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 Kocjanèiè, President

University of Ljubljana
Kongresni trg 12
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia

Tel: +386(1) 2418600

Fax: +386(1) 2418650

EMail: rector@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