One of the clear perks of studying abroad is that you get to explore new places and cultures. Considering this, Slovakia can be an excellent destination to pursue higher education. The country is located in Central Europe and is home to many natural and cultural sights. It also provides you with the opportunity to learn a new language.
Slovakia’s higher education system includes several universities with computer science and informatics programs. These programs are often built around software systems, information technologies, artificial intelligence, security, and applied informatics. Check out some of the top universities for Computer Science in Slovakia!
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Slovakia
1. Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava
The Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, established in 1937, is one of Slovakia’s leading technical universities. It consists of seven faculties and educates about 12,000 students annually. Since its foundation, the university has offered study programs in technical and technology-focused fields, including engineering, architecture, management, and informatics.
Computer science, often referred to as informatics in Slovakia, is available through the Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies. At the bachelor’s level, the faculty offers Computer Science in Slovak and Informatics in English. The English-taught Informatics bachelor’s program is a three-year, full-time, on-site program that includes areas such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, information security, and internet technologies.
At the master’s level, FIIT lists programs such as Information Security and Intelligent Software Systems. These programs are usually two years long for applicants with a relevant or related bachelor’s degree. Applicants from more distant fields may need to complete a three-year study plan that includes a conversion year. Doctoral study is available in Applied Informatics, with a standard length of three years full-time or four years part-time.
2. Comenius University
Another institution joining the list of top universities for Computer Science in Slovakia is Comenius University. Founded in 1919, the university is based in Bratislava, the country’s capital, and is the oldest and largest university in Slovakia. It has 13 faculties and offers programs across fields such as Medicine, Law, Arts, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Informatics.
Comenius University offers computer science-related study through the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics. The bachelor’s Computer Science program is a full-time program that usually takes three years, with a four-year conversion option. The program page lists Slovak and English in the language field, but also states that this bachelor’s program is offered only in Slovak.
At the master’s level, students can take the English-taught Applied Informatics program, a full-time program that usually takes two years, or three years with a conversion program. The program includes optional specializations such as computer graphics and vision, artificial intelligence, programming and information systems, software engineering, and creating software for education. The university also offers doctoral study in Computer Science, which is available in full-time and external forms and usually takes four years full-time or five years externally.
3. University of Žilina
The University of Žilina is another strong option in Slovakia for students interested in computer science and related fields. Its history started in 1953, when the institution was founded in Prague as the University of Railway Transport after separating from the Czech Technical University in Prague. It later became the University of Transport, moved to Žilina in 1960, and adopted the name University of Žilina in 1996. Today, UNIZA educates nearly 8,000 students across six faculties and several institutes.
Computer Science at the bachelor’s level is offered through the Faculty of Management Science and Informatics. Students may choose programs such as Informatics, Computer Engineering, Informatics and Management, and Information and Network Technologies. These bachelor’s programs are listed as full-time programs with a standard duration of three years.
Students can also pursue master’s studies in related areas at the university. Current listings include Applied Informatics, Applied Network Engineering, Biomedical Informatics, Computer Engineering, Information Management, and Intelligent Information Systems, each listed as a full-time two-year program. Doctoral study is available in Applied Informatics, with a standard length of three years full-time or four years externally. However, current official listings state that foreign-language study programs are not provided, so students should confirm the language of instruction before applying.
4. Pavol Jozef Šafárik University
Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice was established in 1959, while the tradition of university education in Košice traces back to the founding of Academia Cassoviensis in 1657. The university now has five faculties: Medicine, Science, Law, Public Administration, and Arts.
The Faculty of Science offers Informatics as part of its bachelor’s and master’s study options. The bachelor’s degree generally takes three years, while the master’s degree generally takes two years. The Faculty of Science also provides doctoral study, which is generally four years long.
Informatics students can build knowledge in areas such as information technologies, software systems, neural networks, fuzzy techniques, and logical programming. Study in Slovak is the standard route, while English-language study may be available under a study contract and may require tuition fees. Prospective students should check the current program page and admissions information before applying.
5. Matej Bel University
Matej Bel University (UMB) joins the list of universities for computer science in Slovakia. The university was established in 1992 in Banská Bystrica by merging the University of Economics and Tourism in Banská Bystrica and the Faculty of Education in Banská Bystrica. It now consists of seven faculties and has about 6,200 students. Its programs cover the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Compared to the other universities on this list, UMB’s Department of Computer Science lists bachelor’s and master’s options. The department offers Applied Computer Science and Software Development at the bachelor’s level and Applied Computer Science at the master’s level in full-time and external forms. It also offers Computer Science Teaching in combination with other subjects, such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Mathematics, Technical Education, English Language and Literature, Slovak Language and Literature, Philosophy, History, Psychology, Technology, and Physical Education.
Instead of a Ph.D. program in computer science, UMB lists post-master rigorous examination options leading to the academic titles Doctor of Education (PaedDr.) or Doctor of Natural Sciences (RNDr.) for eligible graduates.
We hope that this article on the Best Universities for Computer Science in Slovakia was helpful. To learn more about how you can study Computer Science abroad, check out the Available Computer Science Programs for International Students.
