Overview of the Slovenian Educational System
The Slovenian education system is centralized and regulated by the Ministry of Education. It is structured into pre-school education, primary education, secondary education, and higher education. For foreign nationals, access to education is guaranteed by law, though specific enrollment requirements may vary based on residency status and the age of the child. Most public education is funded through taxes, making it free or highly subsidized for residents.
Information regarding national curriculum standards and school calendars can be found on the official portal of the Ministry of Education.
Preschool Education and Childcare (Vrtec)
Childcare in Slovenia, known as vrtec, is available for children from the age of 11 months until they start primary school (usually at age 6). While not compulsory, the majority of children attend preschool to assist with social integration and language acquisition.
Types of Kindergartens
- Public Kindergartens: These are established by municipalities. They follow the national curriculum and are the most common choice for families.
- Private Kindergartens: These may follow specialized pedagogical approaches (e.g., Waldorf or Montessori) or religious curricula.
Costs and Subsidies
The price of public childcare is determined by the municipality. However, parents with a registered residence in Slovenia are eligible for state subsidies based on their income level. For a family paying the full price without a subsidy, the monthly cost for the first age group (1-3 years) typically ranges between 500 EUR ($540 USD, Jan 2026) and 700 EUR ($756 USD, Jan 2026) depending on the municipality.
Applications for subsidies must be submitted via the e-Uprava portal or at the local Social Work Centre (Center za socialno delo).
Primary Education (Osnovna šola)
Primary education is compulsory for all children residing in Slovenia from the age of 6 to 15. It lasts nine years and is divided into three three-year cycles. Public primary schools are free of charge, though parents are expected to pay for school meals and certain extracurricular activities.
Enrolment for Foreigners
Foreign children have the right to enroll in primary education under the same conditions as Slovenian citizens. Schools are legally required to provide intensive Slovenian language courses to help non-native speakers integrate. These courses are typically integrated into the school day during the first year of attendance.
International School Options
For families preferring an English or international curriculum, several options exist, primarily in the capital, Ljubljana:
- British International School of Ljubljana: Tuition fees range from approximately 13,000 EUR ($14,040 USD, Jan 2026) to 22,000 EUR ($23,760 USD, Jan 2026) per year.
- QSI International School: American-based curriculum.
- Danila Kumar International School: A public school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for a significantly lower fee than private institutions for eligible foreigners.
Secondary Education and Integration Support
After completing primary school, students can choose between general secondary education (Gymnasiums), which prepares them for university, or vocational and technical schools. Admission is based on primary school grades and, in some cases, entrance exams.
Required Documentation
To enroll a child in the Slovenian school system, parents typically need to provide:
- A valid passport or identity card for the child.
- Proof of residence (temporary or permanent).
- Previous academic transcripts (translated into Slovenian or English, depending on the school's requirements).
- Proof of vaccinations (standard requirements apply).
Note: The process for recognizing foreign education (nostrification) for secondary school entry is managed by individual schools in accordance with the Assessment and Recognition of Education Act.