Market report Slovenia

The Slovenian Study Abroad Market

Slovenia, a Central European nation with a population of approximately 2 million, presents a promising recruitment market for study abroad programs. Renowned for its high-quality education system and a strong emphasis on internationalization, Slovenia has been actively promoting student mobility at all levels of education, from preschool to higher education and adult education

Slovenian students exhibit a strong inclination towards international mobility. Programs like the Ad futura scholarship support students pursuing studies abroad, offering financial assistance for tuition and living expenses. Despite these efforts, the share of Slovenian graduates with international study experience remains below the EU average, indicating potential for growth in outbound student mobility.

Slovenian Education System

Secondary Education
In Slovenia, secondary education follows the nine-year compulsory basic education and is divided into general and vocational tracks. General secondary schools, such as gimnazija, prepare students for higher education and typically last four years, culminating in the national matura exam. Vocational and technical schools offer more practical training and can lead directly to employment or further education. These programs vary in length, with some also allowing students to take the matura and continue to tertiary studies. Secondary education is free and publicly funded, ensuring broad access and encouraging student progression.

Tertiary Education
Tertiary education in Slovenia includes universities, faculties, art academies, and professional colleges. It is structured according to the Bologna Process, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Universities focus on academic and scientific research, while professional colleges provide more practice-oriented programs. Admission is typically based on secondary school results and performance on the matura exam. Public institutions dominate the higher education landscape, and many programs are tuition-free for Slovenian and EU students. The system emphasizes quality assurance and international collaboration, contributing to Slovenia’s strong reputation in European higher education.

Latest Slovenian Higher Education study abroad stats

At this point a total number of 3,500 Slovenian students are studying abroad for a degree in higher education. The most popular study abroad destinations among students from Slovenia are:

Slovenia Study Abroad Trends

Slovenian students are increasingly participating in study abroad programs, although their overall mobility rates remain below the EU average. As of 2024, about 6% of Slovenian graduates have studied abroad compared to the EU average of 11%, with short-term mobility through programs like Erasmus+ being more common than full-degree studies overseas. Austria, Germany, and the UK are the most popular destinations, while Spain and Portugal also attract many Erasmus+ participants. Between 2013 and 2023, over 31,000 Slovenian students took part in Erasmus+, with a notable 50% increase in participation since 2019. Students are motivated by gaining international experience, cultural exposure, and language skills, though financial constraints and administrative challenges, especially for non-EU countries, remain barriers. Slovenian universities are actively engaging in European alliances to promote mobility and collaboration, supported by government investments in higher education initiatives. Despite progress, there is still potential for growth to match EU mobility levels, with continued institutional support needed to further enhance study abroad opportunities for Slovenian students.