Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad Embarking on the exciting journey of higher education is a pivotal moment in one’s life. And for those considering Slovenia as their academic destination, the possibilities are both enriching and diverse. As the spotlight increasingly turns to Slovenia’s thriving education system, understanding the nuances of the university 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 changed 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 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
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
You can submit your application for enrollment and recognition of foreign education through the eVŠ web portal using 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 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.
Study Program Information
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 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. Check the criteria, especially if enrollment is limited. This information is also available on the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia’s website 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
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 Additional Deadlines and Requirements
Refer to the call for enrollment to identify deadlines for special tests, submission of attachments, and any language proficiency exams. Moreover, be aware of specific requirements and deadlines set by the designated higher education institution.
Check also for other deadlines in the call for enrollment, such as dates for admission tests, submission of documents, and Slovene language exams if required.
Follow the address provided in the left upper corner of the application form to send your application and attachments.
Slovenia University Application: Recognition of Foreign Education
In Slovenia, if you finished your studies in another country and want to continue in a Slovenian university, you must get recognition for your foreign education. This is done by the higher education institutions, and it’s 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
They assess the education level in your home country 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 necessary for your enrollment in a Slovenian university.
Is IELTS required for University Application in Slovenia?
Navigating 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 an opportunity to study without IELTS, especially if your previous educational instruction 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, with 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 and University Application Deadlines in Slovenia
The academic year in Slovenia commences 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.
Moreover, prospective students should diligently review enrollment calls for additional deadlines. These additional deadlines usually have to do with talent tests, documentary evidence submissions, Slovene language exams, and other requirements.
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.
