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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
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: Spričevalo o poklicni maturi
(Secondary-School-Leaving Certificate)
Vocational Secondary
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)
Vocational Secondary
Type of school providing this education:
Vocational
Upper Secondary School (short-term vocational programmes (2 1/2 years))
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)
School education:
In Slovenia, primary and lower secondary education are
unified and last for 8 years. A new system is being gradually implemented
whereby this level will last for 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,
economic gimnazija, art gimnazija and
programmes leading to the International Baccalaureate). In the two
bilingual regions, primary and secondary education for the Italian and
Hungarian ethnic minorities are offered in Italian, Hungarian and Slovenian.
Higher education:
Higher education is regulated by the Higher Education
Act (1993, amended 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2004). 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
gradual implementation of a three-cycle higher education system according to
the Bologna Declaration by 2016. Public higher education is free of charge for
native full-time students and for students from EU countries. Part-time
students and post-graduate students pay tuition fees. Today, higher education
has certain features of a binary structure. Degree study programmes are
classified into three cycles as follows: first cycle (academic study programmes
and professionally-oriented study programmes), second cycle (study programmes
leading to Magisterij), and third cycle (study programmes leading to the
Doktorat znanosti). First cycle study programmes are at the undergraduate
level, second and third cycle study programmes are at graduate level. Higher
education institutions comprise universities, faculties, art academies or
professional colleges. Slovenia has 4 universities with 37 faculties, 3 art
academies or professional colleges, and 10 single higher education institutions
(Samostojni visokošolski zavodi) established as private institutions. Higher
education institutions are autonomous in managing their internal organization
and operations (considering their statutes and the legal requirements),
selecting and electing the faculty, electing the internal bodies: rectors,
senates, administrative boards and student councils, deans and academic
assemblies. 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: All types and levels of higher education
Decree: Higher Education Amendment
Act Year: 2003
Concerns: All types and levels of higher education
Decree: Higher Education Amendment
Act Year: 2004
Concerns: All types and levels of higher education
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
Decree: Vocational Education and
Training Amendment Act Year: 2004
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 higher vocational
colleges (višje strokovne šole) were founded in 1996-97 and their number
increased to 45 in 2004-05. 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:
University
level first cycle study programmes according to the Bologna process: The fist
cycle has a binary structure and offers two types of study programmes:
university (academically-oriented) and professional programmes. Duration of the
first cycle programmes is determined by years of study (three to four years)
and credit points (180 to 240 CP). In one academic year 60 CP can be obtained,
each CP representing 25 to 30 hours of student workload, which adds up to
between 1500 and 1800 hours annually. Study programmes leading to regulated
professions must comply with EU directives; therefore they can differentiate from
these rules. The new structure of studies should be gradually implemented. The
2009/2010 academic year has been set as the final time limit. Upon deciding to
introduce a new study programme it will no longer be possible to offer the old
one. This means that the 2008/2009 academic year will be the last one when
enrolment into current programmes is still possible. However, three faculties
will offer accredited new study programmes to students already by the 2005/2006
academic year. University level first stage before the Bologna process (study
programmes present by 2016): 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, the poklicna
matura 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. The basic requirement for academic study programmes
is the Matura, the poklicna matura (and a matura examination in an additional
subject also grants admission to some types of programmes) or the final
examination after a completion of a four-year secondary programme. 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 fulfill 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
dentalne medicine (Dr. dent.med.), 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:
University
level second cycle study programmes according to the Bologna process: The
second cycle offers one type of study programmes. A general requirement for
admission is a successfully completed first-cycle programme. Bridging
requirements, amounting from 10 to 60 credit points, can be set for applicants
having completed the first cycle programme in an inadequate field. Second cycle
programmes include 60 to 120 credit points. Their actual duration must be
designed in connection with the appropriate first-cycle programme. Programmes
in the same field must not exceed five years altogether (3+2, 4+1). University
level second stage before the Bologna process:
At the post-graduate level, programmes lead to the degree 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 to 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.
University level third stage:
University level third stage (new stage according to
the Bologna process): The third cycle offers one type of study programmes, i.e.
doctoral programmes. A general admission requirement is the completion of a
second-cycle study programme or, in exceptional cases, a first-cycle study
programme combined with documental research or professional achievements that
can be validated with 60 credit points. The programmes take three years to
complete and the title of Doktor znanosti is then awarded.
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 (state teacher certification
examination).
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
(state 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 being developed.
NATIONAL BODIES
Administration & co-ordination:
Responsible authorities:
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology
Head: Jure Zupan, Minister
Trg OF 13
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Tel: +386(1) 4784708
Fax: +386(1) 4784723
WWW: http://www.mvzt.gov.si
Role of governing body: The Ministry
of Higher Education, Science and Technology (until November 2004, the Ministry
of Education, Science and Sport) is responsible for the conception, state and
development of the higher education system. The National Assembly adopts the
Master Plan for Higher Education and the Master Plan for Research. The fields
of study, research and art of national importance, the standards for performing
higher education activities and the funding framework are set within these
plans. The Government prepares Master Plan Bills on the basis of expert advice
provided by its bodies: the Council for Higher Education and the Council for
Science and Technology. The Council for Higher Education gives advice to the
Government, elaborates the Master Plan for Higher Education, conducts
accreditation procedures and gives opinions on various research policy (higher
education research included), evaluates the status and development, proposes
instruments and measures for the implementation of research policy, proposes
the amount of the allocation of state budget funds (research programmes of HE
institutions included), draws up priority lists of research projects and young
researchers, etc. The Council for Student Affairs discusses students' problems
and social conditions of their studies, gives opinions, proposals and
recommendations. The Minister determines detailed conditions concerning
admission quotas, tuition fees, accomodation in student residence halls and
other rights and obligations of students in HE, the elements of the form of a
diploma supplement. Thus, he/she proposes (and the Government approves)
enrolment limitations and issues a Decree on tuition and other fees for
state-approved study programmes. Public higher education institutions own and
manage their own property although a substantial part of their activity is
directly financed by the State. The governing board, which decides upon
financial transactions, is composed of the representatives of the founder,
students, faculty and staff.
Association of Rectors of Slovenia
Head: Andreja Kocjančič, President
University of Ljubljana
Kongresni trg 12
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Tel: +386(1) 2418600
Fax: +386(1) 2418650
EMail: rektor@uni-lj.si
WWW: http://www.uni-lj.si
Council for Higher Education
Head: Peter Jambrek, President
Trg OF 13
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Tel: +386(1) 4784679
Fax: +386(1) 4784719
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 higher education
institutions, coordinates academic issues, proposes national policy in higher
education, and accredits study programmes
ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential
required: Matura (Maturitetno spričevalo)
Minimum score/requirement: sufficient/pass
For entry to: First cycle study programmes (professional study
programmes and academic study programmes)
Name of secondary school credential
required: Poklicna matura (Spričevalo o poklicni maturi)
Minimum score/requirement: sufficient/pass
For entry to: First cycle of professional study programmes. Some
first cycle academic study programmes with an additional subject of the Matura
examination.
Name of secondary school credential
required: Zaključni izpit
Minimum score/requirement: sufficient/pass
For entry to: Professional study programmes
Name of secondary school credential
required: Zaključni izpit
Minimum score/requirement: Sufficient/pass
For entry to: First cycle
study programmes (credential issued before June 1 1995)
Numerus clausus/restrictions: A 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
Foreign students admission
Definition of foreign student: Foreign
student is a student who does 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 12/13 years of schooling).
Admission requirements: Candidates
must have completed a 4-year secondary school (meet the same enrolment
requirements as home students). Recognition of foreign education is part of
enrolment procedure.
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 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;
http://www.vpis.uni-mb.si); University of Ljubljana
(http://www.vpis.uni-lj.si); University of Primorska (http://www.vpis.upr.si)
and other individual higher education institutions.
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 higher education
institutions are recognized throughout the country. Foreign Diplomas and
periods of study are recognized in compliance with the Recognition and
Assessment of Foreign Education Act (Jan 2005) and/or bilateral agreements.
Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies
dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology.
ENIC/NARIC - Education Recognition Office
Polona Miklavc Valenčič Trg OF 13
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Tel: +386(1) 478 4745
Fax: +336(1) 478 4724
EMail: naric.mszs@gov.si
WWW: http://www.mvzt.gov.si
Deals with credential recognition for
entry to: Profession
Services provided & students dealt
with: Information on recognition of higher education degrees.
Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs
Kotnikova 5
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Tel: +386(1) 4783747
Fax: +386(1) 4783493
EMail: ksenija.dremelj@gov.si
WWW: http://www.sigov.si/mddsz
Deals with credential recognition for
entry to: Profession
Services provided & students dealt
with: Information and recognition of qualifications of EU citizens,
qualifications obtained in the EU countries in regulated professions
Special provisions for recognition:
For access to university level studies: Higher
education institutions are responsible for recognizing foreign secondary school
leaving certificates.
For access to advanced studies and
research: Higher education institutions.
For the exercise of a profession: Recognized
foreign education is required by a 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. Recognition procedure for the citizens of EU member
countries with qualifications obtained in the EU, who would like to practice a
specific regulated profession or professional activity as employees or
self-employed in the Republic of Slovenia is regulated by a special Act
following the European directives in this field.
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
References to further information on
foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: International Student Guide
Publisher: University of Maribor
Title: Slovenia for foreign students
Author: Milan Koritnik
Publisher: International Office ŠOU
Title: System of Recognition of
Foreign School Certificates & Cooperation in the ENIC/NARIC network
Author: Minister of Education,
Science and Sports (Recognition Office)
Year of publication: 2002
Title: Welcome to University of
Ljubljana (information for foreign students)
Author: Katja Cerjak
Publisher: University
of Ljubljana - http://www.uni-lj.si/
STUDENT LIFE
National student associations and unions
Student Organisation of the University of Ljubljana
Kersnikova ulica 4
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Tel: +386(1) 4380200
Fax: +386(1) 4380202
WWW: http://www.sou-lj.si/english/
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): 1000 (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 1000).
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:
Department of International Cooperation in Education,
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology
Trg OF 13
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Tel: +386(1) 4784754
Fax: +386(1) 4784724
EMail: info@mszs.si
Deals with: Grants
Publications on student services and
financial aid:
Title: Study Abroad 2005-2006
Author: UNESCO
Year of publication: 2005
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION &
EXCHANGES
Principal national bodies responsible
for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:
CMEPUS - EU Programmes for education and training
Head: Majda Širok
Administrative officer: Neža Pajniče, ERASMUS Coordinator
Ob Železnici 16 a
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
Tel: +386(1) 5864233
Fax: +386(1) 5864231
EMail: neza.pajnic@cmepius.si
WWW: http://www.cmepius.si
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
II
Name of exchange programme: EUREKA
Name of exchange programme: PECO
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: 2005-2006
Source: IAU from Education Recognition Unit, ENIC/NARIC, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Ljubljana, March 2006
