INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

Univerza (University)

Fakulteta (Faculty)

Umetniška Akademija (Art Academy)

Visoka Strokovna Šola (Professional College)

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Matura (Maturitetno Spričevalo)

Poklicna Matura (Spričevalo o Poklicni Maturi)

Zaključni Izpit (Spričevalo o Zaključnem Izpitu)

Diploma Višje Strokovne Šole

Diploma o Pridobljeni Visoki Strokovni Izobrazbi

Diploma o Pridobljeni Univerzitetni Izobrazbi

Specializacija

Magisterij

Doktorat

STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 6

Age of exit: 15

Structure of school system:

Eight Year School

Type of school providing this education: Primary and Lower Secondary (unified structure)

Length of program in years: 8

Age level from: 7 to: 15

Nine Year School

Type of school providing this education: Primary and Lower Secondary School (gradual implementation from 1999 to 2009)

Length of program in years: 9

Age level from: 6 to: 15

General Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gimnazija

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 15 to: 19

Certificate/diploma awarded: Maturitetno Spričevalo (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)

Technical Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Technical 4-year secondary school

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 15 to: 19

Certificate/diploma awarded: Maturitetno Spričevalo, Spričevalo o Poklicni Maturi or Spričevalo o Zaključnem Izpitu (Secondary-School-Leaving Certificate)

Vocational Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Vocational Upper Secondary School (short-term vocational programmes)

Length of program in years: 2

Age level from: 15 to: 17

Certificate/diploma awarded: Spričevalo o Zaključnem Izpitu (final examination)(Secondary-School-Leaving Certificate)

Vocational

Type of school providing this education: Vocational Upper Secondary School

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Spričevalo o Zaključnem Izpitu (Secondary-School-Leaving Certificate)

School education:

In Slovenia, primary and lower secondary education are unified and last for 8 years. A new system is being gradually implemented by which this level will last 9 years (3 three-year cycles). There are three types of secondary schools with: a) vocational education programmes (lasting for two-and-a-half or three years, the latter offering the possibility to continue in a two-year upgrade programme or lead directly to the labour market; b) technical education programmes (four-year programmes in different areas); and c) general education programmes (classical gimnazija, technical gimnazija, programmes leading to the International Baccalaureate). In the two bilingual regions, primary and secondary education for the Italian and Hungarian ethnic minorities is offered in Italian, Hungarian and Slovenian.

Higher education:

Higher education institutions comprise universities, faculties, art academies or professional colleges. Slovenia has two universities with 38 members, e.g. faculties, art academies and professional colleges  and nine single institutions of higher education (samostojni visokošolski zavodi) established as private institutions. Higher education is regulated by the Higher Education Act (1993, amended 1999 and 2001). The most important features introduced by the new legislation are: the new role of the university (change from an association of independent faculties to an integrated university) and the creation of single higher education institutions, the separation of some large faculties into several smaller ones, changes in the structure of the higher education system, the implementation of the Diploma Supplement and the implementation of different kinds of state financing of higher education. Public higher education is free of charge for native full-time students. Part-time students and post-graduate students pay tuition fees.Today, higher education shows certain features of a binary structure. Programmes, but not institutions, are divided into academic studies and professionally oriented studies. In addition to teaching, higher education institutions also conduct research and offer artistic activities.

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: Higher Education Act Year: 1993

Concerns: All types and levels of higher education

Decree: Higher Education Amendment Act Year: 2001

Concerns: Extended term for completion of short term higher education programmes

Decree: Higher Education Amendment Act Year: 1999

Concerns: All types and levels of higher education

Decree: Vocational Education and Training Act Year: 1996

Concerns: Vocational education, including post-secondary vocational education

Decree: Vocational Education and Training Amendment Act Year: 2000

Concerns: Vocational Education

Academic year:

Classes from: Oct to: Jun

Long vacation from: Jun to: Sep

Languages of instruction: Slovenian

Stages of studies:

Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):

Non-university level:

Post-secondary vocational education was introduced by the Vocational and Technical Education Act in 1996. The first five higher vocational colleges (višje strokovne šole) were founded in 1996-97. In its content and transfer options it differs from the former short-term higher education programmes offered by universities. Programmes last for 2 years and end with a diploma thesis and its defence. These programmes are designed as a particular form of tertiary education but are markedly practical in content and are distinct from those in higher education.

University level studies:

University level first stage: Undergraduate studies:

University-level study programmes are of two kinds: professional and academic:- Professionally-oriented programmes are somewhat shorter than academic ones. Officially, they last for three to four years, which, including the Absolventsko Leto makes a total of four or five years. The entrance requirement is either the Matura examination, Poklicna Matura Examination,  or the former final examination after completion of a four-year secondary technical education programme. Programmes include practical training and lead to the Diploma examination. Successful students are awarded a Diploma with a professional title naming the field of study. The titles are Diplomirani (abbreviated as dipl.) or Diplomirani Inženir (abbreviated as Dipl. Inž). Students can enter the labour market or continue their studies at the post-graduate level and obtain a Specialist Degree (Specializacija) or in certain cases a Magisterij.- Until now, the basic requirement for academic study programmes was the Matura or before that a final examination.Since 2001-2002, a Poklicna Matura examination (after successfully completing a secondary school programme in the relevant discipline) and a Matura examination in an additional subject are the alternative requirement which also grants admission to some types of programmes.  Academic study programmes last between four and six years and lead to the Diploma examination. Another year of studies, called absolventsko leto, should be added to obtain the final duration of studies in years. This final year gives students the opportunity to fulfil the academic requirements and prepare their degree dissertation and its defence. Hence, studies last a year longer than officially declared. A successful student receives a Diploma with a professional title including the field of study. The titles include : Univerzitetni Diplomirani (Univ. Dipl), Akademski (Akad.), Univerzitetni Diplomirani Inženir (Univ.Dipl. Inž), Profesor (Prof.), and titles such as  Doktor Medicine (Dr Med), Doktor Stomatologije (Dr. Stom), Doktor Veterinarske Medicine (Dr. Vet. Med.), Magister Farmacije (Mag. Farm), which is an exception to the rule. A Diploma enables students to start work or to continue their studies at the post-graduate level.

University level second stage: Postgraduate studies:

At the post-graduate level, programmes lead to the degrees of Specializacija, Magisterij and Doktorat Znanosti. The entrance requirement for studies leading to the Specializacija is a first degree. Programmes last between one and two years and end with the defence of a thesis. Students who have successfully defended a thesis are awarded a Specializacija degree with the professional title of Specialist in a specific field. This leads to employment in a given profession or to the continuation of studies leading to a Magisterij, subject to students meeting certain requirements.The entrance requirement for programmes leading to the Magisterij is an academic first degree or a professionally oriented first degree, the latter being an exception rather than a rule. Specific entrance requirements for individual programmes leading either ot Magisterij or Doktorat Znanosti are stipulated by the higher education institutions offering the individual programmes and the university statute. Programmes leading to the Magisterij last for two years, ending with the defence of a thesis. Students who have successfully defended a thesis are awarded the title of Magister Znanosti in a specific field of study or Magister Umetnosti. The Magisterij leads either to employment or to doctoral studies.The entrance requirements for programmes leading to the Doktorat Znanosti are either an academic first degree or a Magisterij degree. Doctoral study programmes following a first degree Diploma last for four years. Doctoral study programmes following a Magisterij degree last for two years. Students who have completed a Magisterij degree can continue their studies for another two years in order to obtain their doctoral degree and the title of Doktor Znanosti. Students who have enrolled in four-year doctoral studies can interrupt them and complete them at the Magisterij level instead.

Teacher education:

Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

Basic school teachers are mainly trained in Faculties of Education. The programmes last for four years and one year of Absolventski Staž in order to give students the opportunity to fulfil the academic requirements and prepare their diploma thesis and its defence. On completion, they are awarded the title "teacher of one or two subjects" or "class teacher". On completion of  a 10-month (1 school year) period of training they must sit for a state professional examination (teaching certification programme).

Training of secondary school teachers

Secondary school teachers are trained in Faculties of Education and in some other faculties in 4 to 4.5 year academic study programmes (Linguistics/Languages, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sports...) including a set number of pedagogical subjects and one year of Absolventski Staž. Teachers who graduate without having taken these subjects are obliged to take a special credential course for teaching which ends with an examination. After a 10-month (1 school year) training period, they must sit for a state professional examination (teacher certification examination).Initial teacher training is not organized as an extra for teachers of technical-theoretical and vocational-practical subjects. After completing higher education (non-teacher) studies and a minimum of three years of work experience, intending secondary teachers must follow a special credential course for teaching in secondary school.

Training of higher education teachers

Teachers at vocational colleges are vocational college lecturers (višji predavatelji). they must possess at least an undergraduate university degree, pedagogical qualification, three years of appropriate work experience and outstanding achievements in their professional field.There is no special higher education teacher training.

Non-traditional studies:

Distance higher education

The Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana, offers distance learning programmes leading to a higher education diploma. Non-traditional study is developing.

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Ministry of Education, Science and Sport

Head: Lucija Čok, Minister

Trg OF 13
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +386(1) 4784-708

Fax: +386(1) 4784-723

WWW: http://www.mszs.si

Role of governing body: Responsible for defining national policy on education, science and sport, the structuring and funding the system, managing publicly run institutions, inspection procedures and financial aid. It prepares legislation in the fields of education,  science and sport and is responsible for implementing the laws and associated administrative decisions concerning pre-school, basic, secondary general, secondary and post-secondary vocational education, higher education, the education of children with special needs, music education, adult education, education of minorities and Romanies and Slovenian minorities in Austria, Hungary, and Italy, supplementary courses in Slovene language and culture around the world and the in-service education and training of teachers.

Council for General Education

Trubarjeva 5
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +386(1) 4267-639

Fax: +386(1) 4254-760

Role of governing body: The task of the Council is to determine the contents of the educational curricula, to approve textbooks and educational material and to propose criterai and standards for school equipment. The Council forms committees, groups of experts and other working bodies for different areas of its work.

Council for Higher Education

Trg OF 13
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +386(1) 4784-679

Fax: +386(1) 4784-719

Role of governing body: Gives advice to the Government on the preparation of and changes in higher education legislation, participates in the planning of the development of higher education, encourages and develops cooperation among higher education institutions, gives opinions on establishing and transforming institutions of higher education, coordinates academic issues, proposes national policy in higher education, accredits study programmes

Council for Vocational and Technical Education

Trubarveja 5
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +386(1) 2528-180

Fax: +386(1) 4254-760

Role of governing body: The task of the Council is to determine the contents of the educational criteria, to approve textebooks and educational material and to propose criteria and standards for school equipment. The Council forms committees, groups of experts and other working bodies for different areas of its work.

Association of Rectors of Slovenia

Head: Ludvik Toplak, President (Acting)

University of Maribor
Slomškov trg 15
2000 Maribor
Slovenia

Tel: +386(2) 2355-210

Fax: +386(2) 2355-237

EMail: rector@uni-mb.si

WWW: http://www.uni-mb.si

Council for Science and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia

Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, Trg OF 13
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +386(1) 4784-600

Fax: +386(1) 4784-719

WWW: http://www.mzt.si/mzt/policy/ekspsis

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to non university higher education studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Matura (Maturitetno Spričevalo)

For entry to: Professional study programmes

Name of secondary school credential required: Zaključni Izpit (Spričevalo o Zaključnem Izpitu)

For entry to: Professional study programmes

Name of secondary school credential required: Poklicna Matura (Spričevalo o Poklicni Maturi)

For entry to: Professional study programmes

Alternatives to credentials:

Zaključni izpit (Spričevalo o zaključnem izpitu) issued before 1 June 1995. Certificate of the final examination of non-appropriate programme and passed the missing examinations (diferencialni izpiti)

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Matura (Maturitetno Spričevalo)

Minimum score/requirement: sufficient/pass

For entry to: Academic study programmes

Name of secondary school credential required: Poklicna Matura (Spričevalo o Poklicni Maturi)

Minimum score/requirement: sufficient/pass

For entry to: Academic study programmes together with the Matura examination in an additional subject

Alternatives to credentials: Zaključni izpit (Spričevalo o zaključnem izpitu) issued before June 1 1995; Certificate of the final examination of non-appropriate programme and passed the missing exams (diferencialni izpiti)

Numerus clausus/restrictions: Numerus clausus is applied if/when there are more candidates than available places. Overall achievement in secondary school and the Matura or final examination results are taken into account. According to the Regulations on Studies of Foreigners number of foreign students must not exceed 5% of all full-time study places available (and 50% of part-time study places).

Other admission requirements: Some programmes can also require special abilities and/or psychological and physical characteristics as a prerequisite for admission. More information is available on Internet - http://www.vpis.uni-lj.si/  and   http: //stipend.mss.edus.si/tujci/

Foreign students admission

Definition of foreign student: Foreign students are students who do not hold Slovene citizenship.

Quotas: Foreign students with grants and scholarships allocated by states may enrol if they satisfy the enrolment conditions (secondary school leaving certificate after successfully completing at least 12 years of schooling).

Admission requirements: The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport is responsible for evaluation (nostrifikacija) of Secondary School Certificates. Candidates must have completed a 4-year secondary school (meet the same enrolment requirements as home students).

Entry regulations: An entrance visa prior to coming to the country is required except for citizens from most European countries. For periods of study in excess of three months students must apply for a residence permit at the nearest Aliens Office.

Health requirements: All applicants must obtain a certificate from the respective Student Health Centre in Slovenia that they have no contagious or chronic disease.

Language requirements: A certificate of active knowledge of the Slovene language is obligatory for undergraduate studies. A preparatory year of study can be organized.

Application procedures:

Apply to individual institution for entry to: University of Maribor (inter.centre@uni-mb.si) or University of Ljubljana (Office of International Relations)(student.office@uni-lj.si)

Application closing dates:

For non-university level (technical/vocational type) studies: 8 Mar

For university level studies: 8 Mar

For advanced/doctoral studies: Sep

Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): Diplomas awarded by individual institutions of higher education are recognized throughout the country.

Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):

ENIC/NARIC, Ministry of Education,Science and Sport

Head: Anita Jesenko, Coordinator

Župančičeva 6
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +386(1) 4785-731

Fax: +386(1) 4785-669

EMail: anita.jesenko@mss.edus.si

WWW: http://www.mszs.edus.si

Deals with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession

Services provided & students dealt with: Recognition of higher education degrees and periods of study

Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, Recognition of Foreign Certificate Service

Župančičeva 6
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +336(1) 478-5502     +336(1) 478-5367

Fax: +336(1) 478-5669

EMail: eva.vilfan@mss.edus.si

WWW: http://www.mszs.edus.si

Services provided & students dealt with: Recognition of secondary school leaving credentials

Special provisions for recognition:

For access to university level studies: Ministry of Education, Science and Sport is responsible for recognition of  secondary school leaving certificates.

For access to advanced studies and research: Diplomas are recognized in compliance with the Recognition of Foreign Certificates Act and/or bilateral agreements.

For the exercise of a profession: Recognized/nostrified foreign credential (Diploma) by the competent institution. Professional practice is conditional on successful completion of a training period which usually lasts for one year and ends with a special examination before respective boards. For some regulated professions in Slovenia, such as doctors, teachers, judges, etc.  a state professional examination must be passed.

Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies

Name of agreement: Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education in the European Region - Lisbon

Year of signature: 1997

Name of agreement: Convention On the Recognition of Studies Diplomas and Degrees Concerning Higher Education in the European Region-Paris-1979

Year of signature: 1981

Name of agreement: Convention On the Recognition of Studies Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean-1974

Year of signature: 1981

Name of agreement: Convention On the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in the Arab and European States-Nice-1976

Year of signature: 1977

Name of agreement: European Convention On Academic Recognition of University Qualifications-Paris-1959

Year of signature: 1977

Name of agreement: European Convention On the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading To Admission To Universities-Paris-1953

Year of signature: 1977

Name of agreement: European Convention On the Equivalence of Periods of University Study-Paris-1956

Year of signature: 1977

Name of agreement: International Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in the Arab and European States Bordering the Med

Year of signature: 1976

Name of agreement: Protocol To the European Convention On the Equivalence of Diplomas Leading To Admission To Universities-Strasbourg-1964

Year of signature: 1977

Bilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign credentials

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Algeria

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Iraq

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Libya

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Russian Federation

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Bulgaria

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Romania

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Poland

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Slovak Republic

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Czech Republic

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Italy

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Austria

Name of agreement: Agreement

Country/state involved: Hungary

Name of agreement: Protocol

Country/state involved: Croatia

References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies

Title: Development of Higher Education in Slovenia

Publisher: Ministry of Education and Sport

Year of publication: 1998

Title: International Student Guide

Publisher: University of Maribor

Title: Slovenia for foreign students

Author: Milan Koritnik

Publisher: International Office ŠOU (http://www.kiss.uni-lj.si/sou/mp)

Title: Welcome to University of Ljubljana (information for foreign students)

Author: Katja Cerjak

Publisher: University of Ljubljana, publication is also on Internet - http://www.uni-lj.si/

STUDENT LIFE

National student associations and unions

Slovenian Student Union

Kersnikova 4
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +386(1) 4380-200

Fax: +386(1) 2319-448

WWW: http://www.sou.uni-lj.si

Health/social provisions

Social security for home students: Yes

Cost/fee (per year): 0 (US Dollar)

Social security for foreign students: Yes

Cost/fee (per year): 180 (US Dollar)

Foreign student social security provisions: Home students obtain their social security on a parental basis. Social security for foreign students is based on individual insurance in respective insurance companies (annual amount: USD 180).

Special student travel fares:

By road: Yes

By rail: Yes

By air: Yes

Available to foreign students: Yes

Student expenses and financial aid

Student costs:

Average living costs: 5500 (US Dollar)

Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Tolar)

Maximum: 350000 (Tolar)

Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 1500 (US Dollar)

Maximum: 2500 (US Dollar)

Type of financial aid available:

Scholarships/grants/fellowships:

Higher vocational/technical studies:

Home: Yes

Foreign: Yes

First Degree studies:

Home: Yes

Foreign: Yes

Advanced/doctoral studies:

Home: Yes

Foreign: Yes

Loans:

Higher vocational/technical studies:

Home: No

Foreign: No

First degree studies:

Home: No

Foreign: No

Advanced/doctoral studies:

Home: No

Foreign: No

Bodies providing information on student financial aid:

Office of International Relations, Ministry of Education, Science and Sport

Trg OF 13
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +386(1) 4784-751

Fax: +386(1) 4784-724

EMail: info@mszs.si

Deals with: Grants

Publications on student services and financial aid:

Title: publication on Internet - http://stipend.mss.edus.si/tujci/

Author: Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and Open Society Institute

Title: Study Abroad 2000-2001

Publisher: UNESCO/IBE

Year of publication: 1999

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES

Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:

EU Programmes Agency

Head: Darinka Vrecko, Counsellor to the Government

Ob Železnici 16 a
1000 Lubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +386(1) 5864-233

Fax: +386(1) 5864-231

EMail: neza.pajnic@cpi.si

Office of International Relations, Ministry of Education, Science  and Sport

Head: Viljana Lukas, State Undersecretary

Trg OF 13
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +386(1) 4784-754

Fax: +386(1) 4784-719

EMail: tajnistvo.sms@mszs.si

WWW: http://www.mszs.si/slo/ministrstvo/mednarodno/solstvo/stanje.asp

Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes

Name of exchange programme: ACE

Name of exchange programme: ALPS-ADRIA

Name of exchange programme: CEEPUS

Name of exchange programme: COFT

Name of exchange programme: COPERNICUS

Name of exchange programme: ERASMUS/SOCRATES

Name of exchange programme: EUREKA

Name of exchange programme: PECO

Name of exchange programme: TEMPUS

GRADING SYSTEM

Usual grading system in secondary school

Full Description: 5-1 (5-excellent, 4-very good, 3-good, 2-sufficient, 1-insufficient)

Highest on scale: 5

Pass/fail level: 2

Lowest on scale: 1

Main grading system used by higher education institutions

Full Description: 10-1, pass (10-excellent, 9-very good, 8-very good, 7-good, 6-sufficient, 5-1 insufficient)

Highest on scale: 10

Pass/fail level: 6/5

Lowest on scale: 1

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

Data for academic year: 2002-2003

Source: NARIC, Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, Ljubljana, 2002