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Study in Slovakia: Language & Culture

The official language of Slovakia is Slovak. A Slavic language, Slovak is very closely related to neighboring Czech. If you do decide to learn Slovak, you can start to learn other major languages like Polish and Russian as these aren't far from Slovak either.  Slovakians are keen to help people learn their language. 

May 27, 2021

The official language of Slovakia is Slovak. A Slavic language, Slovak is very closely related to neighboring Czech. If you do decide to learn Slovak, you can start to learn other major languages like Polish and Russian as these aren't far from Slovak either. 

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Slovakians are keen to help people learn their language. Many schools offer lessons to international students and many locals will happily speak more slowly with you. Don’t worry if Slovak isn’t for you, though. In major cities, English is widely spoken, particularly by younger people. Languages like German and Italian are also spoken by Slovakians.

Slovakians love the great outdoors - and it’s little wonder why. One must-do during your time there is to visit the Horehronie region for a weekend. Horehronie is magnificent, but, like a lot of the more mountainous areas, rain can set in quickly. It’s recommended that you stay on the safe side by following marked trails and staying at designated camping sites.

Another popular weekend getaway is visiting cities in neighboring countries. Slovakia borders Ukraine, which is not in the EU. If you want to visit Lviv or Kyiv, check the visa requirements for Ukraine before making any firm plans. After all, you don’t want to be turned away at the border!

mountain in winter

Slovakian winters can be harsh. Heavy rain and snow is common. Make sure you take a nice, warm rainproof coat with a hood and a good pair of winter boots when you go to Slovakia. 

As for crime, the rate is low, even by European standards. Pickpocketing can happen in Bratislava at tourist sites and on public transport, but the rate is far lower than in cities like Paris and Barcelona. Violent crime is rare. Slovakia also has no recent history of terror attacks, adding to its safety. 

For LGBT students, Slovakia is more conservative than its neighbors in the Czech Republic and Austria, but attitudes are changing. Bratislava holds an annual Pride event and small scenes are emerging there and in Nistra and Kosice.  

Whether you love being outdoors or spending an evening in a cozy bar or restaurant, Slovakia has something to offer you.

Study in Slovakia

This section gives you an overview of what it's like to study abroad in Slovakia. Take a moment to find out more about the lifestyle and opportunities in Slovakia.

Education in Slovakia

Want to learn about how the higher education system works in Slovakia? Slovakia is a hidden gem for international students. Take a minute to find out more about the structure of the education system in Slovakia!

Student Visas

Do you need a visa to enter Slovakia to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizenship. This section tells you what you need to know.

Housing & Living Costs

No matter where you study abroad, it’s important to create a budget in advance so that you’re prepared. Therefore, we’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Slovakia.

Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Tuition fees for degree programs in Slovakia can vary. Fees are still fairly low. You can find out more about this in this section, as well as information on scholarships.

Application Process

Learn more about how to apply to schools in Slovakia in this section. This section also covers the importance of your motivation letter.

Programs

Ready to look at education in Slovakia? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Slovakia today!

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The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.