Human Resources

Knowledge is a key efficiency factor at the national, regional, enterprise and individual levels, and it is becoming the most important production factor as well.

Curriculum reform at the primary and secondary levels of education was launched in the 1990s and its implementation was completed in 2003. Compulsory education now starts at the age of six and lasts nine years. The nine-year primary school brings different forms of ability grouping into the structure of basic education. General secondary education and vocational education have also been modified to prepare students to also undertake learning later in life. Within the framework of tertiary education, institutional and curriculum diversification has increased substantially, fuelled also by the need for adult education and retraining.

Brief statistics on Slovene education, school year 2018/2019

Source: Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, 2019

Slovenia is also taking part in facilitating international competitiveness of the European educational system. In that respect, Slovenia is also a signatory to the Bologna Declaration of 19 June 1999, which focuses on the creation of the European area of higher education as a factor for social and human growth. Lifelong learning, comparable degrees, promotion of students’ mobility and employability are high on the government’s list of priorities. All faculties have adjusted their study plan according to the Bologna Declaration.

Public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP, 2017

According to the European Commission's lifelong learning indicator, Slovenia is above the EU average.

Adult learning, 2018

% of the population aged 25-64 participating in education and training