Pupil and student mobility
Mobility of pupils and students of primary and secondary schools takes place based on Slovak Republic’s participation in international programmes and projects. The Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic also provides participation of young students in international subject Olympiads. Administration is provided by IUVENTA-National agency for youth and sport (SK).
Erasmus+
Secondary vocational school pupils and graduates (up to one year after school completion) can take part in Erasmus+ mobility programmes (SK) by completing a practical placement, which may have a form of
- a practical placement in a company or a similar organisation
- a practical placement in a school providing vocational education including practical training/practice.
The main coordinator of Erasmus+ programme at the national level is the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, which is responsible for the overall implementation of the programme in compliance with the created work plan. Two national agencies are responsible for implementation of Erasmus+ in the Slovak Republic: SAAIC – National Erasmus+ agency for education and vocational training and IUVENTA – National agency for youth and sport (SK).
ACES Academy of Central European Schools
Slovakia is involved in an international educational programme ACES, which was created in 2006 as an initiative of Austrian ERSTE Foundation. The programme tries to create multicultural dialogue between young people and cross-border cooperation of schools in 15 partner countries from central and south-eastern Europe. ACES network aims to support international dialogue between young people aged between 12 and 17. Slovakia has been a part of the international network since 2007. The project enables students to travel abroad and receive visits from partner countries.
United World College (UWC)
Scholarship for two-year study at United World College schools are designed for 2. and 3. grade gymnasium students. Curricula are based on the international academic programme International Baccalaureate (IB). Scholarships may include tuition fees, accommodation and boarding, purchase of books and learning aids.
Participation in international competitions
The Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic supports pupils' participation in international competitions, particularly subject Olympiads. The Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic creates conditions required in order for all pupils who have the capacity to successfully represent the country to be able to participate in these competitions. The professional aspect of these competition is a responsibility of relevant nationwide expert committees appointed by the minister of education, science, research and sport of the Slovak Republic. participants' travelling is arranged by IUVENTA.
Educational activities for compatriots
In order to develop bilingual education in Slovak language in primary and secondary schools abroad, the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovak Republic financially supports implementation of educational programmes for Slovaks living abroad (SK).
Every year, the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic allocates finances to subsidise programmes for support of education of Slovaks living abroad in cooperation with Methodological centres in the Slovak Republic and other institutions.
Recognition of education obtained abroad
Should study be completed at an accredited secondary school abroad the given grade can be recognised upon comparison of the secondary school curricula. Subjects in which additional examination will be taken are prescribed by the regular secondary or primary school.
Recognition of maturita examination is within the competence of a competent district authority in the seat of region (the department of education). In this case, the authority prescribes also subjects in which differential examination is to be taken.
Recognition of diplomas is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic – Centre for Recognition of Diplomas (SK).
Teacher mobility
Erasmus+
Erasmus+ offers various interesting opportunities for teachers and other school employees participating in pre-primary, primary and secondary education interested in their professional growth to develop their knowledge and skills. These include
- participation in structured courses or training abroad;
- job shadowing or observation in school or other relevant foreign institution;
- teaching at a partner school.
EEA scholarship programme (The European Economic Area scholarship programme)
As a part of project activities of EEA scholarship programme, funded from EEA grants and Slovak Republic's state budget, teachers have an opportunity to take part in:
- teachers‘ mobility aiming at the development of professional teaching of subjects including preparation of teaching aids and aids using ICT and
- mobility of school staff focused on improvement of school management.
It is necessary to combine various types of activities in such way that they create an integrated project charter.
Mobility of at least two secondary school employees between Slovakia and donor countries is required. However, mobility is only a tool for achieving deeper goals and long-term cooperation.
Teacher mobility in the area of language education
Language teachers in bilingual schools in the Slovak Republic can take part in scholarship stays abroad based on bilateral agreements between the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic and some countries (Italy, France and Spain). The type and length of stays depends on the conditions defined in agreements.
Scholarship for French teachers
Scholarship for French teachers (Bourse de Perfectionnement à la Didactique du Français en Slovaquie, BPDFS) (SK) is a motivation scholarship for teachers of French language and subjects taught in French who come to teach at Slovak secondary schools and higher education institutions. The programme is administered by the Cooperation and Cultural Action department at the French embassy in Bratislava and SAIA, which takes care of the teachers selection process and monthly payment of scholarships.
The programme is based on a bilateral agreement between the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic and France.
Summer training programme on teaching in USA
The programme is designed for second level primary school teachers and secondary school teachers teaching history, citizenship education, ethics, or other humanities subjects, who can speak English very well.
A weekly programme for 14 teachers from seven countries from all over the world has been organised for 11 years every year during July and August at selected American schools all around USA. The programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USA, Association of Holocaust Organisations (AHO) and Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, USA. It focuses on teaching about holocaust, presenting new teaching materials and techniques to teachers and mutual interaction of teachers from different countries. The programme is financed by the US Embassy in Slovakia, AHO and the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
European schools
European schools aim to educate children of European communities' employees. Teaching is carried out by teachers posted by member states. Teaching may also entail kindergartens; five years of primary school, seven years of secondary school.
There are also teachers of Slovak language and literature and some other subjects taught in English and French working at schools. Teachers are posted and financed by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic (for a certain period). Selection for the position of a teacher of Slovak language and academic subjects abroad takes place in compliance with Slovak regulations by holding a selection procedure. The committee of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic for selection and evaluation of teachers' activities in schools abroad where Slovak language and academic subjects are taught is appointed by the minister of education.
Legislative references
National Council of the Slovak Republic, 2008. Act No. 245/2008 on education and training (Education Act) and on the change and supplement to some acts as amended by subsequent provisions (Zákon č. 245/2008 Z.z. o výchove a vzdelávaní (školský zákon) a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov v znení neskorších predpisov) (last accessed 10/01/2020).
National Council of the Slovak Republic, 2008. Act No. 282/2008 on youth work support as amended by subsequent provisions (Zákon č. 282/2008 Z.z. o podpore práce s mládežou a o zmene a doplnení zákona č. 131/2002 Z.z. o vysokých školách a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov v znení neskorších predpisov) (last accessed 10/01/2020).
National Council of the Slovak Republic, 2015. Act No. 392/2015 on development cooperation adn on amendment of certain acts (Zákon č. 392/2015 Z.z. o rozvojovej spolupráci a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov) (last accessed 18/12/2019).
National Council of the Slovak Republic, 2015. Act No. 422/2015 on recognition of education documents and on recognition of professional qualification and on changes and amendments to certain acts (Zákon č. 422/2015 Z.z. o uznávaní dokladov o vzdelaní a o uznávaní odborných kvalifikácií a o zmene a doplnení niektorých zákonov) (last accessed 10/01/2020).