Study abroad
Study in Slovenia
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Slovenia
Thinking about studying in Slovenia? The country is in Central Europe, with higher education centred on cities such as Ljubljana, Maribor and Koper. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.
Students interested in conservation, pharmaceuticals and tourism may find the local context especially relevant. Teaching is often in Slovene, so check the language of instruction and any language requirements for each course. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.
Why study in Slovenia?
What makes Slovenia worth considering depends on what you want from your studies. Its location in Central Europe, the local language and the subjects on offer all shape the experience, alongside your budget and career goals.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Pharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Sciences and Hospitality, Tourism & Events, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Conservation, pharmaceuticals and tourism matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Ljubljana, Maribor and Koper each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Slovenia means everyday contact with Slovene and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
- European mobility: as part of the European Union, Slovenia takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in Slovenia
Choosing a subject is the first big decision. For Slovenia, the areas below are a sensible place to begin; they reflect local strengths such as conservation, pharmaceuticals and tourism, not a league table.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Pharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Engineering
- Transport & Logistics
- Business & Management
Courses connected to conservation, pharmaceuticals and tourism can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Slovenia on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Slovenia
- University of LjubljanaLjubljana, Slovenia
- THE 2026 801–1000
- University of Nova GoricaNova Gorica, Slovenia
- THE 2026 801–1000
- University of MariborMaribor, Slovenia
- THE 2026 1201–1500
Scholarships to Study in Slovenia
Paying for study in Slovenia can involve more than one source of support, and it is worth researching them before you apply for a course.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Slovenia
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
- European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Slovenia
The academic year in Slovenia commonly begins around October. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Slovenia
Tuition in Slovenia varies widely: public and private institutions, subjects and study levels can all have different fees. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Slovenia
Whether you need a visa to study in Slovenia depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Slovenia in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Slovenia
A realistic budget for life in Slovenia starts with housing, which is usually the largest single expense. Costs in Ljubljana can differ noticeably from those in Maribor or Koper and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Slovenia
Why should I study in Slovenia?
It depends on your goals. Slovenia offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Central Europe and study in Slovene (with some English-taught options). Students interested in conservation, pharmaceuticals and tourism may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Slovenia?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Pharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Engineering. The subjects page for Slovenia lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Slovenia?
Many programmes start around October. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Slovenia?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Slovenia?
EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Slovenia.
Are scholarships available for international students in Slovenia?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Slovenia?
Ljubljana, Maribor and Koper are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Slovenia?
Many courses are taught in Slovene. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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