Studying in Slovakia after 9th grade:
colleges and grammar schools with full support from Smart Study
Smart Study Slovakia takes care of college or grammar school admission, documents, dormitory and settling in
— so a teenager from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus or another country can start school in Europe calmly and on time.
Book a free consultation
— so a teenager from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus or another country can start school in Europe calmly and on time.
Studying in Slovakia after 9th grade — a chance
to start a European path as early as 14–15
In Slovakia, international students who have finished 9th grade (lower secondary school) can go straight on to vocational secondary schools, colleges (stredná odborná škola) and grammar schools (gymnázium). This makes it possible to choose a direction early, learn an in-demand profession or continue on the path to university.
Classes are taught in Slovak and are free of charge (paid options are also available), and college diplomas allow graduates to work in Europe or continue their studies at university.
It's an excellent option for parents who want to give their child a safe, high-quality and affordable European environment without enormous expense. School selection, documents, guardianship, dormitory and the visa for a minor are all part of our turnkey support.
Classes are taught in Slovak and are free of charge (paid options are also available), and college diplomas allow graduates to work in Europe or continue their studies at university.
It's an excellent option for parents who want to give their child a safe, high-quality and affordable European environment without enormous expense. School selection, documents, guardianship, dormitory and the visa for a minor are all part of our turnkey support.
Why is this a great
start for the future?
-
01
Free education
Education at public schools and colleges is completely free — no contracts and no hidden fees. You only pay for accommodation and personal expenses. -
02
An early choice of future profession
Students can choose a field: IT, tourism, transport, mechanics, design, economics, healthcare and dozens of others. Studies combine theory and practice — your child gains real, practical skills. -
03
A strong educational foundation
Slovak colleges provide a high standard of training, plenty of hands-on practice, internships and the chance to enter the job market as a confident specialist. -
04
Early immersion in
a European environmentLife in a safe country, friendships with peers, new habits and independence. It's a gentle transition for teenagers that opens the way into Europe -
05
Support and guidance at every stage
We support the student and the family at every stage: admission, documents, visas, relocation, residence permit, dormitory, settling in. Your child is never left alone — we're always nearby.
Admission steps
-
We choose a school and a field of study
We select top colleges and grammar schools based on the student's interests, abilities, preferred city and future prospects. -
We prepare the complete document package
We put together the full package: translations, certifications, applications, confirmations.
You don't have to worry about missing anything — everything is under our control. -
We apply to several schools
We send the documents to several institutions at once to increase the chances of admission. We keep track of deadlines, confirm that documents have been received and stay in touch with the school administrations. You always know the status of every application. -
Starting to learn Slovak
As soon as we begin working together, we enrol your child in our language and academic preparation programme: we check their level and choose the class format with a teacher. They start learning Slovak while the documents are being prepared. This helps them adapt faster, understand their future subjects and feel confident from the very first day at school. -
We receive the invitation
and prepare the visaOnce the invitation to study arrives, we put together the visa document package and give you instructions for every item.
We prepare you so that the application goes calmly and successfully. -
We help with relocation and housing
We select housing options and explain everything you need to know: neighbourhoods, how transport works, insurance, SIM cards and everything else you need for the first days in the country. -
Residence permit and settling in Slovakia
We continue to support you in Slovakia: we go with you to submit the temporary residence permit application and help with documents
and settling in.
You are not on your own — we stay with you for as long as you need.
Choosing a college is an important step
in building a future career
Find out which colleges match your goals, interests and abilities.
Browse the list of top colleges or request a free consultation, and we'll help you make the right decision
Browse the list of top colleges or request a free consultation, and we'll help you make the right decision
Support until enrolment and after the move — we're always by your side
Admission calendar for the 2027/2028 academic year
Approximate dates of a typical cycle — every university and school sets its own, check the official website. We remind every student we support about each deadline.
- September — DecemberChoose the university and programme, start learning SlovakThe earlier you start the language, the calmer the spring: A2 by the application, B1 by enrolment.
- By 20 FebruaryApplications to grammar schools, colleges and vocational schools — including schools with a talent examSingle statutory deadline under § 63 of the Education Act for all secondary schools; talent fields are listed in the same prihláška.
- 22 and 31 MarchTalent exams at secondary schoolsBilingual grammar schools, arts; sports: 15–31 March (check the school website).
- MayEntrance tests at secondary schoolsTwo dates — 3 and 10 May; results in early June, then enrolment at the school; second round for remaining places on 22–23 June.
- June — JulyApplying for the visa / temporary residence for the purpose of studyYou need the admission decision, passport and criminal record certificate; the consulate may ask for a bank statement, and insurance is arranged after the card is issued. Processing takes up to 30 days — do not delay.
- AugustDormitory and the moveDormitory places are allocated, insurance arranged, tickets bought.
- SeptemberEnrolment (zápis) and the start of the academic yearPersonal attendance at enrolment is required; the academic year starts in mid — late September.
Approximate dates for the 2027/2028 academic year: every university and school sets its own — check the official website before applying.
Sources: university websites, portalvs.sk (Termíny), the Education Act (Act 245/2008 Coll.) — checked 08/2026.
Your European education starts here!
Get a free consultation
For more than 5 years our team has been opening the doors to European education for students from many countries, guiding them at every stage — from choosing a school to relocating. With us, students are in safe hands and start their studies in Europe with confidence
Leave your details and our team will contact you for a free consultation. We'll go through your case, name the deadlines that apply to you and tell you what to do in the coming month.
Our contacts
Get in touch in whatever way suits you — we're always available and ready to help you take the first step towards studying in Slovakia
Phone: +421 952 380 383
Email: info@smartstudy.sk
We're available every day and ready to support you
at every stage of the admission process!
Email: info@smartstudy.sk
We're available every day and ready to support you
at every stage of the admission process!