General information
Code: ARIS V5-24057
Period: 1.11.2024 - 31.12.2025
Project leader at FDV: doc.dr. Andreja Živoder
Co-financiers: Javna agencija za znanstvenoraziskovalno in inovacijsko dejavnost Republike Slovenije (ARIS) in Ministrstvo za visoko šolstvo, znanost in inovacije.
Research activity: Social sciences
Research Organisation
https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/en/project/22470
Researchers
https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/en/project/22470
Citations for bibliographic records
https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/en/project/22470
Results / Key findings
The project Stimulating and inhibitory factors for international students to study in Slovenia was funded by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. It was carried out by the University of Ljubljana (Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Education), the University of Maribor (Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security), and the Peace Institute – Institute for Contemporary Social and Political Studies.
The project addresses the topical and developmentally significant field of the internationalisation of Slovenian higher education. Its aim was to comprehensively analyse the factors influencing international students’ decisions to study in Slovenia, their study trajectories and academic success, as well as their plans after graduation. The research focuses on international students who are enrolled in regular study programmes in Slovenia.
The study is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as the analysis of secondary data sources. It includes data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia and the Eurostudent VII survey, an analysis of university data, an online survey conducted among 719 international students in the 2024/25 academic year, and 23 in-depth interviews with international students. This multi-method approach provides a comprehensive insight into the trends of internationalisation and into the experiences and needs of international students in Slovenia.
Key findings
The results show that the Slovenian higher education system has undergone significant internationalisation over the past two decades. The share of international students increased from 1.3% in 2006/07 to over 14% in the 2024/25 academic year. Students from the Western Balkans predominate, while the share of students from non-EU countries is also gradually increasing. Most international students are enrolled in undergraduate programmes, particularly in the fields of social sciences and humanities.
International students are primarily motivated to study in Slovenia by a combination of quality and affordable education, a safe and stable environment, and opportunities for personal and professional development. Geographical and cultural proximity, as well as the recognition of prior education, also play an important role. At the same time, many students choose Slovenia due to limited educational and employment opportunities or unstable conditions in their countries of origin.
Most international students assess their academic performance as good or above average; however, they face various challenges. Key obstacles include language barriers, the demanding nature of studies, high living costs, housing issues, complex administrative procedures, and difficulties with social integration. A particularly important finding is that nearly one third of students reported experiences of discrimination or harassment, highlighting the need to strengthen inclusive academic environments.
The research confirms that international students are not a homogeneous group—their experiences and success vary significantly depending on their country of origin, level of study, language proficiency, social background, and other factors. Despite these challenges, most students express strong motivation to complete their studies, and a considerable share also show interest in remaining in Slovenia or moving elsewhere within the EU for employment.
The project provides an important empirical basis for policymaking in the field of higher education internationalisation and the inclusion of international students. Based on the findings, recommendations were developed to improve informational, language, mentoring, and psychosocial support, simplify administrative procedures, and enhance access to housing and financial resources.
The project’s results contribute to a better understanding of the role of international students as an important developmental potential for Slovenian higher education, the labour market, and society as a whole, and provide a foundation for building a more inclusive, open, and internationally competitive higher education system.
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