Yes, you read that right: ‘study abroad in Slovenia’. Chances are that you haven’t heard much about this tiny little country before, let alone thought about studying a Master’s degree there.
But, now you have a chance to reconsider. We promise studying in Slovenia will be a brand-new adventure, in a brand-new place, with a brand-new life. And here are the top 7 reasons why you should go for it:
1. Student life in Slovenia is perfectly built for success
Universities in Slovenia are used to foreign students. Professors always take additional time for you, and (off the record!) they are usually less demanding towards foreign students.
You can find great studies are in English and because there are smaller groups of foreign students, you will get more individual time from professors and teaching assistants. Here are some of the best of Slovenia’s universities:
A student from Peru, Alexandra, who studied in Slovenia told us: “I can say I am having an amazing time here. I think moving abroad to study was one of the best decisions I could have ever make. I enjoy the lectures at the faculty and I truly appreciate the high quality of education.”
2. You won’t need to learn Slovenian to study and get around!
The majority of Slovenians are fluent in at least one foreign language - usually English or German but also Italian or Hungarian, depending on the region. You’ll have no problem having nice conversations with people in English. Also, people are very open and kind, willing to help you when they can. As mentioned, Masters in English are growingly popular, making studies in Slovenia very accessible.
3. Accommodation is super simple and affordable
In Slovenia, you can opt for living in student dormitories, where monthly rent is about 80-150 EUR, all inclusive. You can also live in private flats where rent is a bit higher, but still not so bad - starting at about 165 EUR including utility costs. In the capital Ljubljana, though, prices are about 20% higher, but still very affordable. Plus, you’re living in the capital! Try living on that kind of budget in Paris or London!
4. Slovenia has awesome food for you to enjoy on a budget!
Student meals are subsidised by the government, lowering the overall cost of living. For example, as a student you can enjoy a pizza, drink, soup, salad and dessert for half the prize of only a pizza in a fancy restaurant.
You can enjoy student benefits in almost 80% of restaurants in student cities such as Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, Koper, or Kranj. But whatever you do, you must try soc?a river trout and cakes like potica and the bled cream cake. They are winners!
5. There’s plenty to keep you busy
As a student in Slovenia you’ll get a lot of discounts on many activities. Sports are really popular, and you can enrol to affordable to fitness centres, volleyball and football clubs. Language courses and photography courses are also accessible on a student budget. Most of the faculties have student associations that have international connections, allowing you to attend different workshops or exchanges, and also to travel a bit.
6. You can party like crazy in Slovenia
Nightlife during the year is great, with lots of student's parties organised every week (and almost every day). You’ll go to clubs, enjoy concerts, blast loud music, shout from the top of your lungs, dance through the night, and find endless time for beer. During summer, there are also many festivals all over Slovenia that offer different cultural and social opportunities, with a lot of great music for all tastes and activities for everyone.
7. Breath-taking landscapes and a great connection with other European countries
In Slovenia, you can easily find yourself staring at beautiful mountains and dazzled by the green hills and amazing views. Also, don't miss the chance to see the oldest vineyard in the world, included in the Guinness Book of Records. You’ll discover one small part of Slovenia is composed of plains and that a few amazing caves in the south-west region offer a unique underground experience.
Slovenia is often lovingly called a ‘green country’ because of the many woods that exist all across the country. You can enjoy some amazing autumn scenes when the leaves change colour and create almost rainbow coloured woods.
You can see all of Slovenia in just a 2-3-hour drive from the capital Ljubljana. You can go skiing in mountains in winter, swimming in the sea in summer, hiking all over the beautiful mountains in spring and autumn.
Although small, Slovenia is covered with various monuments and other sightseeing options that will keep you busy during your free time.
If you feel like travelling to different countries, you could not pick a more perfect place. Slovenia is located right in the heart of Europe - between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. If you’re going there, you’ll have no problem travelling to these countries and exploring more of Europe’s amazing cities, Vienna and Venice.
We say Slovenia definitely deserves to be considered as a great study destination! Trust us, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!