Financing for equity in higher education

1. Education resources to subnational governments

Introduction

Key financing indicators (UIS Data)

In 2023, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education (both sexes) was 53%. The initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 36% in 2022, while the initial household funding was 6%.

Tuition-free status

Full-time higher education in public institutions is free of charge. Students who exceed the regular length of study or who study more programmes of the same degree pay tuition fees. Part-time studies at public institutions are also provided for a fee. The amount of tuition fees is determined by each institution, however, it cannot exceed the maximum tuition fee amount defined by law. 

Governance

Public universities are primarily funded by the state budget through the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic. 

1. Education resources to subnational governments

Subnational funding mechanisms

Higher education institutions are funded directly by the central government. Their income may also consist of subsidies from budgets of municipalities and higher territorial units.

2. Education resources to institutions

Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions

Private higher education institutions may be eligible for state subsidies. Subsidies are conditional upon meeting measurable targets set for three years and chosen according to thematic areas listed by the Ministry of Education.  Private higher education institutions may also receive dedicated funds for research and development projects.

Allocation and equity

The main source of funding of public higher education institutions is constituted of subsidies from the state budget. The ministry provides subsidies to public higher education institutions for the implementation of accredited study programmes; research, development and artistic activity; higher education institutions’ development; and for social support of students. Social support for students is provided in direct (e.g. scholarships) and indirect form (see section 3), the latter of which includes boarding and accommodation, and financial support for sports and cultural activities.

The decisive factors when determining the subsidies for the implementation of accredited study programmes are the number of students, number of graduates, costs of the provided study programmes, quality, graduates’ employment outcomes and other perspectives associated with providing tuition.

A part of the funding is allocated to institutions based on performance agreements, which contain measurable indicators for a period of three years. The measurable indicators are divided into basic measurable indicators (which are compulsory) and optional measurable indicators (institutions must choose 6 indicators out of the group).

3. Education resources to students

Admission for vulnerable groups

There are no national quotas for the admission of vulnerable students into universities.

Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups

Students are provided with financial support directly in the form of scholarships and loans, and indirectly in the form of subsidies for social support of students. Scholarships can be merit-based or needs-based. The amount of the need-based scholarship depends on the family’s income. Students with disabilities may also be provided with needs-based scholarships. Pregnancy scholarships are additionally provided to support pregnant students, while corporate scholarships support students in study fields that entrepreneurs consider relevant. The scholarship programme ‘I study at home; Slovakia will reward me’ targets talented Slovak students, as well as talented Slovak students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Scholarships for talented international students are also provided to international students and Slovaks living abroad.

Student loans may also be provided from the Educational Support Fund.

Funding for student scholarships or loans are provided by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport.