Study in Slovakia
Affordable living, English-taught programmes and the right to work up to 80 hours a month while you study.
At a glance
| Visa | National long-stay visa (Type D), then a temporary residence permit for study. |
|---|---|
| Tuition | English-taught programmes: €0 to €13,000 a year, set by each university. Slovak-taught: free for full-time students within the standard length. |
| Visa decision | About 41 to 43 calendar days at an embassy. |
| Visa fee | €50 (scholarship route) or €90 (permit-first route). Non-refundable. |
| Residence permit decision | Up to 90 days. |
| Work while studying | Up to 80 hours a month without an employment permit. |
| After graduation | Permit renewal for 9 months to look for work or start a business. |
Rules, fees and amounts change. We confirm the latest official figures with you before you apply.
Who can apply
- Bachelor’s: completed secondary education. Master’s: a relevant bachelor’s degree.
- Admission to a university on the Ministry of Education’s approved list.
- Recognition of your previous education in Slovakia.
Money you need
- Tuition: €0 to €13,000 per year for foreign-language programmes. Ask the university for the current amount.
- Proof of financial security: required for the residence permit. Confirm the current amount with the embassy.
- Living costs (approx.): dormitory bed from €60 a month, 1-bedroom flat from €400 including utilities, canteen lunch from €2.
Step by step
Choose a university and programme
On the Ministry’s approved list.
Get admitted and start recognition
Recognition of your education can take up to 2 months.
Prepare and authenticate documents
Apostille or legalisation, translations into Slovak, and criminal record certificates.
Confirm your route and book an appointment
With your university coordinator and the Slovak embassy.
Submit your application
Pay the fee and give fingerprints.
Wait for the decision
About 41 to 43 days.
Travel and report your arrival
To the Foreign Police within 3 working days.
Apply for your residence permit
While your visa is still valid. Decision within 90 days.
Document checklist
The core documents. Your embassy or university may ask for more, and we check your full list with you.
- Passport
- Acceptance letter (signed, stamped, original)
- Recognition of previous education
- Criminal record certificates (no older than 90 days)
- Proof of financial security
- Health insurance from your entry date
- Proof of accommodation
- Translations into Slovak
Work and after graduation
- University students may work up to 80 hours a month without an employment permit.
- Within 30 days of receiving your permit, submit a medical certificate.
- After graduating, renew your permit for 9 months to look for work or start a business.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a programme mainly for free tuition without speaking the language of study.
- Acceptance letters sent only by email, without a stamp or proper signature.
- Sending recognition papers to the wrong office.
- Criminal record certificates that expire before submission.

