Introduction to Qualification Recognition in Slovenia
Foreigners moving to Slovenia to work or study must often have their foreign educational qualifications officially recognized. This process ensures that a degree or diploma obtained abroad is comparable to the Slovenian education system. The system is governed by the Assessment and Recognition of Education Act and is managed primarily by the ENIC-NARIC Center Slovenia, which operates under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
There are two distinct types of recognition in Slovenia: academic recognition for those who wish to continue their studies, and professional assessment for those seeking employment in the Slovenian labor market. Understanding which path you need is the first step in the administrative process.
Recognition for Further Education (Academic)
If you intend to enroll in a Slovenian university or high school, the recognition process is handled directly by the educational institution you are applying to. This procedure is integrated into the official enrollment application.
- Application Portal: For higher education, applications are submitted via the eVŠ portal. The enrollment form serves simultaneously as an application for the recognition of your foreign education.
- Responsible Body: The authorized person at the specific faculty or university (e.g., University of Ljubljana, University of Maribor) will evaluate your previous certificates.
- Timeline: Decisions are typically issued within two months of receiving a complete application, often coinciding with the enrollment notification.
Recognition for Employment (Professional)
For individuals seeking work in Slovenia, the ENIC-NARIC Center provides an Assessment of Education. This is not a formal decree of equivalence but an official opinion that describes your foreign education and compares it to the Slovenian system. Most employers in the private sector accept this assessment as proof of your qualifications.
The assessment includes information on the level of education, the status of the institution in its home country, and the rights the holder has in that country (e.g., the right to enter a doctoral program).
Required Documentation and Costs
While requirements can vary slightly depending on the institution, the following documents are standard for most recognition procedures in 2026:
- Original Diploma or Certificate: Scanned copy or original (if requested).
- Diploma Supplement: Or a transcript of records showing subjects and grades.
- Certified Translations: Documents must be translated into Slovenian by a court-certified translator. However, many universities now accept documents in English, Croatian, German, or Italian without further translation—always check with the specific faculty first.
- Chronological Description: A short, signed CV of your entire education history.
- Authentication: Depending on your country, your documents may need an Apostille or full legalization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The administrative fee for a professional assessment by the ENIC-NARIC Center is generally 50 EUR ($55 USD, Jan 2026). For academic recognition within the enrollment process, there is often no separate recognition fee, though a standard administrative tax for the application (approx. 22.60 EUR / $25 USD, Jan 2026) may apply.
Regulated Professions and Exceptions
Certain professions in Slovenia are "regulated," meaning that simply having your diploma assessed is not enough to practice. These include roles in healthcare (doctors, nurses), education, architecture, and law.
For regulated professions, candidates must undergo a specific professional recognition procedure through the relevant ministry. This may involve additional exams, professional internships, or proficiency tests in the Slovenian language.
If you are a refugee or a person under international protection who cannot provide original documents, Slovenia has implemented simplified procedures in accordance with the Lisbon Recognition Convention to assess your qualifications through alternative means, such as interviews or background checks.
