Admission Requirements for Higher Education in Slovakia

The admission requirements for higher education institutions in Slovakia vary depending upon the level of study and programme. Read on to know about the admission requirements and procedure for higher education institutions in Slovakia.

The basic admission requirement for entering a first cycle studies, i.e. bachelor’s study programme, or a combined second level degree course is that students must pass “Maturita” examination and hold a secondary school leaving certificate.

For admission into the Master’s degree programme, students must hold a bachelor’s degree, and for doctoral programme, students must have completed Master’s studies.

Students must apply directly to the Slovak higher education institution of their choice. Students must fill out an application form of the institution of their choice, and submit it along with the required documents to the institution. Students can apply electronically or can fill in the paper application form.

The e-application must be completely filled. Students must take a print out of the filled form, sign it and send it via post to the relevant institution study department together with the documents. 

For Doctoral Studies: Candidates must fill in the title of their doctoral thesis and a name of supervisor in the application form. 

Candidates must send following documents together with the application form:

Proof of adequate amount of funds to cover the study and living expense in Slovakia

A valid copy of passport and passport-size photographs

Thesis draft (for doctoral study): It must be 1-2 pages

Motivation letter: Focus on the study programme you’re applying to. Mention about the why you want to pursue this particular course and institution, why you are a good fit for the course, what you expect to learn from the applied programme and what after this course, and your career aim and goals. In the end write about the preparation you are doing for the programme and express interest in getting a response anon. 

Educational certificates/diplomas: Official transcript of university degree, and other credentials.

A certified copy of the International Baccalaureate or equivalent - for bachelor degree programme (for international students)

Curriculum Vitae: A CV must include your basic information that comprises of name, address, phone and e-mail; career objective, educational background, work experience (if any), or volunteer or internship experience, awards and honors, interest and references. Clear, Concise and Consistency must be followed. 

List of published work, or research or artistic activities

Language proficiency certificates: Slovak or English language proficiency.

Adequate knowledge in the Slovak language is required. Students must demonstrate their Slovak language proficiency. 

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English language testing System (IELTS) certificate is required. 

The deadline for submitting application together with documents is generally February end or March.

Some of the institutions have entrance examinations for admissions. The entrance exams generally take place between June and September. 

Entrance exam at art higher education institutions are held in January and the deadline for submitting the applications for arts institutions is November-end.

Some faculties’ admission procedure involves oral tests or interview. Also, talent tests or practical tests in conducted for admission into artistic oriented programmes. The talent test is conducted between January and May.

Admission requirements: The general admission requirements for international pupils are same as for Slovak students. Students having International Baccalaureate are eligible for higher education institutions in Slovakia. International students who do not fulfill all the admission requisites must attend preparatory courses, including Slovak language courses. These courses are provided by the Institute for Language and Academic Preparation of Foreign Students, an autonomous division of the Comenius University in Bratislava. 

Recognition of Credentials:  International students who have obtained the required education abroad are required to submit a recognized formal qualification issued by a foreign educational institution or school.

To know about the recognition of foreign qualifications, visit the official website of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic; https://www.minedu.sk/recognition-of-foreign-diplomas/

Every institution sets its own admission criteria for admissions. Contact the respective institution before applying and get the detailed information on the admission procedure.