Slovenia has public and private universities, as well as smaller independent higher education institutions. For some students, full-time first- and second-cycle study can be tuition-free. Other students may be able to reduce their costs through scholarships and student work. In this article, we will look at ways to study in Slovenia for free or at a lower cost.
The official Study in Slovenia portal lists accredited Slovenian universities and other higher education institutions. Before reviewing the available options, it is helpful to understand the basic structure of the Slovenian higher education system.
Degree programs in Slovenia are organized into three levels. First-level programs include higher education professional and university undergraduate programs.
Second-level programs include master’s programs and integrated master’s programs. Third-level programs are doctoral programs.
Tuition rules depend on a student’s citizenship, study level, study mode, previous qualifications, and whether the program is publicly funded. Slovenia has public and private universities and smaller independent higher education institutions, including the University of Ljubljana, the University of Maribor, and the University of Primorska.
How to Study in Slovenia for Free
1. If you are from the EU or one of the countries listed below, you can study in Slovenia for free.
Full-time students who are citizens of Slovenia or an EU member state, as well as citizens of the countries listed below, generally do not pay tuition fees for first- and second-cycle programs at higher education institutions or for publicly funded programs at private higher education institutions:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
The exemption does not apply in every case. For example, students enrolling in another second-cycle program after already obtaining an equivalent qualification may have to pay tuition fees. Persons with recognized international protection status, applicants for international or temporary protection, and certain foreign nationals with permanent residence and tax residence in Slovenia may also qualify for tuition exemptions.
Students who do not qualify for an exemption generally pay tuition fees. Part-time students usually pay tuition fees, doctoral students pay tuition fees, and students attending private higher education institutions without public-budget financing must also pay tuition fees.
Even when tuition fees apply, it is worth comparing affordable options. According to the official Study in Slovenia portal, annual tuition fees typically range from EUR 2,000 to EUR 11,000 for bachelor’s programs, EUR 2,000 to EUR 15,000 for master’s programs, and EUR 2,000 to EUR 6,000 for doctoral programs.
Scholarship eligibility varies by call. Depending on the scholarship, eligibility may be based on nationality, study level, field of study, mobility type, and other conditions.
2. Apply for Universities in Slovenia
To study in Slovenia, you first need to choose a program and apply for admission. Applications for first-cycle programs and integrated master’s programs are submitted electronically through the eVŠ portal. Requirements, application calls, and deadlines can vary by study level and higher education institution, so follow the official instructions and review the websites of the universities in Slovenia that interest you.
3. Get Scholarships
If you are a non-EU national and do not qualify for a tuition exemption, you can apply for scholarships to reduce your study and living costs. Scholarship calls can change, so always review the current official conditions before applying.
Scholarships for Western Balkan Students
At the time of writing, the Public Scholarship, Development, Disability, and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia has published its 380th public call for the 2026/2027 academic year. The call is intended for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia who are applying for selected second-cycle master’s programs in Slovenia.
The eligible fields include natural sciences; mathematics and statistics; information and communication technologies; engineering, manufacturing, and construction; agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and veterinary medicine; and health and social security. The scholarship provides EUR 9,600 per academic year for living expenses during the official duration of the program. Check the current public call before applying because eligibility requirements and deadlines may change.
Bilateral Scholarships for the 2026/2027 Academic Year
For the 2026/2027 academic year, Slovenia is offering scholarship months under bilateral agreements and reciprocity arrangements with Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Mexico, Montenegro, Poland, the People’s Republic of China, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Turkey.
These bilateral scholarships are intended for part of a study program or a research stay, usually lasting from 3 to 10 months. They cannot be used to fund a complete degree, and they do not cover tuition fees. Applicants must be nominated by the competent authority in an eligible country. Review the 2026/2027 bilateral scholarship call for the current conditions.
4. Get a Job in Slovenia
International students may be able to work while studying in Slovenia. A common option is temporary and part-time Student Work, which is also available to foreign students included in formal education. Students should check the conditions that apply to their status before accepting work. Student work may help with living costs, but students should not assume that earnings will cover all study expenses.
Check Your Visa or Residence Permit Requirements
International students should review the rules for a student visa or residence permit before traveling to Slovenia. Residence and visa requirements depend on citizenship and the type of study. Degree-seeking students from outside the EU and the European Economic Area should generally apply for a temporary residence permit for studies.
Students who need a visa to enter Slovenia should start the temporary residence permit process as soon as they are enrolled, preferably three to six months before arrival. Processing time depends on the administrative unit or diplomatic mission handling the application.
The official temporary residence permit page lists documents including:
- A completed and signed application form
- A valid passport and a copy of the passport
- A personal photograph and fingerprints
- Proof of enrollment
- Health insurance
- A recent criminal-record certificate, with translation and certification where required
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Payment of the applicable administrative fee
For visa applications, the Slovenian government states that normal processing takes 15 days. Processing may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination or additional documents are required.
We hope that this article on how to study in Slovenia for free was helpful. For more information on studying abroad, check out the Available programs in Europe for International Students.
