The official language spoken in Slovakia is Slovak. It is one of the most interesting and complicated languages in the world. In writing, Slovak is recognizable by the large number of accents it uses. It has the longest alphabet among the languages of Europe, with no less than 46 letters. 

Language Courses for International Students

There are two possibilities to learn the Slovak language. Either in person in Slovakia or online via various courses and tools.

Learning Slovak online

There are several websites offering Slovak language courses on various levels. Some of them offer only courses for autodidacts, another offer also tutoring or guidance. Here are several options:

• Slovake.eu – free online course for mastering language levels A1 – B2;
• E-Slovak – free online course for mastering language levels A1 – A2 with the guidance of tutors (check the website for enrolment terms).

More possibilities on how to learn Slovak (YouTube videos, podcasts, language courses, etc.) can be found at the website of the IOM Migration Information Centre. There is a possibility to sign in for intensive language courses of Slovak language, which are free of charge. These courses are available for:  

• citizens of non-EU/EEA countries who have temporary, permanent or tolerated stay in Slovakia, including applicants for temporary refuge and persons granted temporary refuge in Slovakia ("departees")
• EU citizens with a university degree  
• foreign university students studying at university in Slovakia

The Intensive Courses of Slovak Language organized by MIC are not certified language courses. A list of free online resources and materials for studying Slovak can be found here. These courses are held in Bratislava and Košice and are more focused on the daily use of Slovak.

The levels of language proficiency used here are identified in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (more information and self‑assessment is available on this website).

Learning Slovak at universities

Foreigners can attend Slovak language courses at universities or various state and private language schools. We recommend carefully checking the websites of universities to see if they offer Slovak language courses. Below are several Slovak universities that offer language courses or language preparation courses:

• Catholic university in Ružomberok - Slovak Language Course for International Students
• University of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava - Course for Foreign Students
• Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Košice - Language Course for Doctoral Students
• University of Economics in Bratislava - Language Preparatory Courses for Foreigners
• Slovak Technical University - Language and Other courses
• University of Zilina - Slovak for Foreigners
• Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra - Language Preparation
• University of Trnava - Language Course
• Technical university in Košice - Language Course
• The academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava - Language Course

Other universities may also organise Slovak language courses for their international students/researchers – for more information, please, contact the International Relations Office of the respective higher education institution.

Studia Academica Slovaca (SAS) – Centre for Slovak as a Foreign Language at Comenius University

Courses of Slovak as a foreign language are offered by the Studia Academica Slovaca (SAS) – Centre for Slovak as a Foreign Language to international students, scholarship holders, host students and others, who are interested. Also, bilateral agreements between governments or ministries of education often offer scholarships for participation in the Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture organised by the SAS which lasts 3 weeks and takes place in August (list of countries with scholarship possibility for summer school SAS). More information is available on the website of the respective authorities.

Other possibilities to learn Slovak in Slovakia

In addition to university courses, foreigners can learn Slovak at both public and private language schools across the country.

State language university in Palisády, located in Bratislava, is the largest and oldest language school in Slovakia, with a history dating back to 1954. It offers Slovak language courses using effective and engaging teaching methods, incorporating both proven and innovative approaches. The school focuses on regular language practice and tangible progress.

Private language schools, such as iCan Language School and Eurolingua, both based in Bratislava, also provide Slovak courses. These schools offer options for general Slovak language learning or specialized preparation for university study, with flexible group and individual lessons tailored to meet learners' specific needs.

Foreigners can attend general Slovak language courses at a variety of state and private language schools. These schools provide both group and individual lessons, tailored to meet the specific needs of learners. Courses focus on developing all four essential language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Typically, classes are held twice a week, with each session consisting of 2 standard lessons (90 minutes in total).

State language schools are located in larger Slovak towns, such as Bratislava, Košice, Žilina, Spišská Nová Ves,Prešov, and Trenčín.