Information on access to education for asylum seekers and refugees in Slovenia.
Education system in Slovenia
The education system includes:
- Pre-school education
- Primary education
- Secondary education
- Tertiary (higher) education
- Adult education
Primary education is provided by public and private institutions, including:
- Kindergartens
- Basic schools
- Schools with adapted programs
- Music schools
- Institutions for children with special educational needs
Pre-school education
Pre-school education is for children aged 11 months to 6 years, or until they start primary school.
Pre-school education is not compulsory.
Primary education (basic school)
Primary education lasts 9 years and is for children aged 6 to 15.
- Compulsory and free of charge
- Schools are available across Slovenia
- Local communities establish schools
Find a list of schools:
Evidenca zavodov in programov (edus.si)
(in Slovenian)
Support for refugee and asylum-seeking children:
- Additional Slovene language classes
- Learning support for children who do not speak Slovenian
- Slovene language courses in the asylum centre (for asylum seekers)
- Free 400-hour Slovene course (for beneficiaries of international protection)
Secondary education
After primary school (around age 15), students can continue to secondary education. This level is not compulsory.
Options include:
- General education (gymnasium) – 4 years, ending with the matura exam
- Vocational and technical education – 2 to 4 years
How to apply:
- Applications open in January
- Schools organize information days
- Applications must be submitted by March or April
- If there are too many applicants, schools may limit admissions
More information:
eUprava – Enrolment in secondary school
(in Slovenian)
List of schools:
Evidenca zavodov in programov (edus.si)
(in Slovenian)
Tertiary (higher) education
Tertiary education includes short-cycle higher vocational education and university studies.
Levels of higher education:
- Bachelor’s (undergraduate)
- Master’s (postgraduate)
- Doctoral studies (PhD)
Studies can be full-time or part-time and usually last 2 to 6 years.
More information:
Study in Slovenia
(in English)
Access to education
- As an asylum seeker, you have the right to education at all levels
- After receiving international protection, you have the same access as Slovenian nationals
Recognition of foreign education
Costs are covered by UOIM only for persons with international protection.
Asylum seekers usually need to cover these costs themselves.
More information:
Government website
(in Slovenian and English)
Scholarships and student support
After receiving refugee status, you can:
- Apply for state scholarships
- Stay in student dormitories under the same conditions as Slovenian nationals
To apply, contact your local Centre for Social Work.
Find contacts:
Centres for Social Work (csd-slovenije.si)
(in Slovenian)
Opening hours (general):
- Monday: 8:00–12:00 and 13:00–15:00
- Wednesday: 8:00–12:00 and 13:00–17:00
- Friday: 8:00–12:00