IOM MIGRATION INFORMATION CENTRE

Studying at a University in Slovakia

The right to study at a University in Slovakia is granted to citizens of Slovakia, citizens from EU countries, and foreigners from non-EU countries. The principle of non-discrimination applies during the admission process, and all applicants must meet the same requirements.
Universities in Slovakia are categorized as:
• Public universities
• State universities (including military, police, and medical universities)
• Private universities
• Foreign universities
You can find the list and categorization of universities HERE.

Admission Requirements

The basic admission requirements for universities depend on the level of the study program:
• For bachelor’s studies, a complete secondary education or vocational secondary education is required.
• For master’s, engineering, and doctoral studies (second level), completion of a first-level study program is required.
• For doctoral studies (third level), completion of a second-level study program is required.

A diploma from a foreign educational institution must be recognized by the relevant Slovak authority. More information on the recognition of foreign qualifications can be found on the website of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
Each university sets its own additional admission requirements, often including entrance exams.

Steps to Apply for a University

1. Choosing a University
   You can find a list of all universities on the website of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovak Republic. A comprehensive catalog of universities is also available on the portals VysokeSkoly.sk and Portál VŠ.
   • If you're unsure which university to choose, visit universities during Open Days (such as at UK, STU, TUKE, VŠMU, EUBA, UNIZA, TRUNI, etc.).
2. Application
   • Information on how to fill out the application form can be found on the website of the selected university (e.g., Comenius University: HERE, HERE, and HERE).
   • Applications can be completed electronically (on the university's website) or in paper form (download forms HERE). Make sure to check with the chosen faculty whether the application is required in paper form, electronically, or both. If applying on paper, write clearly in block letters and do not alter the details.
   • The application form asks for the university code. If you studied in Slovakia, you can find your university’s nine-digit identification code HERE.
   • Deadlines for submission can be found HERE. Specify the university, study mode, and faculty.
   • Application fee – there is a fee for applying, which varies depending on the university.
   • Attachments – according to the specific faculty’s requirements, you may need to include additional documents (e.g., medical certificate, CV, notarized diplomas, and certificates).
3. Useful Websites

• Portal VS
• PrihlaskaVS.sk
• Study at Comenius University in Bratislava
• Guide to filling out the application form (PDF) (in Slovak)

Tuition Fees

At public universities, the tuition fee conditions are the same for both Slovak citizens and foreigners. Full-time studies in Slovak are free for both Slovaks and foreigners, except for specific cases as defined by law (e.g., when the standard duration of study is exceeded).
If the study program is in a language other than Slovak, students in full-time study must pay tuition fees for each academic year, regardless of their nationality – this applies to both Slovak citizens and foreigners.
Private universities set their own fees and tuition policies in their internal regulations.

Health Insurance

A student with temporary residence in Slovakia for study purposes should have health insurance that covers the entire duration of their stay in Slovakia. If you are not eligible for public health insurance, you must have commercial health insurance. Some providers of commercial health insurance include Union, Maxima, Axa, etc. You can find further details and coverage information on their websites.
Individuals who are mandatory covered by public health insurance include:
• Foreign students studying in Slovakia under an international agreement.
• Slovak students living abroad who study in Slovakia.
• Unaccompanied minors under 18 years old with permission to stay in Slovakia, or those born in Slovakia to parents with a residence permit (from the time a residence application for the child is filed).
• Persons in Slovakia who are scholarship recipients under government programs, EU programs, or other international agreements, provided the scholarship is granted for more than one month.

These individuals are automatically covered by public health insurance by law but must register with one of the three health insurance companies (Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa, Union, Dôvera).

On our website, you can also find more information, including:
• Who is and who is not subject to mandatory public health insurance
• Public health insurance covered by State

Government Scholarships

Information about government scholarships can be found on the page for Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, including application forms and required documents.
Check if you are eligible to apply for a scholarship HERE.

The National Scholarship Program offers scholarships for students studying at Slovak universities, as well as for international students coming to Slovakia. It aims to support mobility for students and PhD candidates, as well as postdoctoral researchers and to support the mobility of foreign students, doctoral candidates, university teachers, and research and artistic workers for stays at Slovak universities and Research organizations.
Eligibility details can be found HERE and HERE.

Another type of scholarship is available for talented students from Slovak secondary schools who wish to study in Slovakia or for talented students from abroad. 
Find more information about this type of scholarship HERE and HERE. 

You can also find and download information on studying at a university in Slovakia in our factsheet HERE.

Information regarding temporary residence permit for the purpose of study can be found HERE.

HERE you can also find out useful tips that you should know as a student with temporary residence in Slovakia.

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