2025 - 2026 SAA Rankings for Best Value Universities In Slovakia For International Students

31 Best Value Institutions in Slovakia for International Students

Here are the 31 best-value institutions in Slovakia for international students. Here, you’ll learn more about their rankings, international student population, and their background.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Established in 1952, the  Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra is respected for its programs in agriculture, food sciences, and related fields. The university emphasizes internationalization through programs taught in English and a strong foreign language curriculum.  As a leading research institution in the country, it tackles crucial issues like animal welfare and global food security. Notably, it was recently designated as an EIT Food Hub.

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. 

Despite being officially founded in 1952, the Technical University of Kosice (TUKE) can be traced back to the 17th century when the University of Cassoviensis was first built in Kosice. 

TUKE, as of now, aspires to become a prestigious and leading university among all technological institutes in the country. Hence students at TUKE are facilitated with an environment that is based on science and technological knowledge, innovation, and an expert workforce.

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. 

Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra is one of the most selective institutions in Slovakia, with an admission rate of about 30% to 40%, and has been ranked as one of the best schools for social science and liberal arts. Although it started out as a university for preparing teachers for primary and secondary schools, it has evolved into training students in various parts of art, social science, and health care.

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.

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.

The Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, also known as Slovenska Zdravotnicka Univerzita v Bratislave, was established to train potential healthcare workers in specialized and complex areas of medicine. The school is the only one that offers monothematic education in all three degrees of higher education in the country. SMU runs its program in English and Slovak language and is also listed and accredited by the World Directory of Medical Schools

J. Selye University was established through the National Council of the Slovak Republic. The institution has since provided high-quality education that encourages the development of science and academic research. The institution also encourages freedom of thought, creativity and multiculturalism. There are currently three functioning faculties at J. Selye University: The Faculty of Economics and Informatic, the Faculty of Education and the Reformed Theological Faculty.

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.

The Technical University in Zvolen was formerly known as the University of Forestry and Wood Technology in Zvolen. The university was set up to provide education focusing on understanding and preserving the forest, wood, ecology system, and the environment in general. TUZVO, a member of the European Forest Institute, is recognized as one of the best forestry universities in the country for consistently observing the concepts and principles of the green university provided by modern research findings. 

The Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava is one of Slovakia’s leading schools for performing arts. The school is known for delivering high-quality training in various parts of Theatre, Film and Television, and Music & Dance. The Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava also promotes freedom of expression, talent, skills, artistry, and creativity.

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.

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.

Catholic University of Ruzomberok combines Catholic morals and academics to provide students with university education that develops their faith in God and, at the same time, ensures that they become professionals in various arts and science fields. The school provides students with the necessary knowledge to become critical thinkers and responsible individuals who can become leaders within their society.

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.

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.

Founded in 1997, the Academy of Arts in Bystrica (AU) is a public institute of higher education that offers bachelor’s and master’s education in the field of arts. Programs offered at AU are comprehensive and mainly feature artistic fields such as contemporary art, music, visuals, film, and theater. The university cultivates the artistic talent and creativity of each student, helping them to be successful in their artistic performance, which is a crucial aspect of the field.

The Pan European University is a private institution that began as a law school in 2004. More than a decade later, it was renamed from Bratislava University of Law and started offering courses in other disciplines, such as economics, entrepreneurship, media, informatics, and psychology. Thousands of students have crossed its halls and earned their degrees from the university, equipped with skills that make them valuable workers and citizens.

Established in 2005, the College of International Business ISM in Slovakia is a private institute that does not officially identify as a university. The institute aims to nurture educated individuals skilled with the necessary knowledge and professionalism in the field of social sciences and economics, with the idea of contributing to the well-being of society.

University of Security Management in Kosice was created to develop and provide education in the field of security. The school train students to understand and address security issues in various parts of society. The school also ensures that modern facilities are available within the premises so that learning and teaching processes are well coordinated and  impactful.

DTI University is one of the leading private institutions in Slovakia. Over the years, DTI has provided tertiary education through various courses designed to produce professionals in demand by the labour market and allow the students to participate in innovative scientific research and be a part of those shaping the country’s competitive economy. 

Danubius University, also known as Danubius College or College Danubius, is a private institution in Slovakia. It specializes in law, social studies, and public policy and administration. Thus, its programs are often related to and named after those three, except for social work, English studies, and journalism. The institution aims to provide a quality education that caters even to unprivileged youth. It also provides opportunities for collaboration and international exposure.

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.

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.

The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice is currently Slovakia’s only university offering veterinary medicine courses. The institution started its teaching activities in 1949 and has proven to be one of the best places to receive veterinary education. It provides students with a conducive environment for teaching and learning, access to articulate and brilliant professors, and practical learning experience.

Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts is an independent liberal arts college whose primary focus is providing appropriate education in liberal arts that enables students to master the intellectual skill of oral presentation, writing, and research. Students are taught through tutorials and small seminars and are encouraged to express their ideas and creativity via debate and discussions.