2025

Modernisation of vocational education

Development changes to the vocational matura

In June 2025, the Act Amending the Matura Act Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o maturi was published in the Official Gazette. The main amendments concern the option for students in upper secondary technical and vocational programmes to take the Vocational Matura in five subjects, the abolition of the winter session of the Vocational Matura, and the equalization of opportunities for candidates taking the Vocational Matura in two parts with those taking the General Matura in two parts.

The Act stipulates, among other provisions, that students enrolled in upper secondary technical and vocational programmes, which conclude with the Vocational Matura, may, in addition to the existing four-subject Vocational Matura, also take the so-called five-subject Matura. This includes three subjects from the standard part of the General Matura, and students will be provided with appropriate preparation during their studies. The current form of the Vocational Matura is being revised to strengthen students’ knowledge in general education subjects, thereby enabling them to progress more successfully to university or integrated master’s studies. The existing four-subject Vocational Matura remains unchanged and continues to allow progression to tertiary education in higher vocational and professional study programmes.

The amendment also abolishes the winter session of the Vocational Matura. Previously, the law stipulated that the Vocational Matura could be taken in spring, autumn, and winter sessions, whereas the General Matura could only be taken in spring and autumn sessions. This placed General Matura candidates at a disadvantage compared to Vocational Matura candidates, as they were not permitted to sit the examination in the winter session. The amendment, therefore, equalizes opportunities by allowing both Vocational Matura and General Matura candidates to sit the examination in two sessions. Moreover, since only a tiny proportion of candidates first take the Vocational Matura in the winter session, this does not justify its continued organization in Slovenian schools and across the education system. The abolition of the winter session does not restrict candidates’ opportunities for further study, as they may, like General Matura candidates, sit the examination in the spring and autumn sessions.

The amendments also align the opportunities of Vocational and General Matura candidates in relation to resits. Where the Matura is taken in two parts, both groups of candidates will now be able, in the autumn session, to improve the grades achieved in the spring session. Up to now, Vocational Matura candidates could only resit a failed subject from the first session in the second session, while General Matura candidates who had been granted the right to take the Matura in two parts across two consecutive sessions were also permitted to improve their grades in the second session. The new provision, therefore, equalises the rights of Vocational Matura candidates with those of General Matura candidates.

The Ministry of Education has also submitted for public consultation a draft amendment to the Rules on the Manner of Conducting the Matura for Candidates with Special Needs (predlog sprememb in dopolnitev Pravilnika o načinu izvajanja mature za kandidate s posebnimi potrebami). The amendment updates the possible adaptations available to candidates with special needs. It extends the right to such adaptations to students who have been provided with adjustments by their school over a more extended period of their education, even if they have not received an official placement decision.

Financing of the education system

The central amendment of the Act Amending the Organization and Financing of Education Act (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja) concerns the allocation of funds for development and investment in education, linked to a share of gross domestic product (GDP), set at 0.5 per cent. See Section 13.2.

Single-phase appointment of headteachers 

The most important novelty in the procedure for appointing headteachers, introduced by the Act Amending the organization and Financing of Education Act (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja) is the replacement of the minister's opinion with the minister's consent, thereby introducing a single-phase procedure for the appointment of a headteacher or director. See Section 13.2.

Formalization of the quality assurance framework

The Act Amending the Organization and Financing of Education Act (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja) updates the legal basis for the quality assessment and assurance framework in education. See Section 13.2.

Reform of the school inspectorate

In July 2025, the new School Inspection Act (nov Zakon o šolski inšpekciji) was published in the Official Gazette. The Act brings several novelties to the operation of the inspectorate, the most important being the introduction of system-wide reviews and the provision of professional support. See Section 13.2.

Other policy developments

Management of the inter-company education centre

The Act Amending the Organization and Financing of Education Act (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja) introduces, among other things, a new post of Head of the Inter-Company Education Centre (MIC). Although the Head of an MIC is not formally classified as education staff, they may be promoted to a professional title under a comparable system to that applying to directors, headteachers, and deputy headteachers, who are likewise not categorized as education staff under the Act but may obtain a professional title if they meet the promotion requirements set out in the rules governing the promotion of education staff to professional titles.

In line with this, the Rules Amending the Rules on Norms and Standards for the Implementation of Educational Programmes in Secondary Education (Pravilnik o spremembah in dopolnitvah Pravilnika o normativih in standardih za izvajanje izobraževalnih programov in vzgojnega programa na področju srednjega šolstva) stipulate that the headteacher of a school which, under its founding act, has an MIC, must systematize the post of Head of the MIC according to the number of students enrolled in programmes leading to vocational and upper secondary technical qualifications.

Measures to reduce the shortage of education staff

The Act Amending the Organization and Financing of Education Act (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja) also introduces provisions enabling employees in educational institutions to take on additional work with the same employer, up to one-fifth of full working hours, for a fixed period of one year, for an already employed member of staff. See Section 13.2.

In June 2025, a Public Call for Study Support to Subsidize Tuition Fees for the Further Education of Education Staff in the 2025/26 academic year (Javni razpis študijskih pomoči za subvencioniranje šolnin za nadaljnje izobraževanje strokovnih delavcev v študijskem letu 2025/26) was published in the Official Gazette. See Section 13.2.

In June, the website of the Ministry of Education published a Public Invitation to Retired Teachers and Other Education Staff to Return to Teaching and Other Educational Work in the 2025/26 school year (Javni poziv upokojenim učiteljem in drugim strokovnim delavcem za ponovno opravljanje vzgojno-izobraževalnega dela na področju vzgoje in izobraževanja v šolskem letu 2025/26). See Section 13.2.

In April, the Rules Amending the Rules on Traineeship for Education Staff in Education (Pravilnik o spremembi Pravilnika o pripravništvu strokovnih delavcev na področju vzgoje in izobraževanja) were published in the Official Gazette. See Section 13.2.

In April, a Public Call for Scholarships for Students of Teacher Education Programmes in the 2025/26 academic year (Javni razpis  za dodelitev štipendij študentom pedagoških študijskih programov v študijskem letu 2025/26) was published in the Official Gazette. See Section 13.2.

In March, a Public Call for Traineeships in Schools for the 2025/26 school year (Javni razpis pripravniških mest v šolah za šolsko leto 2025/2026) was published in the Official Gazette. See Section 13.2.

Incentives for the professional development of education staff

The Act Amending the Organization and Financing of Education Act (Zakonom o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja) introduces, among other things, the possibility of promotion for this education staff who have previously not been eligible for career advancement, such as laboratory technicians. See Section 13.2.

Measures to strengthen digital competences, competences for sustainable development and financial literacy

In July 2025, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Action Plan of the Digital Slovenia 2030 Strategy (Akcijski načrt strategije Digitalna Slovenija 2030 za leti 2025 in 2026), adopted in March 2023 by the Government, which sets out the vision and objectives for Slovenia’s digital transformation in the broader societal framework. The corresponding action plan defines the concrete means of achieving the objectives laid down in the strategy, together with indicators. It sets out individual measures, their expected impact on achieving the goals, and the planned public financial resources allocated for this purpose. See Section 13.2.

In June, in accordance with the National Programme for Financial Literacy (Nacionalnim programom finančnega opismenjevanja – NPFO), the Government established the Council for Financial Literacy (Svet za finančno opismenjevanje), whose primary objective is to address, in a systematic and organized manner, the challenges and opportunities in the field of financial literacy in Slovenia. See Section 13.2. 

In April and May, the Official Gazette published two public calls for proposals: Enhanced Delivery of Quality and Accessible Learning and the Introduction of Circular Content in Educational Institutions of the SAŠA Region and Enhanced Delivery of Quality and Accessible Learning and the Introduction of Circular Content in Educational Institutions of the Zasavje Region (Javni razpis Obogateno izvajanje kakovostnega in dostopnega učenja ter uvajanja krožnih vsebin v VIZ SAŠA regije and Javni razpis Obogateno izvajanje kakovostnega in dostopnega učenja ter uvajanja krožnih vsebin v VIZ Zasavske regije. These calls aim to contribute to improving the quality, inclusiveness and efficiency of education, and to reduce the mismatch between the knowledge and skills acquired by young people during their education and the needs of the labour market. This will be achieved by developing, enriching and strengthening digital, entrepreneurial and sustainable (green) competences in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, basic schools with adapted programmes, and institutions for the education of children and young people with special needs, with a particular focus on career guidance and circular content in the Savinja–Šalek (SAŠA) and Zasavje regions. See Section 13.2.

Amendment of educational requirements for teachers

In March 2025, the Rules Amending the Rules on Educational Qualifications of Teachers and other Education Staff in Vocational and Technical Education (Pravilnik o izobrazbi učiteljev in drugih strokovnih delavcev v poklicnem in strokovnem izobraževanju) were published in the Official Gazette. A significant part of the innovations arises from the expansion and modernization of education programmes. At the same time, the shortage of teachers in specific subjects or subject areas also plays a role, making it necessary to regulate matters concerning education staff and the requirements they must meet. See Section 13.2. 

Inclusion of the Slovenian sign language and the language of deafblind

The Act Amending the Organization and Financing of Education Act (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja) introduces, among other things, Slovenian sign language and the language of deafblind as a language of instruction within the education system. See Section 13.2.

Transport of children and young people with special educational needs

The Act Amending the Organization and Financing of Education Act (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja) introduces a provision on the financing of transport for children and young people with special needs from the state budget. See Section 13.2.

Supplementing the components of education programmes

The Act Amending the Organization and Financing of Education Act (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja) also contains provisions modifying the components of education programmes, thus affecting the special part of the programmes. See Section 13.2.

Changes to the competences of the institutions' councils

The Act Amending the Organization and Financing of Education Act (Zakonom o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja ) introduces changes to the specific competences of the institution's council. See Section 13.2. 

Revised and amended programmes of vocational and technical education 

In July 2025, the Decree to Adopt the Revised Programmes of Vocational and Technical Education Programmes (Odredba o sprejetju prenovljenih izobraževalnih programov poklicnega in strokovnega izobraževanja) was published in the Official Gazette, by which the following revised programmes were announced:

• Nursing Assistant (upper secondary vocational)
• Pharmaceutical Technician (upper secondary technical)
• Mechatronics Operator (upper secondary vocational)
• Mechatronics Technician (upper secondary technical)
• Mechatronics Technician (vocational-technical).

The programmes have been revised within the framework of the project Modernization of Upper-Secondary Vocational and Technical Education, including Apprenticeships, the Renewal of Short Higher Vocational Study Programmes, and the Establishment of Digitally Supported Learning Sites 2022–2026 (Modernizacija srednjega poklicnega in strokovnega izobraževanja vključno z vajeništvom, prenova višješolskih študijskih programov ter vzpostavitev digitalno podprtih učnih mest 2022-2026). The basis for the revision was the renewed Guidelines for the Preparation of Programmes of Short-cycle Upper-Secondary and Upper-Secondary Vocational Education and Upper-Secondary Technical Education (Izhodišča za pripravo programov nižjega in srednjega poklicnega izobraževanja ter programov srednjega strokovnega izobraževanja). A key focus of the revision is on content modernization and the systematic integration of key competences (in addition to digital and sustainability competences, also entrepreneurship and financial literacy; learning to learn; holistic health and well-being; language, citizenship, culture and the arts; career planning and management). This supports greater adaptability to the changing needs of the economy and consequently facilitates the transition from education to the labour market. The listed educational programmes will be implemented as of the 2026/2027 school year.

In July 2025, the Decree to Amend the Vocational and Technical Education Programmes (Odredba o spremembi izobraževalnih programov poklicnega in strokovnega izobraževanja) was published in the Official Gazette, by which amendments were adopted to the following programmes of vocational and technical education:

• Electrical Technician (vocational-technical)
• Electrical Technician (vocational-technical, GIB) and
• Mechatronics Operator (vocational).

The educational programmes are amended in Point 3 of the general part of the programme – the duration of education. Other components of the programmes remain unchanged.

In April, the Official Gazette published the Decree to Amend Upper-Secondary Education Programmes (Odredba o dopolnitvi srednješolskih izobraževalnih programov), which concerns supplements to the following upper-secondary educational programmes:

1. Upper-secondary vocational education programme:

• Electrician
• Electrician (DV)
• Electrician (GIBI)
• Electrician (SI)
• Computer Technician (SI).

2. Upper-secondary technical education programmes:

• Electrical Technician
• Electrical Technician (SI)
• Electronic Communications Technician
• Mechatronics Technician (SI).

3. Vocational-technical education programmes:

• – Mechatronics Technician (DV).

The listed education programmes are amended in item 1 of the special part of the programme – the curriculum. Other components of the education programmes remain unchanged.

In March and April 2025, the Council of Experts of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational and Technical Education, in cooperation with the Council of Experts of the Republic of Slovenia for General Education, determined 48 catalogues of knowledge for general education subjects in education and adapted education programmes of short-cycle upper secondary vocational and upper-secondary vocational as well as upper-secondary technical and vocational-technical education. This also includes catalogues of knowledge for implementation in ethnically mixed areas of Slovene Istria and Prekmurje.

The new catalogues of knowledge, revised within the framework of the project Renewal of Education Programmes through the Renewal of Key Programme Documents  (Prenova vzgojno-izobraževalnih programov s prenovo ključnih programskih dokumentov), also include, among other things, the content set out in the document "Common Goals and Their Integration into Subject-Curricula and Catalogues of Knowledge." These address five key areas: digital competences, sustainable development, health and well-being, language, citizenship, culture and the arts, and entrepreneurship, including financial literacy. In this way, contemporary challenges in education are embedded into the curriculum, contributing to the holistic development of students.

At the same time, members of the Council of Experts were also introduced to didactic recommendations for individual catalogues of knowledge. These are based on current professional insights and provide necessary professional support to teachers in planning high-quality, modern and inclusive teaching. The catalogues of knowledge and didactic recommendations are the result of the work of subject-curriculum commissions, composed of representatives of teachers, faculties, and advisers from the National Education Institute of the Republic of Slovenia and the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training.

Final examination and Vocational Matura

In April 2025, the Official Gazette published the Rules on the Final Examination and the Rules on the Vocational Matura (Pravilnik o zaključnem izpitu and Pravilnik o poklicni maturi). 

Amendment introduces by the Rules on the Final Examination (Pravilnik o zaključnem izpitu) relate primarily to the scope and structure of the final examination, the duties of the school examination board, and the remuneration of education staff involved in the implementation of the final examination. Teachers are awarded recognition for their work in terms of time allocated for preparing and assessing examinations as well as for mentoring students. The Minister of Education determines the value of each working hour through a special decision. The rules now explicitly define the duties of the school examination board for the final examination. The proposal also provides that the headteacher may appoint an additional (fourth) member of the school examination board from among employers (previously, such a member could be appointed only as one of the three regular members).

The Rules on Vocational Matura (Pravilnik o poklicni maturi) specify, among other things, the duties of the National Examinations Centre and the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training in relation to the vocational matura. They also introduce the role of the Matura Coordination Committee as a professional advisory body, which may be appointed by the Minister. Teachers are again awarded recognition for their work in terms of time allocated for preparing and assessing examinations, as well as for mentoring students. The Minister of Education determines the value of each working hour through a special decision. 

Changes to the norms and standards

In April 2025, the Official Gazette published the changes to the following regulations:

• Pravilnik o spremembah in dopolnitvah Pravilnika o normativih in standardih za izvajanje izobraževalnih programov in vzgojnega programa na področju srednjega šolstva (relevant to the norms for implementation of the education programmes and behaviour-related education programme in upper secondary education)
• Pravilnik o spremembah in dopolnitvah Pravilnika o normativih in standardih v dvojezični srednji šoli (relevant to the norms in bilingual upper secondary school)
• Pravilnik o spremembah in dopolnitvah Pravilnika o normativih in standardih v srednjih šolah z italijanskim učnim jezikom (relevant to the norms in upper secondary school with Italian language of instruction)

The amendments to the rules concern, inter alia, the systematization of new accounting and administrative posts in accordance with the Annexe to the Collective Agreement for the Education Sector in the Republic of Slovenia (Aneks h Kolektivni pogodbi za dejavnost vzgoje in izobraževanja v Republiki Sloveniji), , the provision of additional professional support, and the introduction of a supplement for mentoring students during compulsory practical training. 

The amendments to the rules in the field of secondary education also provide that the headteacher of a school with a school estate, where educational programmes in the field of forestry are also implemented (previously only in agronomy), shall systematize one post of estate manager. Certain schools implementing programmes in this field have, based on the Act on the Provision of Land for the Implementation of Educational, Research and Development Activities in Agriculture and Forestry (Zakon o zagotavljanju zemljišč za izvajanje izobraževalnih ter raziskovalnih dejavnosti s področja kmetijstva in gozdarstva) been granted the management of additional land, which is, in actual use, agricultural or forest land owned by the Republic of Slovenia and managed by the Farmland and Forest Fund of the Republic of Slovenia or the state-owned company Slovenski državni gozdovi d.o.o.

Status of Already Approved Textbooks in the Procedures for the Approval of New Curricula and Knowledge Catalogues

In March 2025, the Official Gazette published the Rules Amending the Rules on Approval of Textbooks (Pravilnik o spremembi Pravilnika o potrjevanju učbenikov). See Section 13.2.

Improving the educational process for working with upper secondary students from vulnerable groups in programmes of short upper secondary vocational education

In June 2025, the Official Gazette published a public call for proposals entitled “Improving the Pedagogical Process for Working with Students from Vulnerable Groups in Short-Cycle Vocational Education Programmes” (Javni razpis »Izboljšanje pedagoškega procesa za delo z dijaki iz ranljivih skupin v programih nižjega poklicnega izobraževanja). The purpose of the public call is to promote the social inclusion of students from vulnerable groups by developing and introducing new pedagogical methods, adapted teaching approaches, and enhanced cooperation between education staff and students from vulnerable groups enrolled in short vocational education programmes.

The public call aims to develop proposals for normative changes within short upper secondary vocational education programmes. The call co-finances activities aimed at developing new, specific forms and methods of work, designing training and education for education staff working with students in those programmes. The total indicative value of the funds available under the call is up to EUR 1,500,000.

Provision of ICT equipment for educational institutions

In April 2025, a Public Call for the Co-financing of Additional Active Network Equipment within the framework of the project Modernisation of Computer Networks in Educational Institutions (Javni razpis za sofinanciranje dodatne aktivne omrežne opreme v okviru izvedbe projekta »Posodobitev računalniških omrežij na VIZ« v okviru Načrta za okrevanje in odpornost) was published in the Official Gazette. See Section 13.2.

Cultural and arts education

In May 2025, the Official Gazette published a Public Call for the Selection of a National Project for Cultural and Arts Education (Javni razpis za izbor nacionalnega projekta kulturno-umetnostne vzgoje za povezovanje vzgojno-izobraževalnih zavodov in kulturnih ustanov na regijski ravni). See Section 13.2.

2024

Modernization of vocational education

Draft National Education Programme for 2023–2033

In July 2024, the relevant working group developed the final draft National Education Programme for 2023–2033 (končni predlog Nacionalnega programa vzgoje in izobraževanja za obdobje 2023–2033). In secondary vocational education and training, the aim is to evaluate the structure and purpose of secondary vocational education and training programmes, emphasising short secondary and upper secondary vocational education. The evaluation should determine which programmes still focus primarily on preparing students for occupation and employment, and for which programmes it would be sensible to strengthen their general educational and pre-vocational objectives. The final draft defines upper secondary educational qualification as a national standard, which means the state should enable all to acquire at least an upper secondary educational qualification at any time in life. For more information, see Chapter National reforms in school education.

Amendment to the enrolment in upper secondary programme

In August 2024, the Ordinance on the selection criteria for upper secondary vocational education, technical education and gimnazija programmes with a set cap on enrolment (Odredba o merilih za izbiro kandidatov v primeru omejitve vpisa v programe srednjega poklicnega izobraževanja, srednjega strokovnega izobraževanja ter gimnazij) was published in the official gazette. candidates will be allotted a place based on the sum of final marks in all compulsory subjects of grades 7 to 9 (up to 60% of the total) and the achievement in the national examination in the language of instruction (Slovenian or Italian, or Hungarian in nationally mixed areas) and mathematics (each up to 20%). A special formula will be applied to calculate the total percentages for allotting a place. The new criteria also apply to the enrolment in programmes for which candidates must pass an aptitude test, and the latter results shall be considered an additional criterion. It follows the Act amending the Vocational and Technical Education Act, which allows for outcomes of the national examination to be considered as a criterion for enrolment in upper secondary school (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o poklicnem in strokovnem izobraževanju).

Amendment to the vocational matura

In May 2024, the Ministry of Education published Rules amending the vocational matura Rules (Pravilnik o spremembah in dopolnitvah Pravilnika o poklicni maturi). Amendments are dictated by the amended law on matura as provisions of the Rules must be harmonised with the solutions of the amended Matura Act (novela Zakona o maturi). The latter defines the right to take matura examination in two parts. Previously, the law did not specify this right and the exercising of it completely which the Public Administration Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia also established. The amended law now clearly defines who can exercise the right to take the matura examination in two parts, what are justifiable reasons, what authorities decide on the right, and what are the terms and decision-making methods. The amended Rules, consequently, define in greater detail the required evidence to support the exercise of the right as referred to in Article 27 of the Act. The amendment applies further to the Articles defining the conditions and deregistration from the vocational matura examination.

Improved support for the inclusion of migrant students

In June 2024, the Act amending the Vocational and Technical Education Act (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o poklicnem in strokovnem izobraževanju) was published in the official gazette. It made further provisions for the Slovenian language course for students whose home language is not Slovenian; students who have not completed basic education in Slovenia or students who started basic education in grade 9 for the first time in Slovenia. In practice, it was shown that students who entered basic education in Slovenia in grade 9, failed to reach proficiency in Slovenian needed to do well in upper secondary education.

Establishing the rights of students in work-based training

By the Act amending the Vocational and Technical Education Act (Zakon o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o poklicnem in strokovnem izobraževanju) published in June, the employers must provide meals or relevant financial compensation to students during their work-based training. It gives a legal framework for the inspection responsible for labour to act for students in work-based training.

Other policy developments

Reform of the wage system

In November 2024, representatives of the government and public sector unions signed collective agreements or annexes to contracts and agreements, which form the basis for the reform of the wage system. See National reforms in school education.

Strengthening the mental health of children and adolescents

In December 2024, the Ministry of Health launched the Call for Proposals "Development of a programme to overcome anxiety in children and adolescents" (Javni razpis »Razvoj programa za premagovanje anksioznosti otrok in mladostnikov«), which aims to create supportive environments to promote mental health in the family, kindergartens, schools and programmes to prevent the development of mental disorders. See National reforms in school education.

Proposed amendments to the requirements for leaders of inter-company educational and training centres

In May 2024, the Ministry of Education published the draft Act amending the Organisation and Financing of Education Act (predlog Zakona o spremembah in dopolnitvah Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja). It specified, among others, the requirements for educational qualification for leaders of inter-company educational and training centres, and further specified the appointment of the director of public school. For more information see National reforms in school education.

Transition between education and social care for education staff

In June 2024, the Ministry of Education published the draft Rules on the procedures and requirements for titles of education staff in social-care institutions when employed in the field of education (predlog Pravilnika o postopku in pogojih za pridobitev naziva strokovnih sodelavcev in strokovnih delavcev socialnovarstvenih zavodov ob zaposlitvi na področju vzgoje in izobraževanja. For more information see National reforms in school education.

Alleviating shortages of education staff

In June 2024, the Ministry of Education opened an invitation to apply for a study aid to subsidise fees for continuous education of education staff in the 2024/2024 academic year (Javni razpis študijskih pomoči za subvencioniranje šolnin za nadaljnje izobraževanje strokovnih delavcev v študijskem letu 2024/25). For more information see National reforms in school education.

In April 2024, the Ministry of Education advertised traineeship posts in schools for the 2024/2025 year (Javni razpis pripravniških mest v šolah za leto 2024/25). For more information see 14.2.

Supporting excellence

In June 2024, the Minister responsible for labour, family, social care and equal opportunities adopted the Rules amending the Zois scholarships Rules (Pravilnik o spremembah in dopolnitvah Pravilnika o dodeljevanju Zoisovih štipendij). For more information see National reforms in school education.

In May 2024, the Ministry of Education invited to apply for co-funding selection and interest school competitions in the 2024/2025 school year (Javni razpis za sofinanciranje selekcijskih in interesnih šolskih tekmovanj v šolskem letu 2024/2025). For more information see National reforms in school education.

In April 2024, the Ministry of Education published the draft Rules amending the Rules on the Slovenian language course for upper secondary students (predlog Pravilnika o dopolnitvah Pravilnika o tečaju slovenščine za dijake v srednjih šolah). For more information see National reforms in school education.

In March 2024, the minister responsible for education issued the Rules on criteria and standards of knowledge for non-formal adult education programmes for learning Slovenian. It set criteria and standards for learning the Slovenian language at a breakthrough level to extend residence permits for family reunification, including knowledge standards for a mandatory test of Slovenian language proficiency at a breakthrough level. The objectives of the non-formal Slovenian language learning programmes are to develop skills of very basic communication in the most predictable and repetitive situations, which corresponds to the Pre-A1 and A1 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or survival in a new local environment.

In March 2024, based on the resolutions of the relevant council of experts, the minister responsible for education issued the Order to adopt the Let’s learn about the power of nature – Development of knowledge of and skills in environment and sustainability adult education programme and the Order to adopt the Understanding health – Path to a healthy lifestyle adult education programme.

In February 2024, the Ministry of Education published the draft Rules amending the School competition co-funding Rules (https://e-uprava.gov.si/si/drzava-in-druzba/e-demokracija/predlogi-predpisov/predlog-predpisa.html?id=15918). See National reforms in school education.

In February 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food issued the Public call for applications for co-funding of material costs and costs of services of practical training. It is aimed at upper secondary students, students at higher vocational colleges, and higher education institutions, as well as at co-funding investment in institutes of agri-food processing, forestry, veterinary, and food. The amount of the grant funds amounts to €168,010.

In February 2024, the Agreement amending the Strike Agreement, signed between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Education, Science, and Culture Trade Union of Slovenia (SVIZ) was published in the Official Gazette. See National reforms in school education.

In February 2024, Annex H to the Collective Agreement for the Education Sector in the Republic of Slovenia was published in the Official Gazette. It was concluded by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and representative trade unions in education and higher education. See National reforms in school education.

In February 2024, the Government adopted the Action Plan on Drugs for 2024–2025. See National reforms in school education.

In February 2024, the Decision establishing posts in kindergartens, schools, and educational institutions for SEN children and youth where public sector employees are entitled to an allowance under item 8 Article 39 of the Collective agreement for the public sector was published in the Official Gazette. See National reforms in school education.

In January 2024, following the resolution of the relevant council of experts, the minister responsible for education adopted the Order to adopt the renewed Cosmetics technician and Cosmetics technician (SI) education programmes. The revised programmes will start in the 2024/2025 school year.

2023

Modernisation of vocational education

Tasks outlined in the 2021–2024 Action plan for incorporating Slovenian sign language into preschool and school education were completed in 2023. See National reforms in school education.

In the scope of the project to modernise the education programmes and key programme documents most curricular commissions were appointed. See National reforms in school education.

In December 2023, the Curricular council, which was set up to monitor and guide the modernisation of the education programme, approved the document of common goals and their incorporation in the subject-curricula and knowledge catalogues. See National reforms in school education.

In December 2023, the relevant council of experts adopted the background document for the modernisation of knowledge catalogues for general education subjects in vocational and technical education. Among others, it highlighted broader reflections on the role of general education subjects in vocational and technical education, emphasized the specifics of individual levels, and defined the principles for designing knowledge catalogues and the incorporation of common goals. The second part outlined the guidelines for the development of knowledge catalogues, along with guidelines for developing didactic recommendations, and the recommendations for assessment and marking of knowledge.

In November 2023, the Government adopted the Strategy for the Integration of Non-European Union Nationals into the Cultural, Economic, and Social Life of the Republic of Slovenia. See section 14.2.

In August 2023, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Strategy and Action plan for the greening of public educational and research infrastructure. See National reforms in school education.

In June 2023, the ministry responsible for family, social matters and equal opportunities laid before the Government the draft draft Resolution on the national programme for equal opportunities of women and men until 2030. See National reforms in school education.

In March 2023, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for digital transformation developed the Digital Slovenia 2030 strategy. See chapter 14.5.

In March 2023, the ministry responsible for labour, family, social matters and equal opportunities released to public consultation the draft Resolution on the national programme of prevention of domestic violence and violence against women. See National reforms in school education.

Other policy developments

In December 2023, the Public call for co-funding the status rights of athletes in the education system for the year 2024 (https://www.uradni-list.si/glasilo-uradni-list-rs/vsebina/2023013100001/javni-razpis-za-sofinanciranje-statusnih-pravic-sportnikov-vkljucenih-v-vzgojno-izobrazevalni-sistem-za-leto-2024-st--6712-4020232-ob-363323) was published in the Official Gazette. See National reforms in school education.

In December 2023, the Act amending the Scholarship Act was published in the Official Gazette. See National reforms in school education.

In December 2023, the minister responsible for education adopted the Order adopting the amendment to the vocational and technical education programmes.

The amendment applies to the following upper secondary education programmes:

• Vocational: Electrician and Mechatronic operator
• Technical: Electrotechnician, Technician of electronic communications, Mechatronic technician
• Vocational-technical: Electrotechnician and Mechatronic technician

It introduced changes under item 3 of the special part of the programme – knowledge of providers. Other programme components stay unchanged.

In December 2023, the Ministry of Education issued the Public call for applications for funding the training of mentors to provide work-based training in the education programmes in the years 2023–2026. It aims to contribute to the improvement of the education and training system's responsiveness to labour market needs by enhancing the competences of mentors in companies, and consequently strengthening the cooperation between the education system and the labour market. The goal is to reduce the mismatch between the competences acquired by students during their education and the competences sought by employers, thereby enabling a smoother transition from education to the labour market. It is planned to train 3,900 mentors in companies. The public call is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. The total amount of funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility available until 2026 is €1,444,000.00.

In November 2023, the minister responsible for education adopted the Rules amending the Rules on the teaching certification examination. See section 14.2.

In October 2023, the Ministry of Education issued the Public call "Basic Competences 2023–2029" partially funded by the European Union from the European Social Fund Plus. The subject of the call is the co-funding of the implementation of education programmes for adults to acquire basic competences. Participants join the programmes based on their needs and their current life situation. The aim is to increase adult participation in lifelong learning and to improve competences to meet the labour market needs, increase employability and mobility, and personal development for coping with and responding to technological, demographic, and climate changes in modern society. The total provisional value of available funds amounts to up to €37,000,000.00, with co-funding planned by individual programme areas and fiscal years.

In October 2023, the Ministry of Education published draft amendment to the following rules on:

• methods of funding education programmes of bilingual school
• methods of funding education programmes and the behaviour-related education programme in upper secondary education
• methods of funding education programmes of upper secondary schools with the Italian language of instruction
• norms of funding higher vocational colleges

See National reforms in school education.

In September 2023, the minister responsible for education and training adopted the new Rules on the criteria and methods for the valuation of material expenses in educational institutions for children with special needs. See National reforms in school education.

In September 2023, the Public call for the co-funding of the "Modernization of Computer Networks in Educational Institutions" project within the Recovery and Resilience Plan was published in the Official Gazette. See National reforms in school education.

In September 2023, the Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Remedy the Consequences of the Floods and Landslides in August 2023 was published in the official gazette. See National reforms in school education.

In September 2023, a group of Parliament members laid before the National Assembly the draft Act amending the Scholarship Act. See National reforms in school education.

In August 2023, the minister responsible for education adopted the Rules on promotion of education staff to titles. See National reforms in school education.

In July 2023, the minister responsible for education adopted rules relevant to the changes in norms and standards for basic and upper secondary schools. See National reforms in school education.

Amended norms and standards of implementing education programmes for SEN children relate to pursuing by analogy the amendments proposed to basic schools and upper secondary schools also to amended obligation within educational activities and number of preschool teachers in an individual group, classification of the new posts teacher and preschool teacher to communicate with students in the Slovenian sign language, and teacher and preschool teacher to pursue activities with deaf blind, a more favourable requirement for the classification of carers, norm for setting up classes of only children with serious or severe intellectual disabilities, and new criteria for setting up classes for mobile service of the mobile team.

In June 2023, the Act amending the Act on Organisation and Financing of Education was published in the offical gazette. See National reforms in school education.

In May 2023, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the draft Act amending the Act on Special Rights in Education of the Italian and Hungarian National Communities. See National reforms in school education.

In April 2023, the Collective Agreement for Trade and Entrepreneurship. It determined the awards for upper secondary and higher education students in practical training. During work-based training or during compulsory practical training, under the collective agreement upper secondary and higher education students are entitled to the monthly full-time working time award in the amount:

Upper secondary students:

• year – min €90
• year – min €120
• year – min €150
• year – min €150

Higher education students: min €190.

In April 2023, the Order to amended the Order to co-fund practical lessons in agriculture and to upgrade the institutions and development centres in agriculture. With it, the applicants that pursue activities of public educational institutions, public research institutions, and public higher education institutions (also the ones with concession) accredited for implementing officially recognised study programmes in agro-food science, forestry, veterinary and food science became eligible for co-funding. It also provided for an increase in the percentage of co-funding for the upgrade of institutions and research centres in agriculture, forestry and food science, namely from the current 50 to 75% of the investment’s acceptable cost. The highest amount of funds increased from €50,000 to €75,000.

In April 2023, the minister responsible for education adopted the Rules amending the Rules on additional professional and physical assistance for SEN children. See National reforms in school education.

In April 2023, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Action plan of the Republic of Slovenia for child guarantee 2030. See National reforms in school education.

In March 2023, the ministry responsible for education advertised the Call for the selection and co-funding of professional development programmes for the 2023/2024 school year. See National reforms in school education.

In March 2023, the ministry responsible for education advertised the Call for applications for traineeship posts in schools for the 2023/2024 school year. See National reforms in school education.

In March 2023, the In March, the Strike Agreement between the Government of the Republic and the Education, Science and Culture Trade Union of Slovenia was publiseh in the official gazette. See National reforms in school education.

In February 2023, the ministry responsible for education issued a public call for applications for scholarships for students in initial teacher education study programmes for the academic year 2023/2024. See chapter 14.4.

In February 2023, the minister responsible for education adopted the modernised education programmes and the new education programme:

• Modernised programmes of upper-secondary vocational, technical and vocational-technical education (Computer operator, Computer technician, Logistics technician, Laboratory biomedicine technician, Dental prosthetics technician, Glassmaking technician)
• Confectioner, new education programme.

The relevant programmes were renovated following the revised vocational standards; the new education programme is modified to the provision in schools with a Slovenian medium of instruction in an ethnically mixed area of Slovenian Istria.

In February 2023, the minister responsible for education adopted the Rules amending the Rules on the teaching certification examination, the Rules amending the Rules on the selection and co-funding of continuing education and training programmes for education staff, and three rules for education in ethnically mixed areas. See National reforms in school education.