Slovenia - first cycle programmes

University level first cycle study programmes according to the Bologna process: The fist cycle has a binary structure and offers two types of study programmes: university (academically-oriented) and professional programmes.

Duration of the first cycle programmes is determined by years of study (three to four years) and credit points (180 to 240 CP). In one academic year 60 CP can be obtained, each CP representing 25 to 30 hours of student workload, which adds up to between 1500 and 1800 hours annually. Study programmes leading to regulated professions must comply with EU directives; therefore they can differentiate from these rules. The new structure of studies should be gradually implemented. The 2009/2010 academic year has been set as the final time limit. Upon deciding to introduce a new study programme it will no longer be possible to offer the old one. This means that the 2008/2009 academic year will be the last one when enrolment into current programmes is still possible.

However, three faculties will offer accredited new study programmes to students already by the 2005/2006 academic year. University level first stage before the Bologna process (study programmes present by 2016): University-level study programmes are of two kinds: professional and academic. Professionally-oriented programmes are somewhat shorter than academic ones. Officially, they last for three to four years, which, including the absolventsko leto makes a total of four or five years. The entrance requirement is either the matura examination, the poklicna matura or the former final examination after completion of a four-year secondary technical education programme.

Programmes include practical training and lead to the diploma examination. Successful students are awarded a Diploma with a professional title naming the field of study. The titles are Diplomirani (abbreviated as dipl.) or Diplomirani inženir (abbreviated as Dipl. inž). Students can enter the labour market or continue their studies at the post-graduate level and obtain a specialist degree (Specializacija) or in certain cases a Magisterij. The basic requirement for academic study programmes is the Matura, the poklicna matura (and a matura examination in an additional subject also grants admission to some types of programmes) or the final examination after a completion of a four-year secondary programme. Academic study programmes last between four and six years and lead to the Diploma examination. Another year of studies, called absolventsko leto, should be added to obtain the final duration of studies in years. This final year gives students the opportunity to fulfill the academic requirements and prepare their degree dissertation and its defence. Hence, studies last a year longer than officially declared.

A successful student receives a Diploma with a professional title including the field of study. The titles include : Univerzitetni diplomirani (univ. dipl), Akademski (akad.), Univerzitetni diplomirani inženir (univ. dipl. inž), Profesor (prof.), and titles such as  Doktor medicine (Dr. med), Doktor dentalne medicine (Dr. dent.med.), Doktor  veterinarske medicine (Dr. vet. med.), Magister farmacije (Mag. farm), which is an exception to the rule. A Diploma enables students to start work or to continue their studies at the post-graduate level.