Slovakia higher education is comprised of public, state, and private schools of higher education (colleges):

Public schools of higher education are the basic case. The vast majority of schools of higher education are public. They are financed by the government and business activities.
State institutions of higher education are military, police and medical schools. Corresponding ministries in the government finance these programmes.
Private institutions of higher education are rare. They are established and financed by non-government institutions, but approved by the Ministry of Education.
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Academic organization
Studies are organized within the following study programmes and “stages”:

Stage 1: Bachelor study programmes taking 3 to 4 years;
Stage 2: Master study programmes lasting 1 to 3 years;
Some programmes include Stage 1 and 2 studies in one single study;
Stage 3: Doctor study programme lasting 3–4 years;
Specialization studies in medicine.
University-type schools of higher education provide study programmes at all three academic stages. Non-university-type schools of higher education or professional schools of higher education usually provide Bachelor studies only.

Foreign applicants who do not meet all the requirements for admission may be required to attend preparatory courses, including Slovak language courses. Courses of Slovak language are also organised by respective universities.

General application requirements
The main requirement for entering a Bachelor degree programme or a combined 2nd level degree programme is the completion of high school studies with a “maturita” – schoolleaving examination. Admission to a follow up Master’s degree programme depends on the completion of the relevant Bachelor degree programme.

Students who would like to study a full study programme should apply directly at the respective higher education institution.

Admission requirements for international students are generally the same as for Slovak nationals. International Baccalaureate holders meet general requirements for admission to higher education institutions in Slovakia. Every faculty determines its own criteria for students’ admissions.

Students should ask for detailed information and apply for admission at the faculty of their choice.

Tuition fees and admission
Studies at the state and public universities is available free of charge for Slovak students and international students coming from EU countries. Non-EU students have to pay fees of 2000 to 5000 EUR per academic year.

In some cases, higher education applicants have to pass entrance examinations. The “maturita”, (high school graduation exam) results of the applicant are usually also taken into account when evaluating whether he may be admitted.

Study method
Teaching includes various forms of instruction such as lectures, seminars, exercises, laboratory work, projects, practical training, consultations, etc.

Programmes in Slovakia are delivered full-time or part-time and can be pursued on campus or by enrolling in a distance study programme, or a combined method of learning.

English language preparation for studying in Slovakia
Develop your academic English language skills in order to meet the English language requirements at Slovak universities offering degree studies for international students. Choose an English language school anywhere in the world and pick your preferred English exam preparation course from diverse language course options.