Sofia
Comenius University (Bratislava)
Leads our Slovakia team. You get a personal mentor in Bratislava who speaks Slovak, knows the admissions system from the inside and helps with anything that comes up locally.
Slovakia 2027. Study for free in the heart of Europe
Open to any Russian-speaking student from the CIS. By law, Slovak universities are free for all foreigners. Alba Education prepares you entirely online, covering language, documents, finding accommodation, the visa and residence permit.
Instalments from €178/mo
Request a free consultation. We'll clarify your goal, the year you want to start and your language level, and suggest where to begin.
University tuition €0 Apply online from home Slovak from scratch in 6 months
Sign up for the online Slovak course before it starts!
Classes start on 9 November. Online lessons in a small group of up to 10 people.
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Tuition at Slovak state universities is free by law
Full-time study in Slovak at Slovak state universities is free for everyone, including citizens of Russia and the CIS. This right is set out in law. To get in, you need Slovak good enough for study, you have to submit your documents on time, and in some cases you have to pass entrance exams.
The requirements change every year. A mistake in your documents or a missed deadline can cost you an extra year before you can reapply.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia
We take you through every step of admission and immigration
- 1Language and choosing universities
- 2Applications to 3–5 universities
- 3Preparing for entrance exams
- 4Visa, residence permit and European health insurance
- 5Moving and settling in
5 reasons to study in Slovakia
01Slovakia is in the EU and Schengen and uses the euro. While you study, you can travel freely across Europe without any extra visas.
02Living in Bratislava costs about 30% less than in Vienna and 40% less than in Amsterdam. A place in student halls costs from €40/mo (€80–100 in Bratislava). You can rent a room from €250/mo. Slovakia is also one of the safest countries in Europe.
03Studying in Slovak at state universities is completely free for foreigners. Slovak is a Slavic language and close to Russian in many ways, so reaching a level good enough for university in six months is realistic.
04Slovakia has some of the most relaxed document requirements in the EU for Russian citizens. You don't need a blocked account to apply for a residence permit. The permit is issued for the full length of your programme, usually 3 years for a bachelor's and 2 years for a master's.
05Slovak banks open accounts for students from Russia, with SWIFT transfers, Apple Pay and the services you're used to.
Other advantages
You can legally work part-time while you studyFree trains and ISIC student discountsA European-standard degreeVienna is an hour from Bratislava, Budapest is 2 hours
Slovakia is one of the most underrated countries around
In Russia, Slovakia rarely comes up.
In the EU since 2004In Schengen since 2007Euro since 2009An hour from Bratislava to Vienna
Slovakia makes more cars per head than any other country in the world. Volkswagen, Kia, Stellantis and Jaguar Land Rover all have plants here. The Bratislava region is one of the richest in the EU by GDP per head.
Slovakia remains one of the most accessible options for Russian citizens. Competition among Russian-speaking applicants is low, student halls cost from €40/mo (in Bratislava €80–100), and student visas are still being issued.
Where you can study for free
We apply to 3–5 universities that fit your profile, depending on your package. Here are some examples.
Comenius University (UK)
Bratislava – law, medicine, humanities
Slovak University of Technology (STU)
Bratislava – engineering and IT
University of Economics in Bratislava (EUBA)
Bratislava – economics and business
Technical University of Košice (TUKE)
Košice – engineering and aviation
Less obvious free programmes
Furniture design in ZvolenDog handling (cynology) in KošicePilot training in KošiceWinemaking and landscaping in Nitra
Not sure where exactly? At a free consultation we'll suggest three options for you, an ambitious one, a main one and a safe backup.
Free consultationA degree that lets you work anywhere in the EU
While you study
You can legally work up to 20 hours a week, and students don't need a separate work permit. There are also paid internships at local and international companies.
After graduation
A Slovak degree is valid across the European Union. You can stay and work in Slovakia or move to any EU country.
Longer term
After several years of living in the country you can apply for permanent residence and then Slovak citizenship, which also makes you an EU citizen. Your years of study partly count towards this. We share the details in Telegram.
Companies with offices in Bratislava
AmazonPwCKPMGEYDeloitteIBMDellHenkelSwiss ReAdientand other large international companies
What a degree really costs
Moscow
Fee-paying bachelor's degree in Moscow
300–700 thousand ₽ a year, or 1.2 to 2.8 million ₽ over 4 years. You graduate with a Russian degree.
Slovakia with Alba
€0 tuition + ≈ €3 875 for support with language
This covers admission support and the language course. You prepare from home and don't pay a single rouble for the university tuition itself. You graduate with an EU degree and a residence permit.
Full support together with the language course costs about the same as one year of fee-paying study at a Moscow university.
Packages and prices
prices in euros, paid in roubles at the Bank of Russia rate
turnkey – €3 875saves €2 575essentials – €1 850when paid in fullzero stress – €2 490when paid in full
Our most complete package‘Slovakia 2027 turnkey’ = zero stress + language course
Everyone applying for free tuition needs Slovak. Here it comes together with full support, so the language costs less than it would on its own. A comparable course at in-person schools costs from €6 450.
What the language course includes
- 6 months of studyFrom scratch to university level, paid monthly.
- Online classesFrom any city, with no need to move before you're admitted.
- Our own platformMaterials, assignments and your progress in one place.
- Teachers at C1 level and aboveProven command of Slovak and more than 5 years of living in Slovakia.
- Classes with a native speakerSpeaking practice with a Slovak teacher.
Plus everything in Zero Stress. That means choosing universities, applications to 5 universities, documents, visa and residence permit, accommodation and settling in, and a personal mentor in Bratislava.
Pay in full
€3 875
in instalments
was €4 470
save €595
≈ 348 000 ₽
at the Bank of Russia rate on the day of payment
save ≈€2 575 compared with language schools in Slovakia
Instalment plan over 12 months
≈ €372/mo≈ 33 500 ₽/mo
everything you need to apply
essentials
- Choosing universities10 programmes matching your profile and preferences, taking each faculty's entry requirements into account.
- Motivation letterWe write and proofread it to meet the requirements of the specific faculty.
- Personal mentor in SlovakiaYour own manager in Slovakia supports you through every stage of admission.
- PortfolioWe help you gather your achievements and present them the way your faculty asks.
- Visa and residence permitWe take you from collecting the documents to receiving a residence permit for the full length of your programme.
- Applications to 3 universitiesFor each profile we pick an ambitious, a main and a safety university.
- Career guidanceWe help you choose a field that suits your interests and your chances of admission.
- Help with translating and delivering all documentsWe arrange translation of your documents by a court-certified translator for admission, the visa and the residence permit.
Pay in full
€1 850
in instalments
was €2 130
save €280
≈ 166 000 ₽
at the Bank of Russia rate on the day of payment
Instalment plan over 12 months
≈ €178/mo≈ 16 000 ₽/mo
Most popularMost popularAsk a question
admission and relocation with full support
zero stress
Everything in Essentials, plus
Career guidance, choosing universities, applications, a personal mentor in Slovakia, visa and residence permit, document translations
- Applications to 5 universitiesTwo more universities than in Essentials, so you have a wider choice and a better chance of a tuition-free place.
- Accommodation and settling inWe help you find student halls or a flat and deal with the first tasks after you arrive.
- Insurance and medical check-upWe help you arrange insurance and get your medical check-up in Slovakia.
- ‘Life after Sanctions’ guideAdvice on transferring money from Russia and opening bank accounts in Slovakia.
Pay in full
€2 490
in instalments
was €2 870
save €380
≈ 224 000 ₽
at the Bank of Russia rate on the day of payment
Instalment plan over 12 months
≈ €239/mo≈ 21 500 ₽/mo
What each package includes
Essentials
Zero Stress
Turnkey
Career guidance and a shortlist of 10 programmes
Motivation letters and portfolio
Applications
3 universities
5 universities
5 universities
Personal mentor in Slovakia
Visa and residence permit
Document translation and delivery
Accommodation and settling in
Insurance and medical check-up
‘Life after Sanctions’ guide
6-month online Slovak course
Pay in full
€1 850
€2 490
€3 875
Prices are in euros (€) and paid in roubles at the Bank of Russia rate on the day of payment.
These prices are not a public offer. The final price and terms are set out in an individual contract.
Anything you've already paid for counts towards full support, so you only pay the difference.
Paid separately
These costs aren't included in the packages. You pay them directly or through us, with no mark-up.
- – Document translations
- – Apostille
- – Consular and visa fees
- – Document delivery
- – Health insurance and medical check-up
- – Travel and moving
- – Accommodation and deposit
- – Exam fees
- – University fees
Is the 2027 intake right for me?
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Which describes you?
Add-on module to the main course
€299/mo
Add-on module to the main course
A parallel course alongside the small groups. We prepare you for lectures, textbooks and your first year in Slovak in your field.
Ask about the language courseThree separate modules to choose from
Each field runs as its own stream with its own programme.
Module 1
For social sciences
The basics of economic and legal terminology and the main humanities topics in Slovak.
Module 2
For technical programmes
Maths in Slovak. Terms, formulas and typical first-year problems, so you start a technical programme with confidence.
Module 3
For medical faculties
The lessons focus on the core terminology used when studying at medical faculties in Slovakia.
What Alba's support includes
you have a dedicated mentor in Slovakia
Choosing universities and programmes
Three tiers, an ambitious, a main and a safety university matching your profile. We apply to 3 universities in the Essentials package and 5 in Zero Stress.
Language for your faculty
An online Slovak course from scratch plus the vocabulary of your field. It's part of the Slovakia 2027 turnkey package.
Visa, residence permit, documents
We handle sworn translations, the D visa and the Slovak residence permit for the full length of your programme.
Support after arrival
Accommodation, insurance, medical check-up, SIM cards and our ‘Life after Sanctions’ guide.
Choosing universities and programmes
Three tiers, an ambitious, a main and a safety university matching your profile. We apply to 3 universities in the Essentials package and 5 in Zero Stress.
Language for your faculty
An online Slovak course from scratch plus the vocabulary of your field. It's part of the Slovakia 2027 turnkey package.
Visa, residence permit, documents
We handle sworn translations, the D visa and the Slovak residence permit for the full length of your programme.
Support after arrival
Accommodation, insurance, medical check-up, SIM cards and our ‘Life after Sanctions’ guide.
The team taking you to Slovakia
Katerina
University of Economics Bratislava
A mentor supports the student through every stage of admission, from building a strategy to moving. Our mentors know all the bureaucratic processes from the inside and speak fluent Slovak.
Timofey
Comenius University (Bratislava), Uppsala University (Sweden)
Handles legal support. He has worked at large international companies and in consulting.
Bogdan
Lund University, University of Amsterdam, University of Economics (Bratislava)
Responsible for product and partnerships. He has guided students through admission to universities in Sweden, the Netherlands and Slovakia.
Sofia
Comenius University (Bratislava)
Leads our Slovakia team. You get a personal mentor in Bratislava who speaks Slovak, knows the admissions system from the inside and helps with anything that comes up locally.
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The Alba team
We grew out of olympiad coaching
Since 2021 our team has been preparing school students for olympiads in law and social studies. Alba carries on that work by helping students get into European universities.
- Years of experience – since 2021 we have prepared school students for officially listed olympiads and supported admission to universities in Slovakia, Sweden and the Netherlands.
- A transparent process – you can follow every stage, from the shortlist of universities matching your preferences to the status of each document, and you get regular progress reports.
2027 intake timeline
7 steps, 12 months of support
Phase 1. Preparation
October 2026
Phase 1. Preparation
October 2026
happening nowPaying upfront costs less than instalments
Sign up for admission support for Slovakia and for the language course. From then on, we guide you for 12 months until you're enrolled.
October – November 2026
October – November 2026
The Slovak course begins. We choose universities and programmes and prepare your documents.
November 2026 – January 2027
November 2026 – January 2027
Early deadlines for creative fields such as design and film, which have their own entrance tests.
Phase 2. Applications
February – March 2027
Phase 2. Applications
February – March 2027
Applications for standard programmes.
April – June 2027
April – June 2027
Language exam and faculty entrance exams.
Phase 3. The move
Summer 2027
Phase 3. The move
Summer 2027
Admission decision, then the D visa and residence permit (allow 2–3 months), accommodation and the move.
September 2027
September 2027
Start of studies. Settling in with a bank account, SIM card, health insurance and an ISIC student card (discounts across Europe).
Alba compared with language schools in Slovakia at €6 450+
| What matters | Alba ‘Slovakia 2027’ | In-person schools |
|---|---|---|
| Price of support | €3 875 for support including language | from €6 450 to €9 277 |
| Format | Online, you arrive when classes start | A full year in Bratislava, with accommodation and living costs paid separately |
| Language | Course from scratch, with vocabulary for your faculty | General course not linked to your programme |
| Payment | from €178/mo, instalments over up to 12 months | €690 deposit plus a large mark-up for instalments |
Price of support
Alba: €3 875 for support including language
In-person schools: from €6 450 to €9 277
Format
Alba: Online, you arrive when classes start
In-person schools: A full year in Bratislava, with accommodation and living costs paid separately
Language
Alba: Course from scratch, with vocabulary for your faculty
In-person schools: General course not linked to your programme
Payment
Alba: from €178/mo, instalments over up to 12 months
In-person schools: €690 deposit plus a large mark-up for instalments
For parents
Parents usually pay for their child's studies. This section is for you.
Slovakia is one of the safest countries in Europe, with consistently low crime.
The price of support is fixed in the contract before we start. Everything the packages don't include (translations, fees, insurance, accommodation, travel) is listed on this page in advance. No new charges will come up along the way.
In the Zero Stress package we help with student halls or a flat before arrival. A place in student halls in Bratislava costs €80–100 a month.
Each student has a personal mentor in Slovakia. Parents always know who to write to.
You can see the status of documents online, and after each stage we send a report and a plan for the next steps.
You can visit your child on a tourist visa. We'll help parents get a multiple-entry visa.
Frequently asked questions
Start with a free consultation
Leave your name and a phone number or email. We'll get back to you soon with a plan for 2027.
Free consultationNot ready to get in touch yet? Follow our Telegram channelFree guide (PDF)
‘10 mistakes people make applying to Slovakia on their own’
Open our Telegram bot @alba_education_bot and tap ‘Start’. The guide arrives straight away.
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