The education system in the Slovak Republic (Slovakia) begins with pre-primary education at age 5, with free, compulsory education continuing for 4 years of primary and 5 years of lower secondary education in public schools through age 16. There is also free higher education for full-time students for a prescribed period. 

Quality of Education in Slovakia

The U.N.’s Sustainable Development Report for Slovakia for SDG 4, Quality Education (to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all), notes that major challenges remain. The trend is toward modest improvements, but these are seen as insufficient to attain the goal. The SDG 4 indicators for preprimary, primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education in Slovakia, as well as literacy, are seen to be achieved or on track. The shortfall, or challenges, have to do with mathematics and with PISA scores (the knowledge and critical thinking of 15-year-old students in math, reading and science).  

Early Strategy and Activities to Improve Education

The last several years have seen a determined effort on the part of Slovakia to strengthen its education system. This effort began in December 2021 with the Strategy for an Inclusive Approach in Education until 2030, initiated with the First Action Plan in June 2022 for the years 2022-2024. In December 2024, the Second Action Plan was initiated for 2025-2027. This strategy focuses on inclusive education and support measures that include counseling, desegregation, removal of barriers in school, training and education of teachers and professional staff and “destigmatization.” Also included are key measures for migrants and refugees. The strategic goal is to “strengthen inclusive education and foster equal opportunities for all students and children.” 

2025 EU Assessment

In 2025, the European Commission’s Education and Training Monitor’s Slovakia report referred to Slovakia’s education and training system as “underperforming,” and thus weighing on the country’s “labour market, innovation potential and competitiveness.” They reported a third of students with insufficient basic skills, along with inequality, and absenteeism and early drop-out, especially in rural areas. Key observations included:

• Low attractiveness of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) studies, resulting in an insufficient number of STEM professionals to meet market needs although Slovakia’s STEM graduates have one of the highest employment rates in the EU (almost 80% in 2024).
• Early childhood education and care are among the lowest in the EU, with significant regional differences across the country.
• Widening inequalities are reflected in the performance of socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
• Tertiary education below the EU average, with a wider gender gap. However, there is a relatively large vocational education and training sector, with good employment prospects.
• Adult training is increasing, strengthened by the 2025 legislation and a 2025-2027 action plan.

Recent Education Reform

In September 2025, the Ministry of Education implemented the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education Plan 2025-2027, embedding artificial intelligence into the national education system. AI will be allowed in primary and secondary schools, with access ensured for all schools, teachers and students, and support provided for teachers. AI will be incorporated into education management and AI innovation will be supported. AI Competence Centers are to be established at selected public higher education institutions between 2026 and 2029.

Other reforms subsequently announced include:

• requirement that primary and lower secondary school districts promote equal opportunity for all children with attention to school capacity, distance, accessibility, minority languages, prohibition of segregation and inclusive education principles.
• school district and administrative workload reduction
• updated funding for private and church-owned schools
• revamped mathematics instruction
• mental health protection for teachers and an emphasis on responsible parental cooperation

This “major education overhaul” was criticized by the Slovak Bishops’ Conference for ignoring their suggestions. Their main issue was the changes affecting the funding system for church-owned and private schools that can now receive full public funding only if they contribute to the public interest and do not charge educational fees.

Spotlight on Lifelong Learning

A priority of Slovakia’s current education initiatives is supporting lifelong learning, focusing on formal, informal and nonformal adult education, so that learners can adapt to new innovations, make a career change, or pursue education for personal development. 

The driving goal of the country’s Strategy of Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Guidance for 2021-2030 is lifelong access for all citizens to develop skills and competencies to meet their individual situations and needs, developing their full potential in personal, work and civic life. The intention is to build a system that can support nonformal education and an individualized approach. The first action plan called for establishing vocational education and training centers of excellence, with a key purpose of “harmonizing” labor market needs with the system of lifelong learning. 

Education Accounts. Evidence of declining skills and low participation in education led to the establishment of individual education accounts in 2026 to finance adult education. These accounts comprise earmarked funds for education based on the specific needs of the individual. The April 2026 pilot phases provided $350 for each of 5,000 participants.

Micro-certificates. In addition to creating financial access, another innovation is the creation of micro-certificates to support short educational blocks so that working people, in particular, can acquire specialized qualifications. 

An Educated Work Force and Citizenry

Slovakia is putting forth a comprehensive effort to upgrade the education of its people. The focus on citizens and noncitizens, young and adult, individuals and workforce reflects a holistic approach to improve both people and the economy.

– Staff Reports 
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