Certain universities in Slovakia offer individual subjects and entire programs in English. You have the opportunity to apply for a job in Slovakia, but it can be difficult to get a job if you do not speak Slovak. In certain industries, e.g. tourism industry, however, you can manage in English.
According to Countryaah, Slovakia is located in the middle of Central Europe and is connected to neighboring countries via the Danube River. The nature of the country is very varied with mountains, lowlands, lakes and forests. The average temperature is 21 degrees in summer and minus 2 degrees in winter.
Slovakia became independent when Czechoslovakia was divided into two countries in January 1993. The official language of Slovakia is Slovak, and in addition there are ten recognized minority languages; Hungarian, Romani, Ruthenian, Ukrainian, Czech, German, Polish, Croatian, Yiddish and Bulgarian.
Slovakia joined the EU on 1 May 2004.
Worth knowing
Vocational training in Slovakia
There are two types of vocational training in Slovakia that take place at two different school types. Both types of school offer subjects in areas such as engineering, agriculture, social and health, teaching, trade and art.
- Stredná odborná skola(SOS), school for specialized youth education, which takes 4 years. The proof of education is called vysvedcenie o maturitnej skúske, and it provides both a vocational education and access to higher education in Slovakia.
- Stredné odborné ucilistia(SOU), school for vocational education, which takes 2-3 years. The proof of the education is called ucnovský list (journeyman’s letter). One can take 4-year, more theoretical educations at SOU, which gives the proof vysvedcenie o maturitnej skúske. It provides access to higher education in Slovakia.
It is also possible to take a 3-year education at odborné uciliste, apprenticeship training center.
Artistic educations at the conservatory
Finally, there are vocational educations in the artistic field that last 6-8 years and take students in after primary school. That is, students are from 15 up to 21-23 years old. The conservatories educate in music and dance.
Internship
If you are thinking of taking all or part of your own internship abroad, read the section on internships abroad for vocational education under the section Primary school and upper secondary education.
Higher education in Slovakia
Teaching in Slovakia is usually in Slovak. However, some universities also offer individual subjects or entire programs in English. You can see the individual programs at Study in Slovakia.
The academic year runs from the beginning of September to the end of June and is divided into two semesters with 15 teaching weeks each.
Slovakia’s first university, the Academia Istropolitana, was established in Bratislava in the late 15th century.
Institutions
There are a total of 40 higher education institutions in Slovakia, divided into universities and colleges. 13 are private, 3 state, 20 public and 4 foreign.
- Univerzity(universities), including Technické Univerzity, Ekonomické Univerzity, Pedagogické Univerzity and Pol´nohospodárske Univerzity (Agricultural University).
- Vysoké Skoly(higher schools), including three art academies, a military academy, police academy and a higher medical educational institution.
At the Slovak Academic Information Agency, SAIA, and in the portal International Student’s Guide to Slovakia, you will find a list of higher education institutions in Slovakia.
Degrees at university level
The following degrees can be obtained at university level in Slovakia:
- Bakalár,the Slovenian bachelor’s degree obtained after 3-4 years of study.
- Mastersor Inzinier, the Slovak master’s degree, which is obtained after a further 2-3 years of study, or after 4-6 years of uninterrupted studies.
- Doctor(former Candidate vied), PhD degree obtained after at least another 3 years of study.
Finally, there is a Doctor vied, which can best be compared with the Danish doctoral degree.
Application for higher education
Applications for higher education must be sent directly to the individual educational institutions. Here you can also get information about specific admission requirements, application documents, etc.
As a rule, a Slovak translation of the Danish diploma and baptismal certificate must be attached.
Admission requirements
With a Danish upper secondary education, you can apply for admission to higher education in Slovakia. It is up to the individual educational institution to set admission requirements, and usually an admission test is included in the assessment. Within some study areas, there is a numerus clausus (restriction of admission), which can be decided both by the individual educational institution and at national level.
Language proficiency
Educational institutions in Slovakia have different requirements for students’ language skills. For information on language requirements, contact the individual institutions.
Many universities organize preparatory language courses in Slovak for foreign students, see Study in Slovakia Portal and International Student’s Guide to Slovakia.
Application deadlines
The application deadline varies from institution to institution. As a rule, you must apply in February if you want to start your studies in September. The application deadline for the artistic subjects as well as more vocational and non-university studies is usually in November.
Recognition of foreign educations in Denmark
If you have completed a publicly recognized education abroad, you can have it assessed by the Danish Agency for Research and Education.
Work in Slovakia
The weekly working time is 42.5 hours and the minimum annual holiday is 4 weeks. The retirement age for men is 60 years, while women can retire from the labor market when they are between 53 and 57 years old, depending on the number of children.
Job search
As an EU citizen, you are free to work in Slovakia. It can be difficult to get a job if you do not speak Slovak. In some industries, however, you can do well with English, e.g. in the tourism industry.
You can receive unemployment benefits for 3 months while applying for a job in Slovakia. Read more about this in the article Job search abroad in the folder Paid work.
You can find information about working in Slovakia with the EURES Advisers at the country’s Job Centers. There are also various English-language job bases on the Internet, e.g. prophecy or careerjet.
Work-and residence permit
As a Dane, you can stay in Slovakia for up to 3 months without a residence permit. If you are going on a study or work stay for more than 3 months, you must contact the Slovak Embassy to obtain a valid visa before departure.
For more on this, see the article Visas, work and residence permits.
Practical conditions
You have the opportunity to attend a language course in Slovakia. There are different language schools, e.g. Caledonian School Slovakia and Eurolingua.
Housing
If you want to rent a room or an apartment, it is a good idea to sign a rental contract with the landlord, which contains a precise description of the rental conditions. Most rooms and apartments are rented furnished.
At most higher education institutions, it is possible to get a dorm room. Usually 2-3 students share a room, but you can also get a single room. Most dormitories have dining rooms where you can eat cheaply. The price of a dorm room is DKK 100-300 per month.
To get a dorm room, you must contact the educational institution at least 2 months before the start of studies.
On the Slovak Ministry of Education website you can find more information on accommodation for students.
Other things
You can find a lot of useful information about, for example, visas on the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website and the Danish Embassy in Slovakia.
At the Slovak Migration Information Center you can find information on health insurance, work permits, education and much more.
Facts about Slovakia
Population: Approx. 5.4 million
Language: Slovak.
Employment: In May 2013, unemployment was 14.2% (Eurostat).
Residence permit: For study or work stays for more than 3 months, a visa is required.
