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Last checked: 30 July 2026

# How university study works

The academic year, ECTS, grades, exam registration, the referat, learning Slovenian, tutoring, and extracurricular ECTS.

The School of Economics and Business in Ljubljana (SEB LU). Photo: efnet.si
Good to knowThis guide is put together by students, not by professionals or official bodies. It is meant to help you and your parents through enrolment and settling into life in Slovenia. Some details may change or become outdated, so always check the official sources and confirm anything important with the relevant institutions. We take no responsibility for wrong, outdated or misunderstood information — but we are always glad to help. If you spot something that is not right, please tell us in the “Was this page helpful?” box at the bottom of the page.

## Academic year and ECTS

The Slovenian academic year generally runs from 1 October to 30 September, but teaching and exam periods differ between universities and faculties, so always save your own calendar. A standard full-time year usually represents 60 ECTS, and individual courses carry credits based on expected workload.

## Student status and how long your rights last

Almost every student benefit in this guide, subsidised meals, subsidised transport, student work through a napotnica, and student housing, depends on having active student status. Under Slovenian law you hold these rights for one study programme per level (one bachelor, one master), and only while you are not regularly employed, not running a registered activity, not on the unemployment register, and not a company or institute director.

The standard duration is the length of the programme, but it can extend: normally one extra year for repeating a year or for absolvent status, a further year for justified reasons such as health or social circumstances, and one extra year per child born during study. You may also change programme or direction once per level and may study two programmes in parallel after passing the first year. Losing status, for example by deregistering or running out of these rights, removes the benefits that depend on it, so plan any change carefully. The renewal, change, and graduation page explains repeats, transfers, and gap years in detail.

## Grades

- 10: excellent
- 9 and 8: very good
- 7: good
- 6: sufficient
- 1 to 5: fail

Check programme rules because assessment details vary.

## Exam registration is your responsibility

University of Primorska shows how detailed rules can be: registration several days before the exam, withdrawal before a separate deadline, a waiting period after a late withdrawal, absence, or failed attempt, limits on attempts, and fees for later or commission attempts. These exact numbers are not national rules; read your faculty’s assessment regulation and portal instructions.

## Referat and university systems

The faculty student office (referat) handles administrative study questions. A useful email includes your name, student or application number, programme, year, a clear question, the relevant deadline, and an attachment where necessary. During the first week, learn the student portal, course and exam registration systems, the e-classroom, official email, eduroam, library search and repository, and any digital student identity.

## Learning Slovenian

A programme advertised in English may still use Slovenian for administration, placements, local professional settings, some electives, and everyday life. Useful routes include university language courses, Leto plus for eligible first-year international students at University of Ljubljana, the Center za slovenščino kot drugi in tuji jezik, free self-study through Slonline, and faculty conversation groups. Some programmes require B2 Slovenian for admission, so check the annual call before applying.

## Tutoring, representation, and extracurricular ECTS

A tutor can help with course selection, systems, and the first semester. The student council (študentski svet) represents student views inside the university and appoints students to bodies that may decide on academic matters such as exceptional progression. Some universities formally credit selected extracurricular activities: COD at University of Ljubljana, KOOD at University of Maribor, and selected University of Primorska activities including sport and alliance programmes. Check enrolment periods, available places, and whether the activity counts inside or outside the programme’s normal ECTS structure.

From student experience

Follow rules on citation, plagiarism, group work, examinations, artificial intelligence, research data, and confidentiality. Ask before using AI when the course instructions are unclear.

## Sources and further information

- University of Ljubljana student life
- University of Maribor student portal
- University of Nova Gorica student guide
- University of Primorska welcome portal

Last checked: 30 July 2026

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