Primary school is free of charge for children and youth. In Slovenia primary school education is compulsory and lasts nine years. It is divided into three three-year periods. During the first period (from the first to third grade) most subjects are taught by one class teacher. In the first grade an additional teacher, who is a trained kindergarten teacher, is present during one half of lessons.
In the Republic of Slovenia, primary education is compulsory for pupils from the age of 6 to 15.
Parents enrol children in the first grade of primary school if they will reach the age of 6 in the calendar year in which they begin to attend school. In February, you enrol a child for the next school year in the school district where you live.
Primary education is implemented by public and private primary schools, institutions for the education of children with special needs, and adult education organisations for adults
You can learn more about primary education at the nearest local primary school and on the websites of the ministry responsible for education.
Primary and secondary schools have well-organised textbook funds. Primary school pupils borrow textbooks free of charge. Even though textbook funds are not mandatory in secondary schools, most schools have them. Students borrow textbooks for a fee.
For more information about textbooks and textbook funds go to the website of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport.
Meals are also provided at school. Children from families whose average monthly income per person as determined in the child benefit decision does not exceed 53 % of the average net salary in Slovenia are entitled to free lunch. Children from families whose average monthly income per person as determined in the child benefit decision does not exceed 36% of the average net salary in Slovenia are entitled to free dinner. Children placed in foster families and children asylum seekers are also entitled to free school lunches.
For more information go to the website of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport.
Secondary school students and university students can apply for a scholarship. For more information on procedures to obtain a scholarship go to the E-government portal.