Low Tuition Universities in Slovakia, Admission Requirements and Essential Information for International Students

Does Slovakia sounds like the study abroad destination for you. Slovakia would be a great choice for any international student as it can offer a good quality higher education environment combined with affordable tuition fees

This article will guide you as it gives detailed information on the living cost, tuition fees, admission requirements, higher education system and lists of low tuition universities in Slovakia.

About Slovakia

Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, is in Central Europe, bordering the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, and Poland to the north.

The population of Slovakia is about 5.4 million people. . The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava and the official language is Slovak

Higher Education System

Higher education system in Slovakia follows the principles of Bologna Declaration. Therefore, its higher education system is split into three levels, called tiers. These tiers are:

First Tier – this is the undergraduate level. Bachelor’s degrees normally take three or four years to complete. Specialized subjects, like medicine and engineering, will normally take the extra year.
Second Tier – this is the postgraduate level. Master’s degrees normally take two years to complete. Some qualifications, like teaching certificates, sometimes only take one year.
Third Tier – this is the doctoral level. PhDs normally take three to five years to complete. Some students choose to teach whilst researching, so this takes PhD qualifications up to the five-year mark.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees in Slovakia vary depending on your nationality. If you’re from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, it’ll vary from €580 (US$710) to €12,200 (US$14,800) per year. Postgraduate degrees in fields like medicine and engineering fall towards the higher end of this range. International students who aren’t from one of these countries can expect to pay between €1000 (US$1200) and €5000 (US$6100) per year for an undergraduate degree. Postgraduate degrees for international students can also cost up to €12,200 (US$14,800) per year.

Living Costs

The living expenses in the Slovak Republic are lower than in western European countries. The costs of living vary depending upon the region, day-to-day necessities and lifestyle.

Accommodation Costs

Dormitories: The higher education institutions in Slovakia offer accommodation to students in dormitories. One room is shared by 2-3 pupils. Rooms for single pupils are also available. The rooms are well-furnished with all the required facilities. Some of the dormitories also have fitness centres, swimming pool, internet facility, laundry service etc.

The dormitory accommodation costs vary depending upon the facilities and location. It starts from 67€ per month.

Rent a private apartment/flat: In Slovakia, private apartments are available on rent. The apartments can be shared or you can stay independently.

One bedroom flat: 300 –euro- per month inclusive of all necessary utilities (this may vary depending upon the location- inside or outside city centre)
Two bedrooms flat: 400 -euro per month inclusive of all necessary utilities (this may vary depending upon the location- inside or outside city centre)

Transportation Costs

Public transportation in Slovakia is vast. Buses and trolley buses are available throughout Slovakia. Renting a car is convenient and relatively cheap in Slovakia and travelling by bicycle is an excellent way to see and enjoy most of this gorgeous country so there are ways to move around and still save some money. If you have to use public transportation, however, it’s relatively inexpensive in comparison to western European countries. There are buses, and a one-way ticket costs 0.70$.

Food Costs

Prices provided below gives the breakdown of food expenses. These costs are just approximate and they are subject to change

Lunch at a canteen: from €1.60
Meal at a restaurant: from €5
Pizza in a pizzeria: from €4
Milk (1Litre): €1
Mineral water(1 litre): €0.40
Loaf of bread: €0.90
400 g spaghetti: €0.80
Beer: €1.20

Admission Requirements

A completed application form.
Health insurance certificate
Proof of adequate amount of funds to cover the study and living expense in Slovakia
A valid copy of passport and passport-size photographs
For doctoral study: Thesis draft
Motivation letter
Educational certificates/diplomas: Official transcript of a university degree, and other credentials.
Curriculum Vitae(C.V)
List of published work, or research or artistic activities
Language proficiency test scores( Slovak or English)
Pay the application fee. This varies from €30 (US$35) to €80 (US$95). You’ll need to keep the receipt once you’ve paid.
A letter of recommendation.