dormitories, although a younger student may still file an electronic request and enters the ranking only on the day that birthday arrives. Slovak newcomers and continuing students apply electronically from 10 June to 15 July 2026 in the university accommodation system, then reserve a room between 1 August and 8 August, and hear the reservation result on 9 August. A new Slovak student must already be enrolled, with enrolment completed by 30 June either at a distance or in person at the study office. A newly admitted foreign student uses the same application window, must already have been accepted, enrols in person from 1 September to 8 September, and on that enrolment day may reserve a room, have it approved, and move in. The faculty lists three Bratislava halls: Jura Hronca at Bernolákova 1, Mladá Garda at Račianska 103, and Mladosť at Staré Grunty 53.

International House Bratislava lists Slovak courses for foreigners with published fees, including face-to-face A2 exam preparation on Tuesdays from 9:00 to 13:00 at 89 euros. A semi-intensive A1 course meets on Monday and Wednesday from 17:05 to 18:05 between 21 September 2026 and 31 January 2027 and costs 363 euros, and the A2 course in the following hour, from 18:10 to 19:10, costs the same 363 euros. A live online one-to-one course of 15 lessons of 60 minutes, from A1 to C1, is arranged on request at 612 euros. The school says its A2 Slovak exam leads to a certificate recognised by the Foreign Police. Semi-intensive courses are described as covering one level across a year, with grammar, vocabulary and communication. The same page also offers conversation classes for higher levels and intensive courses of two or three weeks, without printing a separate fee for those formats.

Staromestská knižnica, a public municipal library founded by the Bratislava-Staré Mesto district, issues a card that is valid at every branch for 365 days from the day of issue. A reader may be anyone aged 15 or over, or a younger child whose legal guardian signs a declaration of financial responsibility, and the card is issued only after a signed registration form and payment of the fee on the current price list. Slovak citizens with permanent residence show an identity card, foreigners with long-term residence show a residence card, and foreigners with short-term residence may use on-site services only after showing a passport or identity card. The card is not transferable, a lost card must be reported at once, and a replacement is issued for a further fee, while registration fees are not refunded when membership ends. External loans are limited to 10 books, 10 magazines and one board game, or 5 books and 5 magazines for readers under 15, for 30 calendar days, or 14 days for school reading. These rules, signed by director Judita Kopáčiková, took effect on 25 May 2018, and they point readers to a separate price list rather than stating a euro amount themselves.

Higher education in Slovakia includes public, state, and private institutions. Public institutions are the most common and are largely funded by the government. State institutions include specialized military, police, and medical schools. Private institutions are funded by non-governmental entities and require accreditation. Tuition is generally free for Slovak and EU students in programs taught in Slovak. However, programs in foreign languages or for students from outside the EU typically require tuition fees ranging from approximately US$2,300 to US$13,500 per academic year.

Education in Slovakia is compulsory from age 6 to 16. Primary school lasts for nine years and is divided into two stages. The first stage covers ages 6 to 10, while the second stage covers ages 10 to 15. Students finish the second stage by taking nationwide testing in Slovak language and math called Monitor. This system ensures all children receive foundational schooling during these years.

Education in Slovakia is compulsory from age 6 to 16. Primary school lasts for nine years and is divided into two stages. The first stage covers ages 6 to 10, while the second stage covers ages 10 to 15. For most students, secondary education follows this and lasts four years from ages 15 to 19. This typical path involves completing nine years of primary school before enrolling in a secondary school.

High school students taking the State Matura Exam can choose between two terms. The summer term takes place during June, while the fall term typically occurs in the last weeks of August. For primary school pupils, the National Exam is conducted during the months of March and April. This exam is attended by students in the 4th and 8th grades. Please note that as of 2026, the National Exam is used for surveys and analytics and does not affect high school enrollment.

Slovakia offers a variety of higher education institutions including long-standing universities and specialized colleges. Major established institutions include Comenius University, the Slovak University of Technology, and the University of Economics. There are also several private or specialized colleges such as the Bratislava School of Law and the International Business College ISM Slovakia. Students can choose from diverse fields like health and social work, security management, or music and art. These institutions are spread across various cities including Bratislava, Košice, and Prešov.

Košice offers various educational options for students in the city. There are 38 public elementary schools and six private elementary schools available. Additionally, the city has three religious elementary schools. For those seeking specific international curricula, there is one International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) located there. The city is also recognized as the second largest university town in Slovakia.

The Constitution declares that Slovak is the state language of the country. According to the 1995 Language Law, the state language has priority over other languages throughout the entire territory of the Slovak Republic. Furthermore, a 2009 amendment to the language law restricts the use of minority languages. This amendment also extends the obligatory use of the state language in certain areas. The rights of diverse minorities are protected by the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Admission to higher education in Slovakia is competitive and often involves entrance examinations that vary by program. Additionally, maturita results are considered during the admission process. Foreign diplomas must undergo a recognition process to be officially recognized for enrollment. Tuition is generally free for Slovak citizens and EU students in programs taught in Slovak at public and state institutions. However, programs taught in foreign languages like English typically require tuition fees. International students from outside the EU are generally required to pay tuition fees regardless of the language of instruction.

Student life is highly diverse and influenced by both native Slovak students and a large community of foreign students. International interests are represented through the Foreign Student Council, which helps represent the interests of international students. Specific groups also exist, such as the Association of Norwegian Students Abroad through its local chapters. Students can participate in various annual events that celebrate school traditions, culture, and sports. These festivities include traditions like the Beánie, which celebrates the matriculation of new first-year students. Other celebrations include Lamavica for fourth-year students and a traditional Scandinavian Julebord banquet held every December.

Scholarships have been granted to Slovak artists such as Viliam Loviška. He received a scholarship from The Pollock-Krasner Foundation in the USA between 1991 and 1992. Additionally, he was granted a scholarship by the Society of Graphic Artists in Slovakia in 1993. He also received a scholarship from the Milan Galanda Foundation in Slovakia in 1996. These awards supported his work as a sculptor, painter, and designer.

The written language was initially performed by Old Slavonic in Glagolitic and later by Latin in Latin script. Literary works written in Czech began appearing in the late 13th and early 14th century. Administrative documents first appeared towards the late 14th century. During the early 15th century, literary activity became widespread due to the Bohemian Reformation. Jan Hus contributed significantly to this by advocating for widespread literacy among commoners. He also worked to model written Czech after the spoken language.

Roma children in Slovakia face significant educational challenges as they are often segregated in schools. Some of these children are sent to schools intended for those with mild mental disabilities, leading to attainment levels that are far below average. There is also a notable shortage of specialized professionals, including special education teachers, school psychologists, and speech therapists. Furthermore, school staff often lack the training necessary to create an inclusive atmosphere or understand Roma language and culture. These factors contribute to high rates of early school drop-outs among the Roma population.

The University Library in Bratislava is the oldest library in Slovakia. It was founded in 1919 in Bratislava to support emerging university education and science. Today, it serves as the largest and most visited library in the country. It functions as a universal state research library and has maintained the legal deposit tradition since its founding. The institution has played a leading role in the national library system and international cooperation.

Students under 26 years of age can benefit from free transport if they are citizens or permanent residents of EU member states. To access this, you must register with the train company and provide a professional 2x3 cm photograph. Another option is the Klasik Railplus by ZSSK, which costs €35 and offers a 25% discount on standard domestic fares for one year. This is considered worth it if you plan to spend more than €140 on standard fares annually. Additionally, internet tickets can be purchased with a 5% discount using a credit account.

Slovakia often hosts the Summer Esperanto Study, which is the largest annual international event for teaching Esperanto. This event has taken place every summer since 2007 and attracts participants from many different countries. Students can attend morning classes at five different levels ranging from A1 to C1. The program also includes afternoon workshops, lectures, and games. Participants can also enjoy evening concerts and excursions to the surrounding area during the week.

The Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics is one of the 13 faculties at Comenius University in Bratislava. This faculty provides higher education in mathematics, physics, and informatics. In 2015, it was ranked first in the group of natural sciences in the ranking of faculties in Slovakia by the Academic Ranking and Rating Agency. The faculty was established in 1980 and changed its name to the contemporary version in 2000. Its campus is located in Mlynská dolina in the capital city.

The Jessenius Faculty of Medicine is a part of Comenius University located in Martin. It is ranked as one of the top medical schools in Central Europe and is the only faculty of the university not located in Bratislava. Besides Slovak-taught programs, the school offers a 6-year English-language program in medicine that leads to the Doctor of Medicine title. Students can also find PhD programs in medicine and odontology along with master's degrees in nursing and public health. The school is supported by the Martin University Hospital, which has been ranked among the best hospitals in Slovakia.

The Bratislava Region hosts more than 60% of all direct foreign investments in Slovakia. This area is home to major car manufacturers such as Volkswagen Slovakia, which produces sport utility vehicles like the VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, and Audi Q7. High-tech oriented businesses and global companies including IBM, Dell, Lenovo, AT&T, SAP, and Accenture are also thriving there. Additionally, the region includes significant presence from IT companies, telecommunications providers, financial institutions, and engineering firms like Whirlpool Slovakia and Johnson Controls International.

Students attending an art high school are provided with a specific option for their final exams. They have the option to take a state art matura. This is one of the different types of matura available following recent reforms. Other types include the state matura for Gymnasium students and the state vocational matura for vocational school students. These options allow students to tailor their examinations to their specific field of study.

Martin Poliačik is a Slovak expert on communication and critical thinking. Before he entered the political sphere, he worked as a teacher. His teaching experience took place at a Montessori school located in Bratislava. He also studied systematic philosophy in Trnava, Slovakia. This background is part of his diverse professional history in the country.

Yes, international students can enroll at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin. This opportunity was opened to them in 1991, making it the first medical faculty in Slovakia to do so. These students are required to pay tuition for their studies. General medical education for international students is provided in English. The faculty also offers programs for odontology students which began in 2012.

A stabbing occurred at an elementary school in the village of Staškov in the Čadca District on 29 September 2026. During early school hours, an eighth-grade pupil attacked classmates and teachers with a knife. This attack resulted in the deaths of a 61-year-old teacher and a 14-year-old female student. Another instructor also suffered serious injuries during the incident. The Office for Combating Organized Crime is currently investigating the case as a particularly serious case of premeditated murder.

Slovakia is currently low on the list of EU states regarding innovation, ranking 22nd according to a recent European Commission report. The country ranks next to last in knowledge creation and is last for innovation and entrepreneurship within the EU. During its transition to a knowledge economy, the nation particularly lacks investment into education and a broader application of IT. Consequently, the World Bank has urged Slovakia to reform the education system and upgrade its information infrastructure.

Slovakia offers various institutions of higher education, which are referred to locally as vysoká škola. While most schools focus on general academic subjects, there is one specific option for language learners. Selye János University in Komárno serves as the only Hungarian language school of higher education in the country. Other institutions include universities and colleges located in cities like Bratislava, Košice, and Trnava. These schools provide different types of tertiary education across the nation.

A research visa is intended for students who are conducting fieldwork in the host country. This type of visa is distinct from other categories like student or temporary worker visas. While specific details vary by country, these visas are generally more difficult to obtain than business visas. However, they are typically valid for longer periods of time. This allows researchers to focus on their specific academic or field objectives.