Slovenia’s public universities emphasize that higher education is a fundamental pillar of a modern, innovative, and inclusive society. Through education, research, and knowledge transfer, universities contribute significantly to the country’s social, economic, and cultural development.
Ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, the four Slovenian universities — the University of Ljubljana, the University of Primorska, the University of Nova Gorica, and EMUNI University — are launching a broad, expert-based, and constructive public discussion on the future of higher education. The rectors have prepared a set of key strategic questions requiring thoughtful answers, long-term planning, and sustained political attention.
To ensure transparency, the questions have been publicly published, and all written responses from political parties will also be made public, allowing students, staff, experts, and citizens to clearly understand political positions and commitments regarding the development of Slovenian higher education. The questions were sent on 12 February to all political parties polling above 1% in the Mediana Barometer survey, with responses requested by 18 February 2026.
The questions are grouped into five main areas:
Strategic Development of Higher Education and Research
Focuses on public funding levels (including share of GDP), governance of national strategy, fragmentation of institutions, optimal number of higher education providers, and participation in European university alliances.
Financing of the Higher Education System
Addresses EU research and Erasmus+ funding, the high share of university budgets spent on salaries in Slovenia, performance-based funding, inclusion of universities in salary negotiations with unions, and whether to maintain an independent Ministry for Higher Education and Science.
Human Resources, Access, and Talent Development
Concerns long-term workforce planning, shortages of highly educated professionals, reintroducing industry-based young researcher programs, and retirement policies affecting opportunities for younger academics.
Student Policy, International Attractiveness, and Language
Discusses attracting more international students, defining target regions, offering financial incentives, delivering some programs in foreign languages, recruiting foreign experts, introducing a doctoral scholarship model similar to Japan’s, and improving student housing.
Linking Academia, Economy, Public Administration, and Politics
Explores strengthening university-industry collaboration, launching large strategic development projects, creating a capital fund for university spin-offs, appointing government science advisors, ensuring regular meetings between the Prime Minister and university rectors, and improving universities’ role in national strategic decision-making.
Overall, the document calls for clear political commitments and long-term strategic thinking to ensure a strong, sustainable, and internationally competitive higher education system in Slovenia.