Located in Central Europe, Slovenia offers a wide range of learning opportunities to international students who want to take their education to the next level. Because of its location, students can experience the country’s culture, travel opportunities, and unique attractions while studying.
Higher education in Slovenia continues to develop within the European higher education system. The country has established universities and higher education institutions that offer programs at different study levels, and many welcome international students into their degree programs.
Slovenia can also be a relatively affordable study destination. Living and study costs vary by city, program, nationality, and study status, so students should confirm tuition fees and funding rules directly with each institution. In this article, we will look at some Slovenia scholarships and funding options for international students.
Top Scholarships in Slovenia for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value | Deadline |
|---|
| UP Scholarship Fund | University of Primorska | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Varies by public call, study cycle, points, and fund partner | September 15, 2026 for the 2026/2027 call |
| Zois Scholarships | State scholarship administered by the Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia | Eligible university students who meet legal-status and merit criteria | Base amount for university students listed as €176.12 per month, with possible supplements | Annual public call |
| GEA College tuition fee credits | GEA College | Undergraduate programs | €500 credit; €700 credit for eligible athlete students | No separate scholarship deadline listed |
1. UP Scholarship Fund (University of Primorska)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: varies by public call, study cycle, points, and fund partner
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Established in 2003, the University of Primorska is a higher education institution in Slovenia with a growing international student community. The university’s 2025/2026 data lists 5,859 students, including 1,484 international students.
The UP Scholarship Fund is one of the university’s main funding options. It aims to recognize and encourage strong UP students, connect them with employers during their studies, and support their transition to employment after graduation. The fund is based on cooperation between the University of Primorska, municipalities, businesses, employers, organizations, and donors.
Current UP information states that the university publishes a public call every year, usually in February. Eligible candidates may include students or candidates for enrollment in 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-cycle study programs, depending on the call. Selected candidates are included in a record of top UP students and may conclude a one-year scholarship contract with UP and fund partners.
Candidates submit an e-application through the University of Primorska Career Center portal. The application must include a curriculum vitae and motivational letter, and applicants must send the signed e-application as a PDF to the Career Center by the deadline. Athlete candidates must also attach evidence of their athlete status when applicable.
2. Zois Scholarships (University of Ljubljana)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: base amount for university students listed as €176.12 per month, with possible supplements
- Eligible Degree/s: eligible university students who meet the Fund’s legal-status, achievement, and study-performance criteria
The University of Ljubljana (UL) is the oldest and largest higher education and scientific research institution in Slovenia, founded in 1919. It has a large student population and offers study and research programs across many fields.
Zois Scholarships are state merit scholarships administered by the Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia. They are not limited to Ph.D. students and are not awarded by the University of Ljubljana itself, although eligible UL students may apply through the relevant public calls.
For international students, eligibility depends on the legal status defined by Slovenian legislation. The University of Ljubljana’s scholarship page states that Zois Scholarships are available to international students who can show an eligible status, such as EU citizenship with at least five years of preliminary residence, EU migrant or frontier-worker status in Slovenia or family-member status connected to such a worker, or long-term resident status.
Applicants generally need to demonstrate at least one appropriate outstanding achievement, meet the required school or study performance, meet the other public-call conditions, and progress to a higher level or higher year of education as specified by the Fund. The Fund publishes the open call, requirements, procedure, and scholarship amounts each year.
3. Scholarship for SLO/ EU/ EEA/ex-YU Citizens and Non-EU Citizens (GEA College)
- Funding Page
- Funding Value: €500 tuition credit, or €700 for eligible athlete students who meet the same academic conditions
- Eligible Degree/s: undergraduate programs
GEA College in Ljubljana, Slovenia, offers programs focused on entrepreneurship and management. GEA College was established in 1990, while GEA College – Faculty of Entrepreneurship was established in 1996 as a private higher education institution.
Under the current tuition-credit information, qualifying undergraduate students may receive a €500 credit. Eligible athlete students who meet the same academic conditions may receive a €700 credit. The credit may be used for tuition fees, additional services, or other educational programs in the GEA College group, or it may be donated to the UPI Foundation for students who cannot afford to study at GEA College.
Students must use the credit within two years, otherwise the amount is automatically donated to the UPI Foundation. Students interested in any separate scholarship or fee-reduction opportunity should check with GEA College directly through its current official pages.
Getting admitted to a Slovenian university is a great opportunity to expand your horizons. While you are planning your studies, it is recommended that you search and apply for scholarships to help reduce study and living costs. Scholarships can support your finances and may also strengthen your academic profile during and after your degree.
We hope that this article on the best scholarships in Slovenia was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
