How to Enroll Your Child in a Non-University School in Slovakia: A Complete Guide for Foreign Families
Moving to Slovakia with kids? You’ll be glad to know the country has a clear and well-structured education system — but navigating it as a foreigner does require some homework. This guide walks you through the essentials: from understanding the school system and legal rights to the paperwork, deadlines, and practical tips for enrollment in public schools.
1. The Basics of Schooling in Slovakia
Slovakia’s education system is divided into several stages, starting from pre-primary (kindergarten) all the way to upper secondary school. The system includes both public (state-funded) and private/international schools.
Pre-Primary Education (Kindergartens – Materské školy)
- For children aged 3 to 6.
- Compulsory for children who turn 5 by August 31.
- By 2024/2025, all 4-year-olds will have guaranteed kindergarten spots; by 2025/2026, this extends to 3-year-olds.
- Municipalities have “catchment kindergartens,” but parents can choose others. If there’s no space, the municipality must find an alternative placement.
Primary & Lower Secondary (Základné školy)
- One continuous 9-year program:
- Years 1–4: Primary
- Years 5–9: Lower Secondary
- Compulsory school attendance (CSA) lasts 10 years — usually from age 6 to 16.
Upper Secondary Education
Starts at about 15 years old, and includes:
- Gymnasia (general education): 4, 5, or 8-year programs.
- Secondary vocational schools: 2–5 years, plus possible post-secondary options.
- Conservatories: arts-focused, covering secondary and tertiary levels.
- Special schools for sports or applied arts also exist.
2. Your Child’s Right to Education
Good news: Slovakia’s Constitution guarantees education for everyone — including foreigners with valid residence permits.
Key points:
- Article 42: School attendance is compulsory. Primary and secondary education at state schools is free.
- Foreign children with residence permits, asylum seekers, and Slovaks living abroad can attend state schools under the same conditions as citizens.
- Article 33: No discrimination based on nationality or ethnicity.
📌 Important: Without valid residence status, free public school access isn’t practical. Your first step is to secure legal residency for your family.
The government is actively working on inclusive education policies (2025–2027 Action Plan), aiming for:
- Better Slovak language support
- Transparent admissions
- Teacher training for multicultural classrooms
3. Public vs. Private & International Schools
- Public schools: Free, Slovak language instruction, follow the national curriculum.
- Private/International schools: Charge tuition, often English-medium, may follow British, IB, or American curricula.
4. Residency & School Eligibility
Studying with Existing Residence
If you already have a temporary residence permit for work or family reunion, your child can attend school without applying for a separate study permit.
Temporary Residence for Study (Secondary Level)
Required for full-time secondary school students under 20 if:
- They stay beyond 90 days, and
- They do not already hold another valid residence type.
Application essentials:
- Submit at a Slovak embassy/consulate, or in Slovakia if eligible.
- Must be in person (parent applies for minors; 15+ can co-sign).
- Key documents:
- Official school acceptance letter
- Proof of funds
- Valid passport
- Criminal record statement (often waived for minors)
- Translations into Slovak, with apostille/superlegalization if needed
- Residence is granted for the expected study period (max 6 years) and renewable.
5. Reporting & Health Requirements
Once in Slovakia:
- Report presence to the Foreign Police within 3 working days.
- Get health insurance within 3 days of collecting your residence card.
- Medical report (no contagious diseases) within 30 days — can extend by 60 days if requested.
6. Enrolling in Public Schools
Timelines
- First-grade enrollment period: April 1–30 before the school year starts.
- Arriving late? You can still apply anytime if places are available.
Catchment schools:
- If no permanent residence: assigned by the regional education office.
- With permanent residence: attend your local school — but you may apply elsewhere if the principal accepts your child.
Required Documents Checklist
Application & Personal Info
- Written application (usually on school’s website) — signed by both parents unless exceptions apply
- Child’s personal details: full name, birth date/place, address, citizenship
- Parents’ details: full name, address, contact info
Proof of Education
- Report card or certificate from previous school
- For 1st grade: proof of kindergarten attendance (if abroad)
- Translated copies (Slovak or Czech)
- Nostrification (recognition of foreign studies) if required
Identity & Residence
- Child’s residence permit card
- Birth certificate + certified Slovak translation
- Valid passport
Health Documents
- Certificate from a Slovak pediatrician confirming good health
- Immunization records (translated, abbreviations explained)
- Proof of Slovak health insurance
- Recent medical report (≤30 days old)
Other
- Apostille/superlegalization for foreign documents
- Certified Slovak translations (unless from Czech Republic)
- Notarized copies of important academic documents
- Special educational needs statement (if applicable)
📌 Tip: All documents must be less than 90 days old when submitted. Prepare well in advance — you may need multiple steps across different offices.
7. Final Thoughts
Enrolling a child in Slovakia’s public school system as a foreigner is doable — but it’s not a “walk in and register” process. It involves legal residency, health compliance, and precise paperwork.
If you:
- Secure your residence permit early
- Prepare translated & authenticated documents before arrival
- Stick to deadlines
…your child can smoothly transition into a Slovak school and start benefiting from an education system that is increasingly welcoming to international families.
