Kindergarten, school and education

The Slovak education system

Compulsory school attendance lasts 10 years. The last year of kindergarten before starting school is also compulsory.

Kindergarten (MŠ)

• Who is entitled – children from the age of 3. State and municipal kindergartens have a limited number of places; older children have priority.
• Enrolment – usually in spring (April–May). The date is published by the town or the kindergarten.
• Documents – the child’s birth certificate, residence document, a confirmation from the paediatrician about health and vaccinations.
• Fees – the monthly contribution is set by the town. The compulsory last year is free of charge.
• Meals – paid separately. If your child must not eat certain foods, say so in advance.

Primary school (ZŠ)

• Enrolment – in April, for children who turn 6 by 31 August.
• Catchment school – the school that belongs to your residence address. It must accept your child. You can also try another school if it has a free place.
• Documents – birth certificate, residence document and, when transferring, a school report from Vietnam with a translation.
• Placement – the school places the child in a year according to age and knowledge. Sometimes first one year lower, until they learn the language.
• Communication – most schools use the EduPage app for grades, messages and absence notes. Install it.

My child doesn’t speak Slovak

This is common and the school must help. Children usually learn the language faster than their parents.

• Slovak as a second language – the school can set up a Slovak course for children of foreigners. Ask about it when enrolling.
• Adaptation – at first the child may get an individual approach and more lenient assessment in Slovak.
• Support – teaching assistant, school psychologist, tutoring.
• Parents and school – go to parents’ meetings even if you don’t understand everything. Bring an interpreter or use a translation app. Tell the teacher what your child can do and what is troubling them.

From September 2026 the national curriculum for educating foreigners and for Slovak as a second language has been updated. Ask the school what language support your child will receive.

Secondary school

• Gymnázium – general education, preparation for university.
• Secondary vocational school – a specialisation (e.g. hospitality, IT, economics) with a school-leaving exam (maturita).
• Vocational training school – a trade with an apprenticeship certificate.
• Entrance exams – in May. Applications are submitted through the primary school.

University

• Admission – each university has its own dates and conditions; applications are usually due by spring.
• Tuition – studying in Slovak at a public university is free for the standard length of study, also for foreigners. Studying in English is subject to fees.
• Recognition of education – a Vietnamese school-leaving or university diploma must be recognised in Slovakia.
• Student residence – temporary residence for the purpose of study. You may work to a limited extent alongside your studies.

After-school clubs and art schools (ZUŠ)

After school, children can attend clubs (sport, languages, science) at school or at a leisure centre. The primary art school (ZUŠ) teaches music, visual arts, dance and drama for a low fee. Clubs are also the best way for a child to make friends and practise Slovak.

Vietnamese language and children’s identity

A child who speaks their mother tongue well also learns Slovak more easily. Speak Vietnamese at home, read Vietnamese books and keep in touch with family in Vietnam.

To be added: weekend Vietnamese schools, Vietnamese courses and cultural activities for children.

Frequently asked questions