There are different forms of education in Slovakia. Children from one to three years of age start their schooling (výučbu) in nursery school where they spend a few hours each day playing and doing some activities. They start socializing with other children.
Children at the age of three usually go to kindergarten where they learn social rules, ethics and the principles of the alphabet and mathematics. This attendance is not compulsory.
Secondary studies last for four years and secondary
schools are attended by the students from the age of 15 to 19. We can choose from different kinds of secondary schools such
as:
- Secondary technical schools
- Medical secondary school (ss)
- Economic ss
- Agricultural ss
- Business
Academy
- Apprentice centres (učilištia)
- Grammar schools – they prepare students
for university studies
Nowadays in contrast with the past more emphasis is placed on foreign languages. The high mobility of students,
the possibility to seek for work or study in other countries has brought the necessity studying foreign languages.
To finish secondary
education, students have to pass the school-leaving examination (maturity). This exam consists of * written
part (external part) and *oral part (internal part).
The Slovak and foreign language exams as well as
some technical subjects exams are compulsory. From each subjects a student selects one question that should be answered and discussed for 20 minutes.
If students fail on their first attempt, they have got a second chance in September.
University education
It is the highest form
of education. This education usually lasts from 4 to 6 years and starts at the age of 19. If we want to study at university we must successfully pass
the entrance examination. Many students want to continue their studies at universities where they
study:
- Law (law school)
- Medicine (medical school)
- Universities with humanistic orientation and many others
Slovak
universities use two-term system: winter and summer terms are regular periods of the academic year.
When students successfully accomplish their university studies they are given a degree in their field of study.
-
Bachelor’s degree is the lowest level of university studies and lasts for 3 years
- The title of
Master (Mgr.) after pedagogical or philosophical studies
- The title of
Engineer (Ing.) after economic or technical studies
- Comenius University in Bratislava
- The University of Constantinus Philosopher in
Nitra
- The University of St.Cyril and Methodius in Trnava
- Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica
- The University of Pavol
Jozef Šafárik in Košice
- The Technical University Košice