Language and Academic Preparation before University Studies in Slovak Language
Information on studying during the academic year 2023/2024—updated on March 15, 2023
The new application was published on March 15, 2023 (here at the bottom of the page).
This course is subject to a visa requirement.
As part of this course, students of Language and Academic Preparation will be provided with assistance in preparing documents before arriving in Slovakia, assistance with the recognition of educational documents and assistance with submitting applications for further studies.
Students will receive two certificates during the course: Certificate at B1 level at the end of March 2024 and Certificate at B2 level at the end of May 2024.
| Term | September 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Winter term: September 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 |
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| Venue | Comenius University in Bratislava Žižkova 10 811 02 Bratislava |
| Target Group |
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| Programme Goals |
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| Language of Tuition | Slovak |
| Tuition Structure | Study groups are formed according to the following fields of study:
Length of the Programme: 10 months September 1—middle of October: Intensive Slovak Language Course (25 lessons per week) Middle of October—middle of May: Slovak language course and academic subjects (30—32 lessons per week) Lessons are provided in daily form, usually from 8.30 am till 3.10 pm (depends on schedule) |
| Examinations Organization | Exams are held in written and oral form at the end of both terms. |
| Target Group | Graduates of foreign secondary schools with a high school diploma who plan to study at Slovak colleges and universities without prior knowledge of the Slovak language (entry level A1 and A2). Most Slovak colleges and universities also require language and academic preparation, so this program is recommended for all those interested in further studies at a university in Slovakia. |
| Certificate | Students will receive two certificates during the course:
Students receive certificates only after successfully passing exams at the appropriate language level. These certificates do not guarantee admission to university, but they significantly increase the prerequisites for successfully passing the entrance exams and subsequent studies. Admission to study is decided by the dean of the relevant faculty. |
| Application Period | Deadline for citizens of countries outside the European Higher Education Area: from March 15 to May 30, 2023 Deadline for citizens of the European Higher Education Area, USA and Canada: from March 15 to June 15, 2023 Deadline for applicants with valid residence stay permit at territory of the Slovak Republic, for foreigners with Slovak passport and EU citizens, Ukrainian applicants with status temporary/subsidiary protection, asylum-seeker: from March 15 to August 15, 2023 Applications sent after the deadline are not accepted. The application for study for the academic year 2023/2024 will be published by March 15, 2023 and can only be submitted online. |
| Tuition Fee | Registration fee: 100 € (non-refundable) Tuition fee: 4,300 € Total price: 4,400 € |
Documents needed for application
More detailed information regarding the application attachments is provided directly in the online application or in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
In the application, choose whether you are over/under 18 years of age and the attachments that need to be inserted into the application will be displayed directly (PDF format, max. attachment size 2 MB).
Information about the admission process
We only accept the first application sent for study in the academic year 2023/2024.
Please fill out the application in detail and truthfully. All data is important.
It is not possible to add additional information to applications.
Do not forget to enter an email that is active and you are actively using it and will use it throughout the academic year 2023/2024.
Applicants for studies over 18 years of age are obliged to fill out the application on their own and communicate with the Study Department directly without the assistance of another person.
Applicants for studies who are under 18 years old can use the help of a tutor when filling out the application form (you can read who the tutor is in the section Frequently asked questions—question no. 22).
In case of problems with filling out the application (technical error), contact the Study Department of UJOP CDV UK at: ujop@cdv.uniba.sk
After sending the applications, we will contact you within 10 working days and provide you with further information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is included in the price of the programme Language and Academic Preparation?
Language and Academic Preparation is an intensive course to university entrance exams in Slovakia under the guidance of quilified lectures of Slovak language and academic subjects.
The course maintains the high level of teaching for a long time, and its graduates regularly show high success in entrance exams.
Participation in classes subjects to strict rules, such as regular monitoring of attendance, assessment of continuous activity throughout the course, regular testing which encourages students to perform better.
Throughout the duration of the course, students are provided with assistance in preparing the necessary documents for granting temporary residence/visas, recognition documents on education in Slovakia and individual assistance in filling out of university applications.
Our Institution guarantees transparency in admission of applicants for the course. We assess individually each study application sent by application deadline in order to ensure the highest possible quality of education and assistance services for UJOP students.
2. Why do I have to take 2 language exams B1 and B2 during this course?
Every year the Language and Academic Preparation programme was completed only by one language exam at the B2 level, and after successful completion the student received a certificate valid throughout the EU.
The news in the academic year 2023/2024 will be an intermediate language exam at level B1 in March 2024, which some universities and colleges in Slovakia began to require as part of the conditions for admission to study. So that our students don´t have to take this exam at other universities and colleges, we allow them to test their language skills directly with us.
If the student doesn´t take the B1 level exam in March 2024, he/she still has the opportunity to obtain the B2 level certificate at the end of the academic year after successfully passing of the final exam at the end of May 2024.
3. How long does the tuition last?
The Academic year begins on September 1, and ends on August 31. The tuition takes place in the months of September to May. Exams in the winter semester are the last two weeks of January, exams in the summer semester are the last two weeks of May. In June, there are retake exams, individual preparation for the admission procedure and university/college admissions.
4. How much is the tuition fee?
The non-refundable registration fee for application processing is 100 €.
The amount of the fee (tuition) is 4,300 € for the 10-month program Language and Academic Preparation before University Studies in the Slovak language and 4,000 € for the 10-month programme Intensive Language Preparation before University Studies of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree.
5. What is the difference between study programmes: Language and Academic Preparation before University Studies and Intensive Language Preparation?
Most Slovak colleges and universities require language and academic preparation, therefore the programme no. 1 is recommended for those who are interested in further studies at a university in the Slovak Republic.
The Language and Academic Preparation is determined for absolute beginners or beginners (A1, A2 levels). It starts at level A1 and ends at level B2.
The Intensive language Preparation is intended for students with knowledge of the Slovak language at least at level A2, because the teaching starts at level B1 and ends at level B2 in case the faculty does not require academic preparation (e.g. playing musical instruments, acting, sports programs...)
If you need an advice on which program is suitable for you, contact the Study Department of UJOP CDV UK by email.
6. Will I receive a certificate after graduation? What level of Slovak language will be confirmed on this document?
The student receives the final certificate after passing all exams. The final exam in Slovak is from level B2. In addition to the Slovak language, the certificate also includes an evaluation of other subjects, which depend on the chosen field of study. Some faculties of universities in the Slovak Republic require this certificate of completion of the programme Language and Academic Preparation in the Slovak language.
7. Is knowledge of Slovak, English or another language required before starting the study?
Knowledge of the English language at communication level A2/B1 is required as it is important in communication with the Study Department of UJOP CDV UK and in dealing with official matters.
Our students learn the Slovak language from level A1—absolute beginner, to level B2. For the first 5 weeks, only intensive Slovak language classes take place. From the middle of October, students also start learning academic subjects.
8. What is the price of study books? Are they available for purchase also in bookshops?
The price of textbooks is not included in the price of the programme. Students buy textbooks continuously throughout the year, the total price is about 100 € (Slovak language textbooks), 30–50 € (textbooks for academic subjects).
The books from which they learn in our programmes can be purchased in Heureka bookstores (the bookstore in the main building of the Comenius University on Šafárikovo Square) or in the Academia bookstore.
9. In which areas and subjects do students prepare for the admission procedure?
Medicine/Biology: Slovak language, Biology, Chemistry
Economics: Slovak language, Mathematics, Introduction to Economy, Logic
Humanities (depends on the focus of studies): Slovak language, History, Social science, according to the chosen field—Logic, Literature, History of art, Drawing
Technics: Slovak language, Mathematics, Physics, Informatics, Geometry
Medical specialization for graduates of general medicine and dentistry: Slovak language, biology
10. Is it possible to pay school fees in installments?
Not. The entire amount must be paid before the date of issue of the document "Decision on admission to study".
11. Is it possible to start studying during the summer semester?
Students are required to start their studies in the month of September (September 1–30). If they are not able to start their studies on time, they can apply from 1 October for a postponement of their studies until the next academic year or request for a tuition refund.
12. What is the amount of fees if I request a tuition refund (rejection of a visa/temporary stay for the purpose of studies, failure to start studies in September)?
The cancellation fee is 10 % from the paid amount of tuition fee. Registration fee 50 € is non-refundable.
13. When does full-time study start? What are the class times?
Studies in the academic year 2023/2024 begin on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Classes are held every day (Monday to Friday) from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, some days until 3:10 pm or 4:50 pm
14. Is it possible to work while studying?
The main duty of students in the preparatory programme is to study. We strictly monitor attendance, where an average absence of 20 % is allowed for the monitored period. Students can work part-time in their free time (only a certain number of hours per week), not during their studies.
15. How long is the "residence permit for the purpose of study" valid?
By the end of the academic year, i.e. until August 31, after admission to university (in the summer), it is necessary to extend the validity of the permit at the Foreign Police in Slovakia.
16. Can you provide accommodation?
Yes, accommodation is possible in the atrium houses in the Mlyny UK dormitory (Staré Grunty 36). Common areas: kitchen, toilet, bathroom. A deposit of 500 € is paid in advance, from which the monthly accommodation fee is deducted, which depends on the type of room (151 € triple room, 179 € single room). After arrival to Slovakia it is possible to pay for accomodation until the end of winter term even until the end of summer term.
17. What is the deadline for translation of education documents?
During enrollment in September, we do not require an apostille/superlegalization of educational documents, a translation into the Slovak language is required by the end of October. Some universities require an apostille/superlegalization of these documents for the recognition of educational documents (bachelor's, master's/engineering diplomas), so we recommend it in the case of university diplomas.
18. Do you provide assistance with nostrification and applications for further university studies?
Yes, the assistance is free, we advise our students how to apply for recognition of educational documents and how to correctly fill out the application for university studies.
19. Can a student submit multiple applications for further university studies?
Yes, we recommend it. In the case that the student is not admitted to the chosen university and faculty, he/she still has the possibility of being admitted to another university because he/she applied for studies at several universities and faculties.
20. When is enrollment for studies taking place?
Enrollment for studies takes place online only on September 1–3, 2023. During online enrollment, the student uploads mandatory documents to the system. In exceptional and justified cases, registration is possible until September 30. It is not possible to start studying after this deadline. A student can request a postponement of studies until the next academic year, or a refund of the tuition fee (there is a cancellation fee).
21. What documents are required for enrollment in September?
If the student does not submit all the required documents, he/she will not be enrolled in study:
• a valid passport with a type D visa, or a confirmation of the application for temporary residence at the Foreign Police in the Slovak Republic or Slovak embassy abroad, or a valid document of temporary residence in the Slovak Republic, or an ID of a citizen of the European Union, the status of an emigrant from Ukraine,
• an extract from the criminal record from the home country + from the country where the student lived for more than 90 days in the last 3 years + from any other country in which the student has citizenship,
• education documents (apostille and superlegalization is recommended only for university diplomas)
• confirmation from a doctor from the home country about good health no older than 30 days (in Slovak or English)
• confirmation of accommodation in the Slovak Republic (confirmation of accommodation from the Mlyny UK dormitory or sworn statement of residence in the Slovak Republic at another address).
22. What documents do you require when submitting an online application to study at UJOP if the student is over 18 years old?
• Scan of the identification page of the passport or document of temporary residence in the Slovak Republic with a minimum validity until the end of the academic year 2023/2024, i.e. until 31 August 2024
• Scan of original of educational documents (secondary school students—final/graduation certificate and grades during high school studies; bachelors/masters – diploma and transcript)
• Curriculum vitae—Europass format with handwritten signature
Notes:
• if you are finishing your secondary school studies during this academic year, you must attach a confirmation of your visit to the school stating the date of the final exam instead of the final/graduation certificate + previous high school study marks
• translation of education documents is not required, but if you have documents translated into English, send us a scan of the original together with the English translation
• Slovak translation of education documents is required only after enrollment for studies until 31 October 2023
23. What documents do you require when submitting an online application to study at UJOP if the student is under 18 years old?
• Scan of the identification page of the passport or document of temporary residence in the Slovak Republic with a minimum validity until the end of the academic year 2023/2024, i.e. until 31 August 2024
• Scan of education documents (secondary school students—final/graduation certificate and grades during secondary school studies)
• Curriculum vitae—Europass format with handwritten signature
• Scan of the tutor's Slovak ID card (both sides)
• Scan of the proxy of the tutor signed by the parents of the underage applicant—a notarized document, officially translated into Slovak language or an sworn statement of a close person living in the Slovak Republic who takes responsibility for the minor (brother, sister, uncle, aunt, grandparents)
Notes:
• if you are finishing your secondary school studies during this academic year, you must attach a confirmation of your attendace at the school stating the date of the final exam instead of the final/graduation certificate + previous high school study marks
• translation of education documents is not required, but if you have documents translated into English, send us a scan of the original together with the English translation
• Slovak translation of education documents is required only after enrollment for studies until 31 October 2023
24. Who is a tutor and why is this person important for students who are under 18 years old, i.e. are they minors?
The tutor is the person responsible for the minor student until the 18th birthday and assumes responsibility for him on the territory of the Slovak Republic instead of the parents. The parents authorize this person living in the Slovak Republic through a power of attorney (a proxy) and determine the scope of his competences directly in the power of attorney (a proxy). In the application, we require a notarized power of attorney to represent the student by the tutor, translated into Slovak language. We do not provide a sample document, the notary office in your country will provide you with more information about the form of power of attorney. The tutor supervises the minor student during his stay in the Slovak Republic and at the Mlyny UK dormitory. The condition is that the tutor must be a person with a temporary or permanent residence in the Slovak Republic, therefore a document of residence in the Slovak Republic is required. The student looks for a tutor himself, or he/she can be a close relative living in Slovakia (brother, sister, uncle, aunt). In the case of close relatives, we do not require a notarized power of attorney, but a sworn statement of residence and family relationship is sufficient. In the case that a minor student lives with his parents in the Slovak Republic, he/she does not need a tutor, he/she only inserts the ID card of the parent/s in the application (also in the power of attorney section, as it is necessary to upload an attachment in the application).
25. How can I study from September if my visa are later released during September until 30/09/2023?
Students who did not have time to come to Slovakia in September can start studying online until September 30, 2023.
In the case that the visas are issued by 30/9/2023, the student continues his studies in full-time at the school after arriving in Slovakia.
In the case that the visas are not issued by 30/09/2023, the student can request for a postponement of his/her studies until the next academic year 2024/2025 or for a refund of tuition with a 20 % application fee.
In case of visa rejection, the student requests a tuition refund by October 10, 2023. If the student studied online during the month of September and the visa was rejected, the price for online education is included in 20 % of the cancellation, i.e. the student does not pay any additional fees for online teaching in the month of September.
26. Who can students contact in case of problems related to their studies?
The study department of UJOP CDV UK Bratislava provides consultations on applications for studies at UJOP CĎV UK Bratislava.
Preferred form of communication—email/MS Teams.
If you are interested in a personal visit to the Study Department, you must make an appointment in advance by phone or email.