The rights and obligations in the field of education are enshrined in the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, which guarantees:

• compulsory school attendance,
• free education at primary and secondary schools,
• the right to higher education depending on the citizen’s abilities and the possibilities of society,
• for national minorities and ethnic groups, the right to the comprehensive development of their culture is guaranteed, including the right to education and to receive information in their mother tongue, while also having the right to acquire the state language.

According to Act No. 245/2008 Coll. on Education and training (Zákona č. 245/2008 Z. z. o výchove a vzdelávaní), education is based on the following principles:

• Free access to education: Education is free of charge in public kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, and (under specified conditions) higher education institutions. Children have the right to be admitted to kindergarten from the age of three.
• Equality and inclusion: Education is accessible to everyone, taking into account individual needs, the principles of inclusive education, and the prohibition of discrimination or segregation.
• Personal development and values: The education system focuses on the balanced development of a child’s personality, emotional aspects, and moral values. It prepares pupils for a responsible life in a tolerant society.
• Quality and innovation: Education is improved based on the achieved scientific knowledge; its quality is assessed and monitored, and it is integrated into the European educational area, taking into account one’s experience and traditions.
• Equality of schools: All types of schools (state, church, private) have equal status, and the education they provide is of equal value.
• Prohibition of corporal punishment: Any form of corporal punishment and sanctions is prohibited in education.
• Lifelong learning: All activities carried out throughout life to improve knowledge, skills, and abilities.

School education and training aim to ensure that a child or pupil:

• Acquires knowledge and skills: Pupils should receive education in accordance with the Education Act, acquire key competencies in communication (including the state language and foreign languages, digital technologies), literacy (mathematical, financial, reading), and manual skills. The goal is to teach them problem-solving and to prepare them for the requirements of the labour market.
• Develops personality and social competencies: Emphasis is placed on lifelong learning, the ability to work in a team, and taking responsibility. Pupils learn to control their behaviour, take care of their health, and protect the environment.
• Is brought up to values and civic responsibility: The educational process should strengthen respect for parents, national traditions, and cultural values. Respect for human rights and freedoms, laws, and the development of tolerance, understanding, and friendship among diverse groups of people are also important. Pupils should be prepared for a responsible life in a free society and should be aware of their rights as children.

The main task of higher education is to provide higher education in accordance with the needs of society, as well as creative scientific research or creative artistic activities. The activities of higher education institutions are governed by Act No. 131/2002 Coll. on Higher Education (Zákon č. 131/2002 Z.z. o vysokých školách).

The field of lifelong learning is regulated by Act No. 292/2024 on Adult Education (Zákon č. 568/2009 Z. z. o celoživotnom vzdelávaní). The goal of lifelong learning is to enable everyone to supplement, broaden, and deepen their education, or to retrain by acquiring a qualification in another field of education. Lifelong learning is therefore learning that directly or indirectly leads to increasing an individual’s competitiveness and improving their position in the labour market.