Planning your studies in Slovakia? This step-by-step guide from Liberty School will help you understand all stages — from submitting an application to university to adapting after arrival. We will tell you how to prepare for moving, get a visa, find housing, and successfully integrate into student life in this safe and hospitable country.
Why choose Slovakia for studies?
Free education for EU students and benefits for others
Slovakia offers free higher education in Slovak language for students from EU countries, as well as affordable tuition for students from other countries. This makes the country one of the most profitable directions in Europe for obtaining quality education. Moreover, students have the right to work part-time during their studies, which helps cover some of the expenses.
Central location and safety
Slovakia is the center of Europe. From here it's easy to travel to neighboring countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary. Moreover, Slovakia is considered one of the safest countries in the EU, which is especially important for young students and their parents. Cozy cities, low crime rates and a friendly atmosphere — all of this contributes to the quick adaptation of foreigners.
How Liberty School helps foreign students
Educational consultations and choice of university
We help students choose a field of study and university, based on your goals and level of preparation. Thanks to our experience, you will learn where it's easier to enter, what documents you need and how to increase your chances of admission.
Help with obtaining a student visa
Visa document preparation can be stressful. We make this process easy: we tell you what documents you need, check translations, book an appointment at the consulate and give step-by-step instructions for submission.
Assistance with settlement and documentation
After arrival, we will help you settle in a dormitory or rental apartment, arrange temporary residence, register with the police and obtain health insurance. With us, you won't be left alone with bureaucracy.
Applying to a Slovak university: what you need to know
Deadlines and admission campaigns
At most Slovak universities document submission ends in March–April. Some programs (such as medicine) close applications earlier. It's best to start preparing at least 6 months before starting studies.
What documents are needed and how to prepare them
Certificate or diploma with appendix
Notarized translation into Slovak
Completed university questionnaire
Motivation letter (if required)
Language proficiency certificate (B1–B2)
Important: all copies must be officially certified.
Nostrification — recognition of your education in Slovakia
Nostrification is official recognition of your educational document on the territory of Slovakia. Without it, you won't be able to enter university. Liberty School helps collect all documents, translate them and submit them to the appropriate authority.
Visa process: how to get a student visa
What documents are needed for a visa to Slovakia
Confirmation of admission to university
Certificate of no criminal record with apostille
Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or dormitory)
Health insurance
Financial documents (bank statement)
Submission deadlines and response waiting time
Application — at least 3 months before the start of studies. Review can take from 30 to 90 days. We recommend not delaying the preparation of documents.
How Liberty School simplifies the process
We help fill out the questionnaire, check documents, translate them into Slovak and prepare you for the interview at the consulate. This saves your time and minimizes the risk of rejection.
Accommodation: where and how to find housing in Slovakia
Budget dormitory or separate apartment — pros and cons
Dormitory: cheap and convenient, but limited number of places and less privacy. Apartment: more comfortable, but more expensive and requires more independent approach. We help choose both options depending on budget and preferences.
What you need to know about rental agreements and tenant rights
The agreement must be in Slovak and officially certified. Don't forget to check the rental period, deposit amount and termination conditions. Liberty School checks the agreement before signing.
Liberty School's tips for finding housing
Start searching early — in May-June for the fall semester.
Check the location — near the university and transport.
Fix agreements in writing.
Financial aspects: how much it costs to live and study
Approximate monthly budget: housing, food, transport
Housing: 120–250 € (dormitory) or 300–500 € (apartment)
Food: 150–250 €
Transport: 15–30 €
Other (studies, leisure): 50–100 €
Where you can save and what you can get for free
Students are entitled to travel discounts, discounts in museums and libraries. Universities often offer free language courses and meals at student prices in cafeterias.
Scholarships and part-time work: options and limitations
Students can receive academic and social scholarships. It is also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during studies. Liberty School helps find part-time jobs for students.
Upon arrival in Slovakia: first steps of a student
Mandatory registration with police for non-residents
Every foreign student must register with the police for foreigners' affairs within 3 days of arrival. We will tell you how to register, what documents to bring and will accompany you if necessary.
Obtaining health insurance and opening a bank account
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for studies and visa. We help arrange it for the entire period of stay. We will also tell you where to open a student account with zero service fee.
Adaptation and integration: how to feel at home
Learning Slovak: courses and apps
For adaptation, we recommend taking an intensive Slovak language course at Liberty School. Apps are also available: Duolingo, Slovake.eu and YouTube channels with live speech.
Student organizations and events
Universities in Slovakia offer many opportunities: student clubs, Erasmus communities, cultural and sports events. This helps you find friends faster and feel part of the community.
Role of Liberty School after your arrival
Support in case of emergencies
If you have any problems with visa, housing or health — we are always in touch. We will help find a doctor, solve a legal issue or contact the university.
Professional consultations and career planning
We don't just prepare documents. Liberty School is your partner all the way. We will help choose a specialization, prepare you for internships and tell you about job prospects after graduation.
Checklist: what needs to be done before and after moving
Prepare documents (certificate, translations, insurance)
Register with the consulate and apply for a visa
Find housing and sign the agreement
Arrange insurance before arrival
Register upon arrival with the police
Start learning the language online or in courses
FAQ: Frequently asked questions from foreign students
What documents are required for a visa?
Confirmation of admission, certificate of no criminal record, insurance, housing, finances.
Where is the best place for a student to look for housing?
Dormitories at the university, through Liberty School or on the websites: reality.sk, nehnutelnosti.sk
How much does it cost to live per month?
From 350 to 600 € depending on housing and city.
Do I need to know Slovak for studies?
For free education — yes. There are programs in English, but they are paid.
Can I work while studying?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week. Some universities offer part-time jobs on campus.
How does Liberty School help after arrival?
Accompaniment, consultations, emergency problem solving, adaptation.
How does the certificate nostrification process work?
Submission of the original, translation, apostille, review within 30 days.
What to do if your visa is rejected?
We will help you submit an appeal or prepare a new package of documents.
How to find friends and adapt to life?
Through university events, language courses and student clubs.
Where to find Slovak language courses?
At Liberty School, at the university or online.