Slovakia is one of the Schengen countries you can go to for your higher education. Universities here offer degree programs, from bachelor’s to Ph.D., taught in the English language. If you want to learn their language, you can also apply for Slovak language courses.
Besides your personal and academic growth, you can also significantly improve your career prospects by being an international student here. Living away from home and being independent can teach you valuable skills in your chosen profession.
If you’re ready to start your international studies, here’s how to get a student visa in Slovakia.
What documents do you need to apply for a student visa in Slovakia?
The following requirements apply when you need to apply for a long-term Visa D or student visa for Slovakia.
- A completed application from
- Passport or travel document issued within the last 10 years, has at least two blank pages, and validity extending at least three months after departure date from Slovakia
- Full-face color photo
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Proof of accommodation
- Medical insurance
- Acceptance letter from your host university or educational institution
- Return ticket
- Certificate of Good Conduct
The long-term visa D only allows you to stay in Slovakia for up to 90 days in six months duration. If you need to stay longer than that, which is a likely case if you’re completing a degree program, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit.
How much money do you need for a Slovakia Student Visa?
The cost for a long-term visa D or student visa is around $70. If you’re applying through a Visa Application Center, there might added services costs, besides the application fee. However, you might also qualify for a visa fee exemption, so check out the rules here. You can also confirm it with the Slovakian mission in your country.
Besides the application fee, you’ll also need to provide proof of sufficient funds, which is $65 per day of your stay in the country to get a student visa for Slovakia. The country, meanwhile, considers other forms of funding, such as scholarships when you apply for a visa.
Although international students can work for up to 20 hours a week, you will still need to plan your finances well. To give you an idea, here’s a typical monthly budget of a student in Slovakia:
- Rent in a shared flat: $300
- Utilities: $70
- Internet: $20
- Transportation: $30
- Food: $200
If you’re paying for your studies in Slovakia, you might need to prepare for your tuition fees. Bachelor’s programs here range from $2,300 to $5,800, while master’s programs cost around $2,300 to $17,500. For Ph.D. programs, tuition fees are around $2,000 to $7,000.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Steps on Applying for a Student Visa in Slovakia
1. Confirm if You Need a Visa to Enter Slovakia
If you’re from the EEA or EU countries, or Switzerland, you don’t need a visa to Slovakia. You only need your valid passport or an ID card. However, you’ll need to register your commencement, anticipated length, and place of stay to a police office within 10 days from your arrival in the country. International students looking to stay for more than 90 days must also apply for a permanent residence permit before their 90 days are up.
On the other hand, non-EEA or EU countries need to apply for a visa and residence permit. The visa is sufficient for a 90-day or less stay in the country. But if you’re looking to stay longer, you need a residence permit.
2. Get Your Documents Ready
After confirming your need for a Slovakian student visa, start completing your application requirements. As a best practice, you can contact the Slovakian embassy or consulate near you to confirm if there are other documents you might need. The same applies if you have any questions about the application process. This way, you can avoid submitting incomplete requirements, which can delay your application. In some cases, incomplete requirements even cause a denied visa application.
Besides the diplomatic mission, you can also apply for a visa through a visa application center. Similarly, contact them before submitting your requirements so you won’t miss anything. You can get your visa application form here.
3. Prepare for an Appointment
You can check out the list of Slovakian diplomatic missions abroad here and set up an appointment to submit your application. Besides that, you can also check authorized visa processing centers here. Some diplomatic missions and visa processing centers require an appointment for visa applications. Although, with a visa processing center, such as the VSF Global in the United Arab Emirates, you can start your application online through their website. Then, you’ll have to set an appointment to submit the documents in person.
During your appointment, make sure to follow any security protocols in the embassy or consulate. Since you’ll need to pay for the application, check beforehand how to pay for it. This way, you can finish your appointment for Slovakian student visa that day.
4. Processing Period
It is ideal to apply for visa six months before your departure date to Slovakia. You’ll have sufficient time to prepare the documents you will need for your application. Additionally, the embassy needs 60 days at most to review it and request supporting documents if necessary. In some cases, a visa application can last up to 120 days. Considering this scenario, it is best to launch your application as early as you can.
5. Get Your Visa and Apply for Temporary Residence Permit
Once you get your visa, you’re ready to fly to Slovakia for your studies. Take note that your Slovakian student visa is for up to 90 days only so you’ll need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit. This allows you to stay for up to one year in the country. And if you need to stay longer than that, make sure to renew your visa and permit.
To apply for a residence permit, prepare the following documents and go to the nearest Foreign Police Department in your place of stay in Slovakia.
- Completed application form
- Two identical color photos
- Proof of administrative fee payment
- Passport
- Proof of residence
- Proof of clear criminal record
- Confirmation of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
Additionally, you’ll need to notify the Foreign Police Department within three days of your arrival in the country. After receiving your residence card, you might also need to submit a medical report confirming that you don’t suffer from any diseases that can endanger people in the country.
We hope this article on how to get a student visa in Slovakia was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
