Offer of study programmes for international programmes in Slovakia is really rich and diversified. There is no surprise, that number of international students in Slovakia rises continually. Students may apply for programmes in English, German, French or even Hungarian language (studying in Slovak language is also possible, but there is need to prove, that applicant speaks Slovak at satisfactory level).
Before we proceed further, lets us present you demonstrative preview of study programmes, that are offered by faculties in Slovakia:
- Faculties of Natural sciences: Applied geology, Evolution of ecosystem, Mathematical analysis,…
- Faculties of Arts: European studies, British and American studies, General linguistics, Sports educology,…
- Faculties of Education: English language, German language, French language, Spanish language, Italian language, Pedagogy,…
- Faculties of Management: International management, Business management, Corporate economics and management, Business economics, Management of crop production,…
- Faculty of Pharmacy: Pharmacy or Medical and diagnostical tools
- Faculties of Law: International law, Constitutional law, Administrative law, Theory of state and Law, Commercial and Business law,…
- Faculties of Social and economic studies: European studies and policies, Studies of European Union
- Faculties of Civil Engineering: Civil engineering, Electrical engineering, Applied mathematics, Applied mechanics, Building technology, Geology and cartography, Landscaping,…
- Faculty of Economics: Tourism, Corporate economics and management, Public economics and services, International business,…
- Phaculties of Science: Mathematics, Informatics, Physics, geography, Ecology, Chemistry, Applied informatics, Analytical chemistry, Biochemisty, Biophysics, Organic chemistry, Zoology and Animal physiology, Organic chemisty,…
Accreditation by Ministry of education, science, research and sports
The most important information for potential students is, that every study programme must be accredited by Ministry of education, science, research and sports of Slovakia. That is the only way, how can be students ensured, that study programmes comply with strict European directives and by-laws.
Students receive ECTS credits (which are calculated according to hours required to study and pages that need to be read by students) after passing credit tests or exams) and usually need to obtain 30 credits for one semester or 60 credits for 2 semesters. Typical 3-years study programme at Bachelor level requires load of 180 ECTS credits, 5-years studium at Masters level requires load of 300 ECTS credits.
Deciding on study programme
Many students usually face life-changing decision: which study programme should I apply for? Since offer of study programmes is really wide, they might be caught in so-called decision paralysis. We can freely interprete it in following way: the more alternatives you have, the harder it is to make a decision on study programme. Therefore we summed up few tips, that can make their decision process easier.
Firstly, it is really important to study something, that complements your strenghts and attributes. It may sound like a cliché, but many students make their decision according their parents preferences or according to current situation on a job market (which is changing rapidly every 2-3 years currently). Being trapped in something, that is not interesting for you or might not have any perspective after graduation is usually bad scenario.
Secondly, be sincere when answering following question: does this study programme correspond to my interests, hobbies or even persuasion? This is usually undervalued step of decision making, since you need to decide, if study programme is really “your cup of tea”. Students realise this especially at tough moments of preparation for exams – when you know, that there are great perspectives related to your study programme, everything is easier.
Thirdly, look closer on subjects, which are included within wished study programmes. If you have already did some preselection, you can go through curriculum and see, which subjects you can expect. Curriculum is public in most cases, so every applicant is more than welcomed to check future professors or examiners. If they attend conferences or take part in research, you will definitelly find more information online about them.
Fourthly, decide in which language you wish to study. It is often said, that more languages you know, the more you are a person. Speaking more than you native language give you perspectives of applying for a job abroad or studying books or other resources in that language. Studying in English gives you great opportunity to practice this language on a daily basis with friends from all over the world. Moreover, universities in Slovakia are often involved in international cooperation (such as Erasmus+ or Erasmus Mundus), so you can experience also life and studying in almost any developed country of the world.
Some people say, that English is a must nowadays, so there might be good decision to study in German, French or Spanish. Slovak Universities offer study programmes also in this languages – do not hesitate to contact us about details.
Fifthly, ask yourself: is this study programme related to my dream job? Of course, one must be realistic about his/her goals – there is no reason to think, that after 5 years of high school education, someone may earn thousands of euros. On the other hand, the best scenario when applying to university is to know already, what you want to do after graduation. Usually, self-study and initiative are expected from students, so knowing where you are heading is great way to beat your schoolmates.
Sixthly, will you get some practical experience through your wished study programme? In other words: theory is great, but praxis is even better. While being able to solve real problems, student learns what will their future employer expect from them and will be better prepared. Even in theoretical study programmes, such as mathematics, physics or informatics, there is plenty of space for activities, e.g. team projects, startup competitions etc. Possibilites are really endless.
This was just a basic preview, what you can study and how to select the best choice for you. We hope that we made your decision-making easier. We hope that you will find study programme, that will match your expectations and accelerate your career.