"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

There are countless quotes by famous individuals that attempt to define art. Art plays various roles in our lives; for some, it is an escape, for others, a source of inspiration. However, for many, art is also a dream career. Before working in this creative field, young people often aspire to study art in its many forms, including theatre, music, and fine arts. In this article, we provide detailed information about the opportunities for studying art in Slovakia.

Universities Offering Art Studies in Slovakia

Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava (AFAD)

The first and probably most renowned institution is the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava (AFAD). It holds a strong position and significant prestige among Slovak universities and faculties focused on art. AFAD provides an inspiring and supportive environment for creativity, attracting students from across the globe. Among its alumni are not only Slovaks but also students from various other countries.

AFAD is one of the largest and oldest Slovak institutions offering university education in diverse art-focused study programmes. International students can enroll in accredited programmes conducted in Slovak, which is a popular, tuition-free option, particularly for students from Slavic-speaking nations. If you're interested, we may even connect you with current or former international students of AFAD, who can share valuable insights.

AFAD has more than 10 departments, including:

• Applied Arts
• Architecture
• Conservation and Restoration
• Design
• Digital Arts
• Drawing
• Intermedia
• Painting
• Photography and New Media
• Printmaking and Other Media
• Sculpture, Object, Installation
• Textiles
• Theory and History of Art
• Visual Communication

Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra

Another institution offering art-related study programmes is the Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra. With five faculties, it provides education not only in traditional teacher training programmes but also in other disciplines, such as arts, social sciences, natural sciences, and health care.

The Faculty of Pedagogy offers programmes like Teaching of Musical Art and Art Teaching at both bachelor's and master's levels.

Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica

Located in central Slovakia, the Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica consists of three faculties:

• Faculty of Performing Arts
• Faculty of Fine Arts
• Faculty of Dramatic Arts

This academy is one of the most modern and prestigious institutions in Slovakia, focusing on creative disciplines. It emphasizes the development of education in art theory and practical fields such as drama, music, visual arts, film, and multimedia.

Faculty of Arts at the Technical University of Košice (TUKE)

In eastern Slovakia, the Faculty of Arts at the Technical University of Košice (TUKE) offers higher education in architecture, design, fine arts, and media arts. TUKE is actively involved in national and international art, research, and exhibition projects.

The university provides study programmes across three levels of higher education and facilitates participation in international mobility programmes. Its profiling studios are led by professionals in architecture, design, fine arts, and media arts. Available programmes include:

• Design
• Fine Arts
• Architecture

How to Apply

If you are interested in studying at any of the universities mentioned above, please contact the international office of your chosen institution.

For students planning to pursue a full bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, note that most education is conducted in Slovak language and is free for international students. To ensure your success, it is essential to first complete a Slovak language course.

International students wishing to study temporarily art in Slovakia have a wide range of possibilities to choose from – one-semester or full-year study stays within the framework of various European and non-European mobility programmes, specially created study-abroad programmes, cooperation arrangements between university networks, summer schools and so on. Find more about scholarship programmes in our database of scholarships and grants.