How to Study in Bratislava for International Students

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Bratislava, one of the beautiful cities in Slovakia, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.

When it comes to the choices that are available, Bratislava currently has 11 universities, from which 7 universities are a part of the public sector and 4 universities are private institutions.

Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Bratislava you should definitely check out are Comenius University Bratislava, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, and University of Economics in Bratislava.

Being able to study in Bratislava as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Bratislava, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Bratislava

The cost of your studies is a big factor to consider when you're planning to study abroad. It can financially burden you, but here's the good thing: the public universities in Bratislava don't charge tuition fees to international students like you! there is Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava a tuition-free school. You will just be required to pay some registration and other study fees, but these won't be as high.

On the other hand, if you choose to study in a private institution, expect that you'll pay higher fees. Here are some of the private universities in Bratislava with their tuition fees:

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
School of Management, City University of Seattle in Slovakia 2,250 Euros 2,600 Euros
St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work 3,940 Euros 4,450 Euros
Bratislava University of Economics and Management 3,900 Euros 4,900 Euros
Pan European University 5,500 Euros 5,500 Euros

2. Requirements to Study in Bratislava for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Bratislava, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In Bratislava, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Bratislava may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Bratislava are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in Bratislava and their required minimum scores for each program level.

School of Management, City University of Seattle in Slovakia

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Comenius University Bratislava

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in Bratislava

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Bratislava have online applications available on their websites, like Comenius University Bratislava and Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Bratislava.

Comenius University Bratislava

Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava

University of Economics in Bratislava

Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.

After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!

The admission process in Bratislava differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.

The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Bratislava.

The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.

4. Visa Application for International Students in Bratislava

If you’re going to study in Bratislava, you will need to apply for a student visa in Slovakia

In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Slovakia. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a National Visa.

To start your student visa application in Bratislava, you will need to present the following:

  1. Original passport and photocopies of previous visas, if any
  2. Two photographs signed on the back in Latin letters
  3. Invitation letter from an educational institution in Slovakia
  4. Proof of payment of the consular fee
  5. Proof of sufficient funds to pay for study and living expenses
  6. Proof of accommodation
  7. Сertificate of good conduct in the home country

Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Slovakia is 60 EUR.

After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:

  1. Prepare the complete translated documents for visa application.
  2. Certify the documents with a notary.
  3. Submit the documents via e-mail to the Slovak embassy or consulate.
  4. After the visa has been processed for about 60 to 120 days, collect your visa at the embassy or consulate.

For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.

That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Bratislava. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!