Erasmus in Slovakia: Cities, Education, Study Requirements, Activities, Housing and Universities

Are you going to do your Erasmus in Slovakia? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, you’re going to find the most important information about this destination, such as the best cities to study in, different options and requirements for international students, the best things to do during your stay in Slovakia, the different accommodation alternatives available and information about the best universities. Let’s start!

Popular Erasmus Cities in Slovakia

Slovakia has several cities that are popular Erasmus destinations for international students. The capital, Bratislava, combines rich European history with a contemporary cultural scene. Its cobblestone streets and the imposing castle are part of its charm. Košice, the country's second-largest city, is distinguished for its young and dynamic atmosphere, impressive architecture and a range of cultural events. Meanwhile, the lesser-known Banská Bystrica is in the heart of Slovakia and offers a welcoming atmosphere and a history based on mining.

Discover the most popular Erasmus cities in Slovakia!

BRATISLAVA The Slovak capital may seem like a very small city to go on Erasmus, but it will surely surprise you. It is a comfortable city (you can easily reach everything on foot or by public transport) and has a great university atmosphere, as it receives many international students every year. Its location makes it perfect for travelling to other Eastern European cou

KOŠICE Are you looking for student accommodation in Košice? You’re in the right article! We have gathered the most important information you need to consider to find your ideal accommodation, from the different types you’ll find (apartments, rooms and residences) to the best neighbourhoods to live in during your Erasmus. Let's get to it! Košice, located in eastern

BANSKÁ BYSTRICA Banská Bystrica is a city situated in the centre of Slovakia. It’s known for its rich history, impressive architecture and beautiful natural environment, which makes it an attractive destination for students who want to know the country's culture. In fact, the city is home to numerous historic buildings and museums, such as the Museum of the Slovak National

Study in Slovakia: a guide for international students

Basic requirements for international students in Slovakia

Some of the basic requirements and formalities for international students are:

To apply for the exchange, it’s usually necessary to present a motivation letter reflecting why you want to study there and the transcript of your most recent academic record. All of this must be in English or have a certified translation.
You also have to fill out and sign the Learning Agreement, which you can do online.
Institutions usually request a certificate of B1 or B2 level of English or Slovak, depending on the language in which you’ll be studying.
You need to present proof of sufficient financial funds to cover the entire stay in Slovakia. This can be through a bank account, a scholarship, a grant, a guarantor or a combination of any of these.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen and your stay is going to be shorter than three months, you only need to report your stay to the competent foreign police office. This has to be done within 10 working days of arrival in Slovakia. If you’re staying in a hotel, hostel or residence, this report is done automatically by them. If your accommodation is private, you’re going to have to take care of it yourself.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen and the period of your exchange exceeds three months, you also have to report your stay to the competent foreign police office within 10 working days of your arrival. In addition to that, once the stay exceeds the first three months, you have 30 days to apply for a residence registration.
If you come from a third country, not covered in the previous points, you may need a visa to enter the country, such as those who need a visa for Schengen countries. Note that, to process the visa, you’re going to have to present a confirmation of accommodation. Regardless of that visa, if your exchange is going to exceed 90 days in Slovakia, you have to apply for a temporary residence, and you have to do it before arriving in the country. After processing that residency, the embassy grants you the "national visa", type D (long-term). If, on the other hand, the stay is going to be less than 90 days, it’s not necessary to apply for a temporary residence.
In many cases, such as when applying for a visa, it’s necessary to have health insurance covering the whole period of the exchange in Slovakia. You can get an international or Slovak one, but the contract has to be in Slovak language with a certified translation. If you have the European Health Insurance Card you can use it.

Why study in Slovakia?

Compared to some other European destinations, the cost of living in Slovakia tends to be more affordable. This includes accommodation, food and recreational activities, which will allow you to enjoy your exchange to the fullest.

Although Slovak is the official language, English is spoken at many institutions and among international students. This will allow you to gain fluency in the language, which will be very positive for your personal and professional life. However, we recommend that you also take the opportunity to learn some Slovak, so that you can communicate with the locals in their language.

Living in Slovakia will allow you to experience its folkloric traditions, festivals, and celebrations first-hand, delving into its rich history and deep-rooted culture. Take advantage of your stay to learn about their way of life!

Slovakia is located in the heart of Europe, which makes it easy to travel to other European countries. You’re going to have the opportunity, for example, to explore different areas of Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary with your friends.

Best things to do in Slovakia as a student

During your time as a student in Slovakia, you’ll have the opportunity to do a variety of activities and see different places. In Bratislava, the capital city, you can stroll through the old town, visit Bratislava Castle with its breathtaking panoramic view of the Danube River, and explore the Slovak National Museum to immerse yourself in the country's rich history. In addition, the local cafes and restaurants offer a delicious variety of traditional Slovak dishes that you have to try, one of our favourites being the "bryndzové halušky"!

If you're looking for outdoor experiences, the High Tatras, Slovakia's highest mountain range, are ideal for hiking and skiing. This is going to allow you to enjoy breathtaking scenery at any time of the year. In addition, picturesque villages, such as Čičmany, known for their houses decorated with folkloric motifs, are also charming destinations to explore and immerse yourself in Slovak authenticity.

As for sporting events, you need to know that one of the most beloved sports in the country is ice hockey. Attending a league or national team game can be an exciting and fun experience - even if you don't understand the rules you'll have a great time with your friends!

To further immerse yourself in Slovak culture, we encourage you to participate in local festivals, such as the Pohoda International Music Festival. These events offer a mix of music, art and activities that will give you another perspective of the Slovaks.