All articles

Education for children in Slovenia

How kindergartens and school work, how to enrol your child and ease the language transition.

5 min read

For families with children, the education system is one of the deciding factors in a move. Slovenia offers affordable, good-quality public education from an early age.

Kindergartens

Public kindergartens (vrtec) take children from around age one. The fee is income-based, so for many families it is moderate. They focus on learning through play and help children pick up the language quickly.

Primary school

Primary school (osnovna šola) is compulsory and lasts nine years. It is free, and foreign children receive extra Slovenian-language hours to help them settle. Enrolment is by place of residence.

Settling in & language

Children usually pick up Slovenian within a few months. Schools support newcomers, and many cities also have international or private programmes for a gentler transition.

Reference information. Confirm the exact terms for your case on a consultation.