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Slovak Republic



Structure of Educational System
Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition  of Foreign Credentials 
Student Life 
International Cooperation and Exchanges   


INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

Univerzity (University)

Technické Univerzity (University of Technology)

Ekonomické Univerzity (University of Economics)

Pol'nohospodárske Univerzity (University of Agriculture)

Pedagogické Univerzity (University of Education)

Umelecké Vysoké školy (Academy of Arts)

Vojenské Vysoké školy (Military Academy)

 

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Maturitné Vysvedčenie

Absolutórium

Bakalár

Inžinier

Inžinier-architekt

Magister

Magister umenia

Doktor medicíny

Doktor veterinárskej medicíny

Doktor farmácie

Doktor filozofie

Doktor pedagogiky

Doktor práv

Doktor prírodných Vied

Doktor teológie

Artis doctor

Philosophiae doctor

Docent

Doctor vied

Profesor

 

 

STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 6

Age of exit: 15

Structure of school system:

Basic First Stage

Type of school providing this education: základná škola I. stupeň (Basic School First Stage)

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 6 to: 10

Basic Second Stage

Type of school providing this education: základná škola Ii. stupeň (Basic School Second Stage)

Length of program in years: 5

Age level from: 10 to: 15

General Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gymnázium

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 15 to: 19

Certificate/diploma awarded: vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)

General Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Gymnázium

Length of program in years: 8

Age level from: 10 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: School Leaving Certificate

Specialized Secondary

Type of school providing this education: stredná odborná škola (Specialized Secondary School) (Technical, Economic, Agricultural, Health Care, Arts)

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 15 to: 19

Certificate/diploma awarded: vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)

Vocational Secondary

Type of school providing this education: stredné odborné učilište (Vocational Secondary School)

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 15 to: 19

Certificate/diploma awarded: učňovský list (Certificate of Apprenticeship)  vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (School Leaving Certificate)

Vocational

Type of school providing this education: konzervatórium (tanec)(Conservatoire (Dance))

Length of program in years: 8

Age level from: 15 to: 23

Certificate/diploma awarded: absolutórium

Vocational

Type of school providing this education: konzervatórium (Conservatoire)

Length of program in years: 6

Age level from: 15 to: 21

Certificate/diploma awarded: absolutórium

Apprenticeship

Type of school providing this education: odborné učilište (Apprentice Training Centre)

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 14 to: 17

Certificate/diploma awarded: učňovský list (Certificate of Apprenticeship)

School education:

Basic education lasts for nine years and is compulsory. It is divided into two stages of for and five years respectively. Secondary education is provided by the following types of schools: 1.Gymnasium: Provides general secondary education and prepares for further study at universities and other higher education institutions. 2.Specialized Secondary School: Prepares students for vocational education and for study at higher education institutions. 3.Conservatories: Conservatories are a special type of professional school that provides courses in such fields as Singing, Music, Dancing and Dramatic Arts. 4.Vocational Secondary School: Prepares students for occupations requiring higher level vocational education and a School Leaving Certificate. Students may continue their studies at higher education institutions. 5.Apprentice Training Centres: Prepare school-leavers for professional activities.

Higher education:

All higher education institutions have the same legal standing and social function. They provide not only higher education, but also research and artistic activities. Higher education institutions have the exclusive right to award academic degrees. According to the Higher Education Act No.172/1990, they provide education at three levels. The first  level leads to the degree of Bakalár; the second level, the complete higher education, leads to the academic degrees of Magister, Inžinier, Doktor Mediciny, Doktor Veterinárskej medicíni.; and the third level to the Doctorate /PhD.

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: 172/1990 Higher Education Act Year: 1990

Concerns: all higher education institutions

Decree: 324/1996 Higher Education Act Year: 1996

Concerns: All higher education institutions

Decree: 41/1994 Higher Education Act Year: 1994

Concerns: All higher education institutions

Decree: Law on Further Education Year: 1997

Concerns: Adult education

Academic year:

Classes from: Sep to: Aug

Long vacation from: 1 Jul to: 31 Aug

Languages of instruction: English, Slovak

Stages of studies:

 

University level studies:

University level first stage: Bakalárske štúdium (Bachelor studies):

The first stage usually lasts for three or four years, covering all disciplines except Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy and Law.  After completion, graduates are granted Certificates and awarded the degree of "Bakalár".

University level second stage: Magisterské, Inžinierske, Doktorské štúdium (Master studies):

Complete university study lasts for four to six years and consists in research. Courses in the Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Pharmacy, Theology, Law and Art last for five years. Graduates are granted the degrees of  Magister and of Magisterumenia in artistic fields of study.  Studies in Economics, Agriculture, Chemistry and technical fields last for five or five-and-a-half years and lead to the academic degree of Inžinier and to the title of Inžinier-architekt in Architecture. In Veterinary Medicine, studies last for five-and-a-half years and lead to the academic degree of Doktor Veterinárskej Medicíny. In Medicine, studies last for six years and graduates are granted the academic degree of Doktor Medicíny. Graduates of the fields of study in which the academic degree of Magister is awarded may sit for the Examina Rigorosa, which also includes the defence of a dissertation. Upon successfully completing it, students are awarded the following academic degrees: in Natural Sciences the Doktor Prídrodných Vied (RNDr), in Pharmacy the Doktor Farmácie (PharmD), in the Humanities and Arts, the Doktor Filozofie (PhDr), in Law and Security the Doktor Práv (JUDr), in Teacher Training and Sports the Doktor Pedagogiky (PaedDr), and  in Theology the Doktor Teológie (ThDr).

University level third stage: Doktorandské štúdium (Doctoral studies):

Doctoral studies (PhD) require three years of  full-time study, or five years of  part-time study. Admission requirements are the completion of complete university study at second level. After successful defence of the doctoral thesis, graduates are granted the Philosofiae Doctor ( "PhD") or Artis Doctor ("ArtD) in the fields of Art. In accordance with the proposed principles, the PhD corresponds to the degree of Kandidát Vied ( "CSc") or the Dr degree which were granted to graduates of doctoral studies until 1997.

University level fourth stage: Doktor vied (Doctor of the Sciences) (DrSc):

The DrSc. is awarded to outstanding researchers after the defence  of their thesis and for their scientific and research work.

 

Teacher education:

Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

Faculties of Education train teachers for the 1st and 2nd stages of primary schools. Teachers for the first stage of primary school follow a four-year course. Teachers for the second stage of primary school follow a five-year course combining two subjects.

Training of secondary school teachers

Secondary school teachers of specific subjects are trained at various university faculties according to their field of study. The course lasts for five years and leads to a state final examination. It is offered by: Faculties of Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Physical Education and Sports, and Faculties of Education. Graduates of Technical Universities, Universities of Economics and of the University of Agriculture who wish to teach the subjects of their field of study at secondary school level can follow pedagogical training.

 

Non-traditional studies:

Distance higher education

Since 1991, the City University in Bratislava provides distance education using English programmes in cooperation with the Open University at Comenius University. In 1994, several higher education institutions in the SR were involved in the regional project PHARE - Pilot Project for Regional Cooperation in Distance Education.

Lifelong higher education

In 1992, the Slovak Government ratified "the Principles of Lifelong Education" which created the preconditions for the further development of a subsystem of lifelong education. In 1995, the draft law on further education which defines the role of the State, state administration and self-government in adult education-lifelong education was approved.

Other forms of non-formal higher education

Universities of the Third Age have  been established at Comenius University, Slovak University of Agriculture and the University of Žilina. Study is provided in the form of half-day courses lasting for four or more semesters. Applicants who have completed secondary education  do not have to sit for an entrance examination.

 

 

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic (Ministerstvo školstva SR)

Head: Milan Ftájčnik, Minister

Administrative officer: Peter Gabečo, Secretary-General

International relations: Juraj Kalnickż, Director of  International Relations

Stromová 1
813 30 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

Tel: +421(2) 5477-2427

Fax: +421(2) 5477-3766

EMail: kancmin@education.gov.sk

WWW: http://www.education.gov.sk

 

Role of governing body: distribution of financial resources, control of expenditure, accreditation of study programmes

 

Higher Education Council (Rada vysokých škôl)

Head: Libor Vozár, President

Administrative officer: Jana Bocovįj, Secretary-General

Staré grunty 52
842 44 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

Tel: +421(2) 6542-6127

Fax: +421(2) 6542-6180

EMail: bocova@uips.sk

WWW: http://www.uips.sk

 

Role of governing body: Supreme, self-government body of all higher education

 

Slovak Rectors' Conference (Slovenská rektorská konferencia)

Head: Milan Dado, President

Administrative officer: Maria Drozdiková, Secretary-General

Laurinská č 14
811 01 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

WWW: http://www.srk.sk/sk/default.html

 

 

Accreditation Commission, Advisory Body of the Government of the Slovak Republic (Akreditačna komisia, poradný orgán vlády SR)

Head: Lev Bukovský, President

Administrative officer: Michal Denci, Secretary-General

Stromová 1
813 30 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

Tel: +421(2) 6428-568

Fax: +421(2) 6428-568

EMail: sekrak@vm.stuba.sk

WWW: http://www.akredkom.sk

 

Role of governing body: Accreditation of higher education institutions - advisory organ of the government of the Slovak Republic.

 

Slovak Academic Information Agency Service Centre for the Third Sector (Slovenská akademická informačná agentúra -Servisné stredisko pre trti sektor)

Head: Katarína Koštialová, Director

PO Box 42
Ružová dolina 6
820 05 Bratislava 25
Slovak Republic

Tel: +421(2) 5441-0387

Fax: +421(2) 5441-0382

EMail: saia@saia.sk

WWW: http://www.saia.sk

 

 

 

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Maturitné Vysvedčenie

Minimum score/requirement: 4-pass

For entry to: All types of institutions or programmes of study at university level

Alternatives to credentials: Academies of Art do not require a secondary school-leaving certificate.

Numerus clausus/restrictions: For capacity reasons, a numerus clausus has been introduced in those fields of study which cannot admit all applicants who meet the conditions. The number of students admitted is the decision of the dean. Numerus clausus established at institution level and at country/state level.

Foreign students admission

Definition of foreign student: A foreign student is any foreign citizen who follows courses at a Slovak higher education institution. The green identity card entitles the holder to permanent residence in the SR. The holder has all the rights and duties of the Slovak citizen except the right to vote and the duty of military service. Such a foreigner is no longer considered as a foreign student.

Quotas: No quotas established for foreign students.

Admission requirements: Foreign students must have qualifications equivalent to  Slovak secondary education and have passed the General Certificate of Education examination or its equivalent. The age limit for admission is 30.

Entry regulations: A valid passport and a visa are required from certain countries.

Health requirements: .

Language requirements: Students must have an adequate knowledge of the Slovak language. Courses are organized by Comenius University in Bratislava. There are examinations at institution level.

Application procedures:

Apply to individual institution for entry to: Universities, higher education institutions.

Application closing dates:

For non-university level (technical/vocational type) studies: 30 Nov

For university level studies: 28 Feb

For advanced/doctoral studies: 31 Dec

Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): The Accreditation Commission is the advisory body of the Slovak Government and consists of prominent experts from higher education, scientific and other institutions. Its main purpose is to advise on establishing, amalgamating, dividing or abolishing higher education institutions and faculties. On the basis of recommendations of the Accreditation Commission of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic, it may grant or withdraw the right of a higher education institution or faculty to organize state and postgraduate examinations, habilitation and procedures for the nomination of professors within individual disciplines.

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

Slovak ENIC, NARIC, Centre for Equivalence of Diplomas, Institute of Information and Prognoses of Education (Stredisko pre ekvivalenciu dokladov o vzdelaní)

Head: Mária Hrabinská, Director

Staré grunty 52
842 44 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

Tel: 421(72) 6542-6521

Fax: 421(72) 6542-6521

EMail: hrabinska@uips.sk

WWW: http://www.uips.sk

 

Services provided & students dealt with: The Centre for Equivalence of Documents on Education provides recommendations for nostrification of diplomas and assists in cooperation with foreign partner centres in the solution of challenged issues.

 

Other information sources on recognition of foreign studies: The higher education institution which has equal or similar fields of study.

Special provisions for recognition:

For access to advanced studies and research: The recognition of documents on education is in the jurisdiction of individual higher education institutions. Difficult issues are solved by the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic. The Ministry acts according to corresponding bilateral and multilateral agreements.

Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies

Name of agreement: Additional Final Report of the European Convention on Equivalence of Diplomas leading to the Admission to Universities  No 49

Year of signature: 1991

Name of agreement: Convention of the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degree concerning Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region

Year of signature: 1988

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

Year of signature: 1997

Name of agreement: European convention on the academic recognition of university qualifications No.15

Year of signature: 1991

Name of agreement: European Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas Allowing the Access to Universities

Year of signature: 1991

Name of agreement: European Convention on the Equivalence of Periods of Academic Study No. 21

Year of signature: 1991

Bilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign credentials

Name of agreement: Agreement between the governments of Afghanistan Democratic Republic and the CSFR on the mutual Recognition of Documents on Education and Degrees

Year of signature: 1981

Country/state involved: Afghanistan

Name of agreement: Agreement between the Governments of Bulgaria and the CSFR on the mutual Recognition of Documents on Education and Degrees

Year of signature: 1982

Country/state involved: Bulgaria

Name of agreement: Agreement between the Governments of Hungary and the CSFR on the mutual Recognition of Documents on Education and Degrees

Year of signature: 1989

Country/state involved: Hungary

Name of agreement: Agreement between the Governments of Iraq and the CSFR on the mutual Recognition of Documents on Education and Degrees

Year of signature: 1989

Country/state involved: Iraq

Name of agreement: Agreement between the Governments of Mongolia and the CSFR on the mutual Recognition of Documents on Education and Degrees

Year of signature: 1988

Country/state involved: Mongolia

Name of agreement: Agreement between the Governments of Poland and the CSFR on the mutual Recognition of Documents on Education and Degrees

Year of signature: 1987

Country/state involved: Poland

Name of agreement: Agreement between the Governments of USSR and the CSFR on the mutual Recognition of Documents on Education and Degrees

Year of signature: 1972

Country/state involved: USSR (former)

Name of agreement: Agreement between the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic on cooperation

Year of signature: 1992

Country/state involved: Czech Republic

Name of agreement: Final Report between the Government of the CSFR and India on the Equivalence of Certificates, Degrees and Diplomas

Year of signature: 1975

Country/state involved: India

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

Title: Education in the Slovak Republic

Publisher: Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic

Year of publication: 2000

Title: Higher Education and Recognition Practices Slovakia

Author: Mária Hrabinská

Publisher: Institute of Information and Prognoses of Education, Bratislava

Year of publication: 1999

Title: Higher Education in Slovakia

Author: Peter Plavčan, Mária Hrabinská

Publisher: Institute of Information and Prognoses of Education, Bratislava

Year of publication: 2001

 

STUDENT LIFE

Main student services at national level

University Student Council (Študentská rada vysokých Škôl)

Staré grunty 52
842 44 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

Tel: +421(2) 654 28 506

Fax: +421(2) 654 26 180

 

Category of services provided: Academic and career counselling services

 

National student associations and unions

Association of Business and Management Students

Dolnozemská cesta 1
852 35 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

 

Health/social provisions

Social security for home students: Yes

Social security for foreign students: No

Foreign student social security provisions: Health insurance can be provided individually for each student: for example life-insurance at his own expense.

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: 24000 (Slovak Koruna)

Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 4000 (US Dollar)

Maximum: 10000 (US Dollar)

Type of financial aid available:

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:

House of Foreign Relations of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic (Dom zahraničných stykov, Ministerstvo školstva Slovenskej republikye)

Levická 3
821 08 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

Tel: +421(2) 5543-3236

Fax: +421(2) 5542-2498

EMail: domzahr@education.gov.sk

WWW: http://www.education.gov.sk/pro/dzs/index.html

 

The Institute of Language and Professional Training of Foreign Students of Comenius University

Šoltésovej 4
811 08 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

Tel: +421(2) 5557-7488

Fax: +421(2) 5557-7255

WWW: http://www.uniba.sk/ujop

 

Publications on student services and financial aid:

Title: Higher Education in the Slovak Republic

Author: Eva Králová

Publisher: PALAESTRA s.r.o. Bratislava

Title: Higher Education in the SR. Study Programmes

Author: Mária Hrabinská-Alojz Putala

Publisher: Institute of Information and Prognoses of Education

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:

House of Foreign Relations of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic (Dom zahrančných stykov, Ministerstvo školstva Slovenskej republiky)

Administrative officer: Zlatica Havlíková, Executive Director

Levická 3
821 08 Bratislava 2
Slovak Republic

Tel: 421(2) 5543-3236

Fax: 421(7) 5542-2498

EMail: domzahr@education.gov.sk

WWW: http://www.education.gov.sk

 

Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic (Ministerstvo školstva SR)

Head: Milan Ftáčnik, Minister

Administrative officer: Peter Gabčo, Secretary-General

International relations: Juraj Kalnický

Stromová 1
813 37 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

Tel: 421(7) 547 74 52

Fax: 421(7) 547 73 66

EMail: kancmin@education.gov.sk

WWW: http://www.education.gov.sk

 

Slovak Academic Association for International Co-operation (Slovenská akademická asociácia pre medzinárodnu spoluprácu)

Administrative officer: Viera Farkašová, Secretary-General

Staré grunty 52
842 44 Bratislava
Slovak Republic

Tel: +421(2) 654 12 141

Fax: +421(2) 654 24 425

EMail: tajomnik@saaic.sk

WWW: http://www.saaic.sk

 

Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes

Name of exchange programme: CONSTANTIN

Name of exchange programme: LEONARDO da VINCI

Name of exchange programme: PHARE

Name of exchange programme: SOCRATES

Name of exchange programme: TEMPUS

 

GRADING SYSTEM

Usual grading system in secondary school

Full Description: 1= výborný (Excellent), 2=chvátilebný (Laudable) 3=dobrý (Good), 4=dostatočny (Pass), 5= (nedostatočný (Fail).

Highest on scale: 1

Pass/fail level: 1,2,3,4,5

Lowest on scale: 5

Main grading system used by higher education institutions

Full Description: 1= výborný (Excellent), 2=vel'mi dobrý (Laudable) 3=dobrý (Good), 4= nevyhovel (Fail).

Highest on scale: 1

Pass/fail level: 1,2,3/4

Lowest on scale: 4

Other main grading systems

credit system used at most faculties

 

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

 

 

Data for academic year: 2001-2002

Source: Institute of Information and Prognoses of Education, Bratislava, 2002



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