New in Koper
Education
Child and Adult Education, Childcare
General
The school system in Slovenia is divided into three levels of education: primary, secondary and tertiary.
Primary education is provided by kindergartens, primary schools, music schools and educational institutions for children with special needs.
Secondary education is provided by upper secondary schools and secondary schools. It is classified as general or vocational technical and secondary professional or technical education.
Tertiary education consists of higher post-secondary vocational education and higher education. Higher post-secondary vocational education is provided by higher vocational colleges, while higher education is provided by faculties, academies and independent higher education institutions.
Kindergarten
Enrolling your child in kindergarten is not compulsory, but it is a sensible choice when both parents work and need childcare in the morning.
You can enrol a child who has reached 11 months at any time during the year, as long as you are not claiming parental leave. In addition to public kindergartens, there are private kindergartens and individual childcare (hiring a nanny). You can find out more at:
A list of kindergartens in the Municipality of Koper can be found here:
Primary school
Primary school is compulsory for all children and lasts for nine years (9 grades). Children enter Grade 1 of primary school at the age of 6 and become pupils. A child leaves primary education when they successfully complete Grade 9. The language of instruction is Slovenian, except in international or Italian schools. For children residing in the Republic of Slovenia whose mother tongue is not Slovenian, additional lessons on Slovenian language and culture are organised.
A list of primary and secondary schools and universities in the Municipality of Koper can be found:
Secondary, vocational and university education
Secondary school is not compulsory, but most young people choose to continue their education to improve their job prospects.
A list of primary and secondary schools and universities in the Municipality of Koper can be found:
Important Institutions
Folk High School of Koper (Ljudska univerza Koper)
Address
Cankarjeva 33, 6000 Koper – Capodistria
Phone number
05 612 80 00
040 469 316
Website
Contact person: Nada Čupković (05 612 80 15, nada.cupkovic@lu-koper.si)
Core Activities: Adult education, education and career guidance. In cooperation with the Employment Service of Slovenia (ZRSZ), courses and examinations for unemployed people are also provided.
Activities for Immigrants
- Adult primary school,
- Slovenian courses for foreigners,
- Slovenian as a second and foreign language exams,
- Education and careers guidance,
- Centre for self-directed learning.
The Folk High School can provide information on:
- Courses on Slovenian for foreigners at different levels (depending on your level of proficiency),
- Examinations in Slovenian as a second and foreign language: examinations for awarding a public valid certificate, namely:
- Entry-level exam (A1) to renew your residence permit or comply with labour market regulations,
- A basic level examination (A2/B1) for Slovenian citizenship or for a permanent residence permit,
- Opportunities for learning, lifelong learning and career development at the headquarters of the Folk High School of Koper and Employment Service in Izola (free counselling),
- Centre for self-directed learning, where learning is free of charge. You can turn to a counsellor for advice, guidance and help with your independent learning (languages, computing, interactive materials and more),
- Free access to the web and a wide range of materials.
University of Primorska
Address
Titov trg 4, 6000 Koper – Capodistria
Phone number
05 611 75 53
Website
Contact person: Petra Majcen (petra.majcen@upr.si) and Iris Skrt (iris.skrt@upr.si)
Core Activities: Higher education and research.
Activities for Immigrants
- Inclusion in higher education (Year Plus, recognition of education for the purpose of further education),
- Lifelong learning,
- Free advice on application and enrolment procedures (Higher Education Application and Enrolment Service and Student Affair Offices at individual faculties),
- Free career counselling and information (UP Career Centre),
- Assistance with the necessary administrative arrangements for students and staff coming from abroad (various services),
- Various activities to support the better integration of international students into the environment (Orientation Days, etc.),
- Slovenian language courses and exams for UP students..
Year Plus is a way of organising studies that enables foreign students who lack knowledge of the Slovenian language, in which the study process is conducted, to improve their academic performance by re-enrolling in the first year. The Year Plus is intended for foreign students who are enrolled for the first time in a study programme at the University of Primorska that is conducted in the Slovene language and who do not speak Slovene or whose knowledge of the Slovene language is insufficient. Before enrolling in Year Plus, foreign students must be enrolled in one of the University of Primorska's study programmes.
Resources
[1]From 27 .4. 2023