Studying in Slovakia after Year 9

After completing Year 9 in a CIS country, a pupil can apply to a Slovak grammar school or vocational college. The source explains that this preparation can remove the need for separate courses immediately before university.

Study lasts three to four years, during which pupils learn Slovak, gain a specialism and adapt to local life. Grammar schools prepare pupils for higher education and set demanding entry standards. Nevertheless, our compatriots gain admission and graduate successfully. Choosing a specialisation is important.

Possible specialisations

Arts — dance, music and acting; painting, graphics and film-making; business; marketing in trade and tourism; sport — coaches, managers and sports computing; commercial relations; religious subjects; hotel and restaurant management; cooking, waiting and hotel management; tourism, gastronomy and animation.

Graphic and photographic design; environmental subjects; clothing design, fashion and drawing; English, French, German, Spanish and Chinese philology; cinema and television; engraving, advertising, jewellery, styling and scriptwriting; marketing, literature and rhetoric; restoration.

Healthcare assistant, laboratory assistant, medical assistant, nursing, massage, pharmacy laboratory work and paramedic training; computing, network maintenance, robotics and 3D printing; printing and production technology; electrical engineering, microelectronics, construction, audio and video technology, logistics, mechatronics, technical secondary education, telecommunications, electronics, cartography and surveying.

Metalworking — smithing, equipment setting, fitting, turning and milling; CNC operation; garment production; horticulture, beekeeping, agriculture and forestry; hairdressing, photography and beauty; automotive mechanics, painting and computer diagnostics; rail work and locomotive driving; energy-saving systems; refrigeration and heating equipment.

Sports grammar schools

Pupils interested in professional sport have two routes after Year 9. They can join a sports club and attend a nearby general school. Popular sports include hockey, tennis, skiing, snowboarding and football, alongside golf, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, shooting, swimming, riding, American football and baseball.

Alternatively, a sports grammar school combines sport and secondary education. These are less numerous than clubs but are available.

Arts and the Jozef Adamovič conservatory

Talented pupils can train as ballet performers, vocal soloists, orchestral soloists or teachers. They can also experience Košice’s cultural life — described in the source as a UNESCO heritage city — enjoy the Tatras and travel in Europe.

Computing and information technology

An enthusiasm for phones, computers or games may indicate a future interest in IT. Such specialists are in demand worldwide. Computing secondary schools are found in almost every Slovak city, admitting after Year 9 for four years.

General courses cover robotics, programming, web design, computer graphics, networks and 3D printers. More specific routes train programmers, network administrators, information and media technology specialists, and computer or mobile communications technicians.

One school’s examples include electrical engineering and computer systems; information and network technology for ICT solution development or ICT systems management; and multimedia.

Pupils take workplace placements and may receive job offers. Graduates then choose whether to work or continue to university.

Business schools

Does your child enjoy mathematics, handling money and helping with purchases, or have business ideas and determination at twelve to fourteen? Business schools can develop those strengths.

Four years after Year 9 cover economics, finance, accounting, computing, basic law, psychology and marketing. Senior pupils work in groups on projects and business plans, simulating companies from production and recruitment through business cards, advertising and sales.

Years three and four include compulsory practical work and placements with Slovak companies. Successful pupils may join Erasmus and study abroad for several months with funding for accommodation, food and return travel.

Graduates may be offered management, financial consultancy, banking and accounting jobs. Others continue to economics and finance faculties or establish businesses.

Further details of individual secondary schools and subjects are available through the original article’s links.