Education

School education:
Basic education lasts for nine years and is compulsory. It is divided into two stages of for and five years respectively. Secondary education is provided by the following types of schools: 1.Gymnasium: Provides general secondary education and prepares for further study at universities and other higher education institutions. 2.Specialized Secondary School: Prepares students for vocational education and for study at higher education institutions. 3.Conservatories: Conservatories are a special type of professional school that provides courses in such fields as Singing, Music, Dancing and Dramatic Arts. 4.Vocational Secondary School: Prepares students for occupations requiring higher level vocational education and a School Leaving Certificate. Students may continue their studies at higher education institutions. 5.Apprentice Training Centres: Prepare school-leavers for professional activities.

Higher education:
All higher education institutions have the same legal standing and social function. They provide not only higher education, but also research and artistic activities. Higher education institutions have the exclusive right to award academic degrees. According to the Higher Education Act No.172/1990, they provide education at three levels. The first level leads to the degree of Bakalár; the second level, the complete higher education, leads to the academic degrees of Magister, Inžinier, Doktor Mediciny, Doktor Veterinárskej medicíni.; and the third level to the Doctorate /PhD.



Economy

Slovakia is a middle size economy of Central Europe. Slovakia is a member state of the European Union. It is also often regarded as part of emerging markets. Its capital, Bratislava, is the largest financial centre in Slovakia. Slovakia is enjoying sustained high economic growth. Unemployment has fallen considerably, although long-term unemployment remains stubbornly high. In the long term, improving education outcomes, including by reducing the impact of socioeconomic background on outcomes, will be central to sustaining high economic growth and social cohesion.



Climate

The Slovak Republic lies in a moderate zone and possesses a continental climate with four distinct seasons. The average daily temperature in Bratislava in winter is -2°C (31°F), rising to 21°C (70°F) in the summer. January is the coldest month, the hottest being July and August. The highest peaks are snow-capped 130 days a year.

Required Clothing
Medium- to heavyweights and sturdy footwear for winter; lightweights for summer. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year.



List of Universities in SLOVAK REPUBLIC

• Institut Jozef Stefan

• University of Ljubljana

• University of Maribor