---
type: blog
slug: learning-slovene-where-to-start
lang: en
source_folder: blog
title: 'Learning Slovene: Where to Start'
subtitle: Moving to Slovenia for your studies? You do not need to speak perfect Slovene before arriving, but learning the basics early will make university, administrative procedures and everyday life much easier.
category: Study tips
date: '2026-07-28'
date_line: Study tips · Last checked 28 July 2026
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<p>Moving to Slovenia for your studies? You do not need to speak perfect Slovene before arriving, but learning the basics early will make university, administrative procedures and everyday life much easier.</p>
<p>For Macedonian speakers, Slovene can initially feel familiar because the languages share many words and grammatical features. However, pronunciation, cases, formal writing and the Slovene dual still require practice. The most effective approach is to combine free self-study, regular speaking and, when possible, a course offered by your university.</p>
<p><em>Course dates, prices and requirements may change. Always confirm the latest information directly with the provider before registering.</em></p>
<h2 id="1-set-a-clear-language-goal">1. Set a clear language goal</h2>
<p>Start by deciding why you need Slovene. Basic everyday communication may require only an A1 or A2 level, while some university programmes, professions or administrative procedures may require B1 or B2.</p>
<p>Always check the official requirements of your study programme. Some faculties require proof of Slovene before enrolment, while others allow international students to improve their language skills during their studies.</p>
<p>Do not pay for an examination only because it provides a certificate. First confirm which level, examination and issuing institution your faculty or the relevant Slovenian authority accepts.</p>
<h2 id="2-begin-with-a-free-online-course">2. Begin with a free online course</h2>
<p>A practical first step is <a href="https://www.slonline.si/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Slovene Learning Online</a>, a free self-paced course developed by the Centre for Slovene as a Second and Foreign Language at the University of Ljubljana.</p>
<p>The platform covers basic vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening. During your first weeks, focus on introductions, numbers, time, directions, accommodation, transport, food and phrases used at faculties and administrative offices.</p>
<p>Short, regular sessions are usually more effective than occasional long lessons. Try studying for around 20 minutes per day and learn complete phrases instead of isolated words. Repeating the recordings aloud will also help you become more comfortable with Slovene pronunciation.</p>
<h2 id="3-check-the-options-at-your-university">3. Check the options at your university</h2>
<p>University language courses are usually among the most affordable options and are often adapted to the needs of international students.</p>
<p>At the University of Ljubljana, <a href="https://www.uni-lj.si/en/study/bachelors-and-single-cycle-masters-study/year-plus" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Leto plus, or Year Plus</a>, is available to eligible international students who are enrolled for the first time in a bachelor’s or master’s programme. It includes two Slovene courses with 60 hours of group work and 3 ECTS each. Under the current conditions, students who complete both courses and obtain at least 30 ECTS during their first year may qualify for a one-year extension of their student status.</p>
<p>Leto plus is not intended for exchange students or students enrolled in programmes that already require B2 Slovene before admission. Recognition of the courses as electives depends on the individual faculty. Students who are not eligible can also check the Centre’s separate Slovene courses for students.</p>
<p>The University of Maribor offers a free online beginner course through Moodle. The University of Primorska offers free Slovene courses from A1 to B1 for enrolled international students and staff, while the University of Nova Gorica offers courses from A1 to B2 and a Leto PLUS option for eligible first-year international students.</p>
<h2 id="4-learn-slovene-before-moving-to-slovenia">4. Learn Slovene before moving to Slovenia</h2>
<p>Starting while you are still in North Macedonia can make your first months in Slovenia significantly easier.</p>
<p>The Faculty of Philology “Blaže Koneski” at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje has offered an A1 lifelong-learning programme in Slovene. The published programme includes 48 teaching hours over approximately three months, usually with classes twice per week. Current dates, format and fees should be checked directly with the Faculty.</p>
<p><strong>Institution and contact</strong></p>
<p>Location: Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Philology “Blaže Koneski”, Bul. “Krste Misirkov” b.b., Skopje Department/contact person: Department of Slavic Studies, Prof. Dr. Lidija Arizankovska General contact provided for the Centre for Slovene as a Second and Foreign Language: <strong>admin@centerslo.net</strong></p>
<p>Private language schools and education centres in North Macedonia and Slovenia also provide online and in-person Slovene courses. These can be useful for students who prefer structured lessons, regular speaking practice or preparation for a specific CEFR level.</p>
<p>Before registering, compare the total number of teaching hours, group size, teacher qualifications, course format and whether the programme prepares students for a recognised level or examination. Prices and schedules vary, so always confirm the latest information directly with the provider.</p>
<h2 id="5-understand-the-difference-between-a-course-and-an-official-examination">5. Understand the difference between a course and an official examination</h2>
<p>Completing a language course is not automatically the same as receiving a publicly recognised certificate.</p>
<p>A Slovene language examination can be taken in North Macedonia at the Department of Slavic Studies of the Faculty of Philology “Blaže Koneski” in Skopje. According to the information provided for this article, the examination is connected with the Centre for Slovene as a Second and Foreign Language. Because arrangements and recognition rules can change, verify this directly with the institutions involved and ask your Slovenian faculty, employer or administrative authority to confirm in writing whether the resulting certificate will be accepted for your specific purpose.</p>
<p>Official Slovene examinations are also available through the Centre for Slovene as a Second and Foreign Language and its recognised providers in Slovenia. The required level and accepted certificate depend on the institution or procedure for which you need proof of language knowledge.</p>
<h2 id="6-follow-a-realistic-learning-plan">6. Follow a realistic learning plan</h2>
<p>Before arriving, complete the introductory lessons on slonline.si and learn vocabulary related to accommodation, transport, studies and administrative procedures.</p>
<p>After arriving, enrol in the Slovene course offered by your university and use the language in everyday situations. Start with greetings, ordering food, asking for directions and speaking with classmates. Even when someone replies in English, continue trying to use simple Slovene phrases.</p>
<p>By the end of your first semester, aim to understand basic announcements, write simple emails and explain practical problems. It is also useful to create a separate vocabulary list for terminology connected to your study programme.</p>
<p>For most Macedonian students, the most practical route is to begin with <strong>slonline.si</strong>, check whether their university offers a free course or Leto plus, use a structured course in North Macedonia when they need additional support, and pay for an examination only after confirming which certificate is accepted.</p>
<p>You do not need to know everything before arriving. A basic foundation, regular practice and the confidence to speak will already make your transition to student life in Slovenia much easier.</p>
<p><strong>Author: MSOS Team</strong></p>
<p class="guide-last-checked">Last checked: 28 July 2026</p>
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