International students choosing to pursue their higher education in Slovenia are in for a rewarding experience. This stunning European nation offers a wealth of opportunities:
- affordable but high-standard education
- awesome festivals, concerts, and events
- natural beauty (check out Lake Bled)
- an eco-friendly mindset (e.g. Ljubljana, the capital, has committed to going zero-waste)
"That sounds like a fantastic destination, but what is the financial commitment?" We are here to help! Generally, Slovenia is a highly budget-friendly country, making high-quality education accessible without breaking the bank.
To help you plan your finances, let’s explore the average tuition fees and typical cost of living for students:
1. University tuition fees in Slovenia
Tuition fees at public universities
At public universities in Slovenia, domestic and qualifying international students often benefit from tuition-free Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes if they are from:
- a European Union (EU) member state
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- Kosovo
- Serbia
- North Macedonia (formerly known as Macedonia)
For other international students, tuition fees are competitive, typically ranging between:
- 2,000–11,000 EUR/year for
- 2,000–15,000 EUR/year for
- 2,000–6,000 EUR/year for
You may be required to pay tuition fees if:
- you enrol as a part-time student
- you enrol in a doctoral (PhD) programme
- you already have an equivalent degree (e.g. you enrol in another Bachelor’s programme while you already have a Bachelor’s diploma) — only if you apply at the University of Ljubljana
- you apply for certain English-taught degrees at the University of Maribor. This applies to all international students. Still, fees are lower for EU citizens and students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo (see list above).
Tuition fees at private universities
Because they operate without public subsidies, private universities in Slovenia generally charge higher tuition fees and often apply the same rates to both EU and non-EU citizens.
Most affordable universities in Slovenia
- – Masters start at 0 EUR/year (only for EU/EEA students)
- – Masters start at 0 EUR/year (only for EU/EEA students)
- – Bachelors and Masters start at 2,800 EUR/year
The universities of Maribor and Ljubljana stand as the primary pillars of higher education in the country.
2. Student living costs in Slovenia
International students typically need between 400 and 700 EUR per month to cover living expenses. Your actual expenditure will depend on your personal lifestyle and city of residence.
As a member of the European Union, Slovenia uses the euro (EUR). If you are arriving from another Eurozone country, you will benefit from seamless transactions without the need for currency exchange.
3. Student accommodation costs
The most common and cost-effective accommodation options for students in Slovenia include:
- university dormitories: 100–250 EUR/month
- private flats: 90–350 EUR/month; you can reduce costs by sharing a 2 or 3-bedroom apartment with other students
4. Food costs in Slovenia
Slovenia offers a unique student food coupon system, providing access to nutritious, affordable, and often subsidized meals at restaurants, which significantly reduces the need for daily cooking.
Budgeting around 100–175 EUR per month for groceries is generally sufficient. While individual costs vary based on habits, here is a look at average local food prices:
- 1 loaf of bread: 1.15 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 0.90 EUR
- 12 eggs: 2.15 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 1.45 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 1.25 EUR
For a detailed breakdown of costs, visit the latest living costs in Slovenia.
5. Transportation costs
Monthly public transport passes are highly discounted for students, typically costing between 10 and 27 EUR. Alternatively, purchasing or renting a second-hand bicycle for 30–50 EUR is a popular way to get around—just remember to invest in a high-quality bike lock.
If you prefer using taxi services, expect a starting fee of approximately 1 EUR, with a rate of 1 EUR per kilometer.
6. Extra costs in Slovenia
- visa costs (for non-EU citizens): 77 EUR
- residence registration certificate (for EU and Swiss citizens): 12 EUR
- health insurance (for who don’t come from the EU or countries with which Slovenia has bilateral agreements — e.g. Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, etc.): monthly fees vary based on the type of health insurance plan and the medical services that are included.
- entertainment (concerts, clubs, festivals): 30–70 EUR/month
7. University scholarships and grants
While Slovenia is already affordable, you can further optimize your budget by exploring various scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to international students.
Discover more funding opportunities and learn how to apply for our Online Result Scholarship.