Why study a PhD in Slovenia
Browse all PhD programmes in Slovenia
- Oct-Sep Academic Year
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- 2000 Int. Students
- 107000 Students
- 2071252 Population
Study in Slovenia
Slovenia strives to implement measures supporting equal opportunities, academic success, student mobility, higher education and vocational education and training, language learning and distance education.
The adoption of the Bologna system also supports the academic and professional recognition of qualifications, and the overall development of modern education methods and internationally relevant undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Why study in Slovenia?
1. It's free for EU/EEA students
If you come from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you can study at Slovenian public universities for free. This also applies to students from the following countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia (formerly known as Macedonia), and Serbia.
If you're not a citizen of any of these countries, expect to pay between 2,000 and 15,000 EUR per academic year, depending on what you want to study and at what level (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD).
2. No language barriers
In most cases, you should be alright only with English. Most people under 40 speak it at least at conversational level, especially in student cities like Ljubljana, Maribor, and Koper.
However, it's never a bad idea to learn at least a few words in Slovenian. Here are a few to get you started: zdravo (hello), hvala (thanks), prosim (please), enjoy your meal (dober tek), etc.
3. Slovenia is a beautiful country
If you're a nature enthusiast, you'll feel right at home in Slovenia. You can take a stroll through the numerous parks and forests, visit Lake Bled, explore the Postojna Cave, take a walk along the historic Soteska Vintgar gorge, climp up the Triglav mountain, or visit the oldest vine in the entire world, in Maribor.
International focus
In recent years, higher education in Slovenia has undergone several structural changes, rapid institutional development and new study programme implementation. As a result, Slovenia became an increasingly popular international student destination. Just under 2,000 foreign students are currently studying in Slovenia.
The great majority of these students come from the republics of the former Yugoslavia, mainly because of cultural links and similarities of language. Foreign students account for almost 10% of doctoral students.
General application requirements
Foreign citizens and Slovenians without Slovenian citizenship who completed secondary school abroad may enrol in Bachelor studies if they meet the following requirements:
- completed four-year secondary school
- completed procedure for the recognition of foreign secondary education certificates
- successful result on required tests, if applicable
- knowledge of the Slovenian language
Copies of certificates and other documents which candidates must send to the Higher Education Application Information Service of the chosen Slovenian university:
- notarized final certificate of a four year secondary school
- a secondary school diploma
- notarised transcripts for the last two years of completed secondary school recording academic performance
- personal identity cards or certificates of citizenship
- certificate indicating that the candidate has passed the Examination in Intermediate Level Slovenian
The general access requirement for masters’ study programmes is a completed first cycle study programme. Admission requirements may vary depending on the chosen higher education institution. Contact the international student departments for detailed information.
Academic structure
Higher education studies are provided by public and private universities, faculties, art academies and professional colleges. Universities, faculties and art academies may provide all types of study programmes, while professional colleges generally focus on bachelor level study programmes.
Study programmes
Higher education system in Slovenia is consists of Bachelor level academic and professional study programmes, masters’ study programmes and professional degrees as well as doctoral studies. Degrees in all three cycles can be taken as joint degrees. Higher education institutions may provide supplementary study programmes as a form of lifelong learning. Studies are organised as full-time and part-time respectively.
Language of study
Besides the higher education programmes taught in Slovenian, you can find a considerable selection of English-taught programmes in diverse academic fields. If your study programme is taught in English, you will be required to prove your English proficiency by presenting the results you received at English courses.
If you want to study abroad in Slovenia, you are most likely to find courses fully or partially taught in English in universities in the big cities. Usually, postgraduate courses do not require knowledge of Slovenian.
As part of the Erasmus international student exchange network, Slovenia is looking to expand its offer of English-taught programmes in order to attract more European students who want to study abroad. As a result, some universities recruit experienced English native speaking teachers from the UK, Slovenia and Switzerland to encourage the enrolment of students coming from abroad.
English language preparation for studying in Slovenia
Develop your academic English language skills in order to meet the English language requirements at Slovenian universities offering degree studies for international students. Choose an English language school anywhere in the world and pick your preferred English exam preparation course from diverse language course options.
Universities accept these official English exams:
- PTE Academic
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- C1 Advanced
Teaching methods
Higher education institutions use various teaching methods such as lectures, seminars, exercises, colloquium and written assignments. Usually lectures are given for a large group of students, while the seminars and exercises are usually offered for a smaller group of students. The studies also demand a lot of individual and preparatory work.
Living in Slovenia
Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Slovenia:
Tuition fees
You can study for free at a public Slovenian university if you come from:
- a member state of the European Union (EU)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- Kosovo
- North Macedonia (formerly known as Macedonia)
- Serbia
International students from other countries pay tuition fees:
- between 2,000 and 11,000 EUR for Bachelor's degrees
- between 2,000 and 15,000 EUR for Master's degrees
- between 2,000 and 6,000 EUR for PhD degrees
At private universities, students also need to pay tuition fees for study programmes that are not financed from the public budget.
Check out scholarships in Slovenia.
Costs of living
On average, you'll need between 400 and 700 EUR for living costs in Slovenia. Still, this largely depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. Here's a breakdown of common living expenses in Slovenia:
- accommodation (student dormitories): 100–250 EUR/month
- accommodation (renting a private flat): 90–350 EUR/month
- food and groceries: 150–250 EUR/month
- monthly transport pass: 10–27 EUR with student discount
- three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 35 EUR
- 1 loaf of bread: 1.15 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 0.90 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 1.30 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 1.20 EUR
About Slovenia
The Republic of Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe, where the Alps and the Mediterranean meet the Pannonian plains and the mysterious Karst. Slovenia is situated in Central Europe and shares borders with Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, only a couple hours from Venice or Vienna.
The Country is mostly elevated. Outside the coastal area, its terrain consists largely of plateaus and ridges, Alpine peaks, basins and valleys. Many woods and forests in Slovenia cover more than half the territory. Slovenia is homeland to more than 50.000 animal species and 3.000 plant species. The remnants of primeval forests could also be found, especially in the Kocevje area.
The climate is continental with cold winters and warm summers, but in the coastal areas, there is a pleasant sub-mediterranean climate. The average temperatures are -2° in January and 21° in July. There is plenty of snow in winter. In Slovenia, the sun shines approximately 2,000 hours per year.
Historically, the current territory of Slovenia was part of many different empires, including the Roman Empire, the Holy Roman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In October 1918, the Slovenes merged together with Croats and Serbs into the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. During World War II, Slovenia was occupied and annexed by the Axis Powers. Afterward, it was a founding member of the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia. In June 1991, after the fall of communism and the introduction of democracy, Slovenia split from Yugoslavia and became an independent country. In 2004, it entered NATO and the European Union and the Eurozone.
Alongside the majority population of Slovenian ethnic origin, in the border areas there live Hungarian and Italian minority communities. Various other ethnic groups, mainly from the Western Balkans, also have residence in Slovenia.
The economy of Slovenia is small, open, and export-oriented and has been strongly influenced by international conditions. The main economic field is services, followed by industry and construction. Slovenia is also a great tourist destination.
Universities, colleges and schools in Slovenia
Celje
Ljubljana
- University of Ljubljana (3 PhDs)
Maribor
- University of Maribor (32 PhDs)
Nova Gorica
- University of Nova Gorica (7 PhDs)
Interesting programmes for you
Find PhDs Degrees in Slovenia
What subject to study in Slovenia?
- Agriculture & Forestry 2 Masters
- Applied Sciences & Professions 1 Masters
- Arts, Design & Architecture 1 Masters
- Business & Management 9 Masters
- Computer Science & IT 5 Masters
- Education & Training 4 Masters
- Engineering & Technology 9 Masters
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 3 Masters
- Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 0 Masters
- Humanities 8 Masters
- Journalism & Media 1 Masters
- Law 2 Masters
- Medicine & Health 1 Masters
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics 7 Masters
- Social Sciences 12 Masters
Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.
University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.
Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.
PhD (postgraduate) Degrees
If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.
PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.
Discover other countries
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities.
English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes.
In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation.
You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free.
As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering.
When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’.
While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history.
In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.