Slovenia University Application: Process, Documents, Deadlines & more

Slovenia, as an academic destination, offers possibilities that are both enriching and diverse. Alongside the affordable living cost and the interestingly rich student life, Slovenia is also this beautiful green country in Central Europe. And as the spotlight increasingly turns to Slovenia’s university system, understanding the application process becomes paramount. In this guide, we delve into the intricacies of university application and admission in Slovenia for prospective students. If you are an international applicant, join us as we navigate the Slovenian higher education, shedding light on how to successfully handle your university application in Slovenia.

Slovenia’s Higher Education and University Studies for International Students

Slovenia’s higher education system has evolved over the years with new academic programs, attracting about 2,000 international students. There are different types of institutions like universities, colleges, and art academies. Tuition fees vary from €2,000 to €15,000. Moreover, non-EU, part-time, and private institution students pay fees, usually annually.

Since 1999, university programs in Slovenia follow the Bologna process, with three cycles: bachelor’s (3-4 years), master’s (1-2 years), and doctorate (3-4 years). When it comes to HEI, Slovenia has public and private universities, all accredited by the National Agency for the Quality of Higher Education. There are also vocational colleges offering practical knowledge in two-year programs, as well as art academies and colleges focusing, as their name states, on art specialties.

Public universities in Slovenia include Ljubljana, Maribor, and Primorska, while private ones, include Nova Gorica University. All institutions in the country must be registered for qualifications to be recognized. University application in Slovenia for international students also requires passing a recognition process for foreign diplomas and certificates.

Apply for Undergraduate University Programs in Slovenia

To apply for a bachelor’s degree program in Slovenia, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Visit the eVŠ Online Portal

First thing first, access the eVŠ online portal, where the application for enrollment is processed. The portal handles applications for public and private higher education institutions in Slovenia, including faculties, professional colleges, and academies. You must therefore create an account on the portal, then carefully keep your new credentials (username and password) for future visits on the platform.

Choose Your Application Method

Next is to submit your application for enrollment and recognition of foreign education through the eVŠ web portal. You can use one of the following methods:

Using electronic identification with at least a medium level of reliability, which includes a qualified digital certificate, smsPASS, or e-ID card. Submit your application through the eVŠ web portal before the application deadline specified in the relevant call for enrollment.
Alternatively, use an Authentication and Authorization Infrastructure (AAI) account for submission. Ensure you submit your application through the eVŠ web portal using your username and password (SI PASS) before the deadline defined in the relevant call for enrollment.

Check Eligibility Criteria

Before completing the application, review the call for enrollment to confirm that you meet all the conditions for the desired study program. If enrollment is limited, find out the criteria considered when the number of applications exceeds available slots. Check the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia’s website and the respective higher education institutions for additional information.

In some cases, universities in Slovenia might require applicants to pass a test of abilities, capacities and skills and/or a Slovenian language examination. In the case of limited enrollment slots, candidates go through a selection procedure. Like in the case of the University of Ljubljana, candidates must achieve a minimum number of points to get admission.

Watch Video Instructions

Video instructions are available for registering and logging in on the eVŠ web portal, as well as for filling out an application for 1st cycle study programs. Consider watching these videos for a visual guide.

Information about the Study Program

Refer to the call for enrollment issued by the university or independent higher education institution for information on available enrollments. Separate calls are published for undergraduate and postgraduate study programs, both full-time and part-time. Pay attention to the publication dates of these calls.

Check Application Deadlines

Calls for enrollment for bachelor’s and integrated Master’s study programs are typically published in early February. Verify other deadlines specified in the call, such as dates for specific aptitude tests, submission of supplemental documents, and Slovenian language exams for non-Slovenian speakers.

Submit Applications and Attachments

The address for sending applications and supplemental documents is indicated in the left upper corner of the application form.

If you completed school abroad, submit:

Certified copies of your final school certificate
Certificates for the final two secondary school years
Translations of certificates
Copy of an ID document
Decision on recognition for continuing education.

In Case of an Incomplete Secondary Education

If you haven’t completed secondary school, send the application without the supplemental documents. You’ll need however to submit school certificates on secondary school education later, as soon as you graduate.

Application for Master’s Degree and Doctoral Program in Slovenia

To apply for a master’s degree program in Slovenia, here are the steps:

Check Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, review the call for enrollment on the website of your university. This is to ensure you meet the conditions for the desired study program. Carefully check the criteria, especially if enrollment is limited. This information is also available on the website of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia and the respective higher education institutions.

Obtain information about available enrollments from the call for enrollment, issued by the university or independent higher education institution. Calls are usually published separately for undergraduate and postgraduate study programs, and for full-time and part-time study. Check whether the enrollment is open to EU or non-EU citizens based on your citizenship.

Check Publication Dates and Application Deadlines

Calls for enrollment are typically published as follows:

Comprehensive master study programs (e.g., medicine, veterinary science): in early February at the latest.
Regular master study programs: usually in March or at the beginning of June at the latest.
Doctoral study programs: at the beginning of March at the latest.

Access the eVŠ Online Portal

The next step is to submit your application electronically through the eVŠ Online Portal. Analogous to the bachelor’s degree application, you must sign up on the platform and keep your username and password for any future access. Keep in mind that application and admission processes are all done online with the reference number of your file.

a. With a Qualified Digital Certificate

Use an electronic signature by the application deadline. No printed application form is required to be sent, only the necessary supplemental documents. Make sure to note the reference number on the appendix.

b. Without a Qualified Digital Certificate

Complete the application on the eVŠ without a qualified digital certificate, then print, sign, and send it with all supplemental documents. You can find the address for submission at the upper left corner of the application form.

Verify any Additional Deadlines and Requirements

It’s crucial to refer to the call for enrollment to identify deadlines for special tests, submission of attachments, and any language proficiency exams. Make sure also to check any specific requirements and deadlines set by your institution of choice.

Slovenia University Application: Recognition of Foreign Education

If you completed your studies in another country and want to pursue your studies at a Slovenian university, you need a recognition for your foreign education. It’s usually the duty of the higher education institutions and is part of the enrollment process.

Here’s what you need to do:

Submit Documents

Provide the original and a photocopy of your certificate or diploma from your foreign education.
Include a certified Slovene translation of your certificate/diploma.
Submit a photocopy of documents showing the content, duration, and requirements of your education (like a diploma supplement or transcript).
Prepare a short description of your entire education, signed by you or your legal guardian.

Recognition Procedure

This is the assessment strictly speaking of the education level in your home country. The admission committee does so by comparing criteria and conditions with those in Slovenia.

They look at things like your education system, program details, academic achievements, duration of education, rights from your education, and other factors like age, language proficiency, and outstanding achievements.

Criteria for Recognition

Education system in your home country.
Details of your education program, syllabus, or curriculum.
Your academic achievements.
How long your education took.
Rights you gained from your education.

If you have questions or need more information, you can contact the Slovenian ENIC – NARIC center. Remember, this recognition process is vital for your enrollment in a Slovenian university.

Is IELTS required for University Application in Slovenia?

The university application process in Slovenia offers a unique and welcoming experience for international students. One distinctive aspect is the flexibility regarding the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement.

In Slovenia, there is a possibility for candidates to apply without the need to provide their IELTS test scores. This is the case, especially if your previous education was in English. This exemption allows for a smoother application process, eliminating a potential hurdle for prospective students.

Moreover, studying in English is widely accessible in Slovenian universities. Here are some of the institutions offering a variety of English-taught courses:

University of Maribor
University of Ljubljana
Nova Gorica University
University of Primorska
New University – Faculty of Slovenian and International Studies
ALMA MATER EUROPAEA
MLC Management and Law College in Ljubljana

Academic Year in Slovenia

The academic year in Slovenia starts in October and concludes at the end of September the following year, divided into two semesters. The winter semester spans from October to January, while the summer semester extends from February to mid-July.

Generally the framework of the Higher Education Act handles the study programs organization. Being that, undergraduate programs last 30 weeks. It’s therefore comprising 20 to 30 hours of lectures, seminars, and exercises per week. Practical training may extend the program to 42 weeks, with a maximum workload of 40 hours per week. Part-time studies are also an option to accommodate employed students.

Application deadlines for university admission in Slovenia are usually announced in their call for enrollment. The call for enrollment publication generally includes the available programs, the requirements, the language of instruction, the program duration as well as the number of available slots for each program.

University Of Ljubljana Application Deadline

At the University of Ljubljana, application deadlines usually vary depending on the applicant’s nationality:

EU citizens and Slovenians usually apply for the first application period in February and March, as well as on the second period in August.
Non-EU citizens, on the other hand, have between February and April to apply.
A third wave of application takes place in September for still available slots. However, it’s not for all applicants.