15 Free and Cheap Universities in Slovakia for International Students

In Slovakia, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Slovakia without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Slovakia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 28 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Slovakia, make sure to read more!

How do I get admission to affordable universities in Slovakia?

Applying to cheap universities in Slovakia requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Slovakia for a more comprehensive guide!

What can I study at Best affordable universities in Slovakia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Slovakia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Slovakia is the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, which offers Digital Arts, Printmaking and Other Media, and Photography and New Media to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava offers Visual Arts, Architecture, and Restoration.

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Slovakia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Slovakia ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Comenius University Bratislava 0 Euros - 3,000 Euros 100%
Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava 0 Euros 100%
Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin 0 Euros - 690 Euros 100%
University of Zilina 0 Euros - 3,500 Euros 100%
Matej Bel University 0 Euros - 2,000 Euros 100%
University of Presov 0 Euros - 790 Euros 100%
Trnava University 730 Euros 69%
University of Economics in Bratislava 1,500 Euros 37%
Pavol Jozef Safarik University 2,000 Euros - 4,500 Euros 15%
School of Management, City University of Seattle in Slovakia 2,250 Euros 5%
University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava 2,500 Euros -6%
Jan Albrecht Music and Art Academy Banska Stiavnica 2,900 Euros -23%
Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava 3,500 Euros - 4,000 Euros -49%
Bratislava University of Economics and Management 3,900 Euros -66%
St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work 3,940 Euros -67%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 2,347 Euros for universities in Slovakia.

1. Comenius University Bratislava

Comenius University Bratislava, known as Univerzita Komenskeho v Bratislave in Slovak, is Slovakia’s premier academic institution. It is the only Slovakian university to place in international rankings, a testament to its high-quality education that’s sought after by locals and international students. It also offers the most extensive range of study programs covering the length and breadth of the sciences, humanities, and other disciplines. These courses and numerous outcoming mobility opportunities provide its students with ample and practical training and knowledge.

2. Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava

Admission into the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava is highly competitive. Exams into this institution are based on art practice and creative work. Students who aim to be admitted into the school are expected to show a high level of creativity and discipline as they work through the school’s high demand for originality, innovative ideas, brilliant artistry, and inventiveness.

3. Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin

The Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin is one of the youngest universities in the country. It was established in the Trencin region of Slovakia to provide university education to the high number of potential youth in the area eligible for university education. Today, the university accepts students from all regions to meet the growing demands for engineering, health, electrical, and consumer industry experts.

4. University of Zilina

The University of Zilina began as an academic institution in Prague that focused on railways, transport, and communication. Over time, it expanded to other disciplines, such as engineering, humanities, management, and more. Thus, in 1996, it earned its present name, which no longer reflects a particular specialty and proves that the multi-disciplinary institution matches high standards in tertiary education. It also indicates the relocation of the institution to Zilina in 1960.

5. Matej Bel University

Matej Bel University is named after an 18th-century Hungarian-Slovak Lutheran scholar, Matthias Bel. The school is recognized as a centre of research excellence where students are provided with the necessary opportunities needed to experience varieties of academic activities. MBU has had several scientific projects funded by the European Structural Funds to promote high-quality educational system in the institution. Matej Bel University also has one of the largest university academic libraries. 

6. University of Presov

Over the years, the University of Presov has concerned itself with molding minds through creativity, wisdom, and knowledge. The school also applies a combination of traditional classroom teaching, practical experience, innovative teaching, and learning techniques to train students in various professions. And in order to improve the quality of education available there, the University of Presov partners with domestic and foreign universities as well as scientific and research institutions on joint academic projects.

7. Trnava University

Trnava University is one of the oldest universities in the country. It was initially founded by Peter Pazmany, an Archbishop of Eszetergom, as a Jesuit university before it was reformed into its present status. The university has consistently provided high-quality education based on scientific and applied research and can be considered one of the best schools in the country. 

8. University of Economics in Bratislava

Ekonomicka univerzita v Bratislave is referred to as the University of Economics in Bratislava in English. This institution is Slovakia’s leading and oldest economics university, offering only programs in the following disciplines: national economy, commerce, economic informatics, business management, international relations, applied languages, and business economy. It is an excellent place for students who want to learn more about those programs while being provided with opportunities in internationalization and research.

9. Pavol Jozef Safarik University

Founded in 1959, Pavol Jozef Safarik University is a classical university that is the second of its kind in Slovakia. The institute provides high-quality education, in both English and Slovak languages. The university’s curriculum integrates the latest scientific findings, which are considered in a global context. It also works closely with a wide network of academic institutions worldwide.

10. School of Management, City University of Seattle in Slovakia

The School of Management was the first private school in Slovakia, established in 1999. The school specializes in providing business administration degrees at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

The institute offers its BSBS and MBA programs along with the City University of Seattle. Diplomas at the school are also recognized in the USA by Northwest Commission on Schools and Universities.

11. University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava

University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (UCM) was named after two patrons of education and scholars, Methodius and Constantine, who changed his name to Cyril. Since the University was established, there has been a significant shift in the curriculum model of higher institutions in the country, with the school being the first to offer courses like marketing communication and mass media, giving students a more significant academic edge. UCM also supports the facilitation and development of science and education and continues to train students to be morally upright and civil, with a high sense of social responsibility.

12. Jan Albrecht Music and Art Academy Banska Stiavnica

Jan Albrecht Music and Art Academy Banska Stiavnica was established as an Artistic and Scientific Research Centre which focuses on various artistic research in the presentations of artistic projects, performances, concerts and multimedia. The school, which is also known as HUAJA BS, has graduated outstanding international personalities who have made impactful contributions to the world of music and art worldwide.

13. Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava

Founded in 1937, the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU) holds much esteem in the Slovak Republic as being the largest of its kind. STU is among the top educational institutes in Europe and Slovakia and has also made significant contributions in terms of education and research. The curriculum offered at STU is contemporary and standard, allowing its students to receive an up-to-date and quality education.

14. Bratislava University of Economics and Management

Bratislava University of Economics and Management, also known as The University of Economics and Management in Bratislava. The school provides higher education in various parts of Economics and Management, which is targeted at producing graduates who can develop and improve public administration and small business enterprises in their environment and develop innovative policies that lead to successful management of the economy.

15. St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work

St. Elizabeth College of Health and Social Work offers scientific research and education in nonmedical health sciences. The school has built a reputation for providing state-of-the-art facilities needed to facilitate learning and give students the opportunity to experience practical training during their course of study. The school also offers programs in German and English language.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Slovakia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Slovakia ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava 0 Euros 100%
Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin 0 Euros - 690 Euros 100%
University of Zilina 0 Euros - 3,500 Euros 100%
Matej Bel University 0 Euros - 2,500 Euros 100%
University of Presov 0 Euros - 2,000 Euros 100%
Trnava University 900 Euros 61%
Comenius University Bratislava 1,500 Euros - 3,500 Euros 35%
University of Economics in Bratislava 2,000 Euros - 2,500 Euros 13%
Pavol Jozef Safarik University 2,000 Euros - 4,500 Euros 13%
University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava 2,500 Euros -9%
School of Management, City University of Seattle in Slovakia 2,600 Euros -14%
Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava 3,500 Euros - 4,000 Euros -53%
Jan Albrecht Music and Art Academy Banska Stiavnica 3,900 Euros -71%
St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work 4,450 Euros -95%
Bratislava University of Economics and Management 4,900 Euros -114%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 2,280 Euros for universities in slovakia.

1. Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava

Admission into the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava is highly competitive. Exams into this institution are based on art practice and creative work. Students who aim to be admitted into the school are expected to show a high level of creativity and discipline as they work through the school’s high demand for originality, innovative ideas, brilliant artistry, and inventiveness.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin is 0 Euros to 690 Euros.

The Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin is one of the youngest universities in the country. It was established in the Trencin region of Slovakia to provide university education to the high number of potential youth in the area eligible for university education. Today, the university accepts students from all regions to meet the growing demands for engineering, health, electrical, and consumer industry experts.

3. University of Zilina

The University of Zilina began as an academic institution in Prague that focused on railways, transport, and communication. Over time, it expanded to other disciplines, such as engineering, humanities, management, and more. Thus, in 1996, it earned its present name, which no longer reflects a particular specialty and proves that the multi-disciplinary institution matches high standards in tertiary education. It also indicates the relocation of the institution to Zilina in 1960.

The tuition fee at University of Zilina for incoming international master’s students is 0 Euros to 3,500 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Matej Bel University

Another affordable university to consider in Slovakia is Matej Bel University.

Matej Bel University is named after an 18th-century Hungarian-Slovak Lutheran scholar, Matthias Bel. The school is recognized as a centre of research excellence where students are provided with the necessary opportunities needed to experience varieties of academic activities. MBU has had several scientific projects funded by the European Structural Funds to promote high-quality educational system in the institution. Matej Bel University also has one of the largest university academic libraries. 

The tuition fee in Matej Bel University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 Euros.

5. University of Presov

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Presov has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 0 Euros yearly.

Over the years, the University of Presov has concerned itself with molding minds through creativity, wisdom, and knowledge. The school also applies a combination of traditional classroom teaching, practical experience, innovative teaching, and learning techniques to train students in various professions. And in order to improve the quality of education available there, the University of Presov partners with domestic and foreign universities as well as scientific and research institutions on joint academic projects.

6. Trnava University

Trnava University is one of the oldest universities in the country. It was initially founded by Peter Pazmany, an Archbishop of Eszetergom, as a Jesuit university before it was reformed into its present status. The university has consistently provided high-quality education based on scientific and applied research and can be considered one of the best schools in the country. 

7. Comenius University Bratislava

Comenius University Bratislava, known as Univerzita Komenskeho v Bratislave in Slovak, is Slovakia’s premier academic institution. It is the only Slovakian university to place in international rankings, a testament to its high-quality education that’s sought after by locals and international students. It also offers the most extensive range of study programs covering the length and breadth of the sciences, humanities, and other disciplines. These courses and numerous outcoming mobility opportunities provide its students with ample and practical training and knowledge.

8. University of Economics in Bratislava

Ekonomicka univerzita v Bratislave is referred to as the University of Economics in Bratislava in English. This institution is Slovakia’s leading and oldest economics university, offering only programs in the following disciplines: national economy, commerce, economic informatics, business management, international relations, applied languages, and business economy. It is an excellent place for students who want to learn more about those programs while being provided with opportunities in internationalization and research.

9. Pavol Jozef Safarik University

Founded in 1959, Pavol Jozef Safarik University is a classical university that is the second of its kind in Slovakia. The institute provides high-quality education, in both English and Slovak languages. The university’s curriculum integrates the latest scientific findings, which are considered in a global context. It also works closely with a wide network of academic institutions worldwide.

10. University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava

University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (UCM) was named after two patrons of education and scholars, Methodius and Constantine, who changed his name to Cyril. Since the University was established, there has been a significant shift in the curriculum model of higher institutions in the country, with the school being the first to offer courses like marketing communication and mass media, giving students a more significant academic edge. UCM also supports the facilitation and development of science and education and continues to train students to be morally upright and civil, with a high sense of social responsibility.

11. School of Management, City University of Seattle in Slovakia

The School of Management was the first private school in Slovakia, established in 1999. The school specializes in providing business administration degrees at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

The institute offers its BSBS and MBA programs along with the City University of Seattle. Diplomas at the school are also recognized in the USA by Northwest Commission on Schools and Universities.

12. Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava

Founded in 1937, the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU) holds much esteem in the Slovak Republic as being the largest of its kind. STU is among the top educational institutes in Europe and Slovakia and has also made significant contributions in terms of education and research. The curriculum offered at STU is contemporary and standard, allowing its students to receive an up-to-date and quality education.

13. Jan Albrecht Music and Art Academy Banska Stiavnica

Jan Albrecht Music and Art Academy Banska Stiavnica was established as an Artistic and Scientific Research Centre which focuses on various artistic research in the presentations of artistic projects, performances, concerts and multimedia. The school, which is also known as HUAJA BS, has graduated outstanding international personalities who have made impactful contributions to the world of music and art worldwide.

14. St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work

St. Elizabeth College of Health and Social Work offers scientific research and education in nonmedical health sciences. The school has built a reputation for providing state-of-the-art facilities needed to facilitate learning and give students the opportunity to experience practical training during their course of study. The school also offers programs in German and English language.

15. Bratislava University of Economics and Management

Bratislava University of Economics and Management, also known as The University of Economics and Management in Bratislava. The school provides higher education in various parts of Economics and Management, which is targeted at producing graduates who can develop and improve public administration and small business enterprises in their environment and develop innovative policies that lead to successful management of the economy.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Slovakia, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Slovakia as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Slovakia for international students was helpful!