Studying in Košice
Košice is one of the education centers of Slovakia: 4 universities with faculties and study programs. Full-time study in Slovak at public institutions is free, including for Ukrainians with protection status.
Universities in Košice 4
Student life in Košice
An approximate monthly student budget in Košice:
Košice is one of the cheaper student cities, so the amounts are approximate and depend on the district, dormitory availability, and student habits; a dormitory and an ISIC card (discounts on transport and canteens) significantly reduce the budget. · Source: Livingcost.org
Studying in Košice for foreigners
Košice is Slovakia's second-largest city and the main educational and IT center of the country's east. It has a classical university with a medical faculty, a large technical university, and Slovakia's only veterinary academy. Life here is noticeably cheaper than in Bratislava.
- Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice (UPJŠ) is the country's second-oldest classical university; strong in medicine, natural sciences, law, and informatics.
- Technical University of Košice (TUKE) focuses on engineering, IT, and cybersecurity; Košice is growing as an IT hub.
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice is Slovakia's only veterinary university.
Košice is the main educational center of eastern Slovakia and the country's second-largest student city. The classical Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (UPJŠ) is strong in medicine, natural sciences, law, and informatics; the Technical University (TUKE) excels in engineering, IT, and cybersecurity; and the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy remains the country's only veterinary university. This combination of classical, technical, and veterinary profiles is rare for one city. Therefore, students from the east mostly don't have to travel to the capital to find their field of study.
In recent years, Košice has grown into a major IT center: around the Košice IT Valley cluster operate Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions (formerly T-Systems) and other technology and service companies. TUKE and UPJŠ's informatics faculty supply this market with talent, so technical students have real internship and part-time job opportunities in their field. Industry, particularly the steel giant on the city's outskirts, also offers opportunities for engineers. This makes Košice one of the best places in the country for IT and engineering specialties outside of Bratislava.
Life in Košice is noticeably cheaper than in the capital – both rent and daily expenses are lower, and there are usually more spots in dormitories. The walkable historic center with its long main street, Hlavná, its own airport, and its compactness make the city convenient for students. A downside for some is its distance from the west of the country and Vienna, but nearby is the eastern nature: Slovak Paradise and the High Tatras within a few hours' drive. Overall, the city offers a balance of quality education and affordable prices.
Frequently asked questions
What universities are in Košice?+
Three state universities: Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (classical, with medicine), Technical University of Košice (engineering and IT), and University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy (veterinary medicine and pharmacy).
Can you study medicine or veterinary medicine in Košice?+
Yes. UPJŠ has a medical faculty, and the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, the country's only specialized university, offers veterinary medicine and pharmacy.
Is there work for IT students in Košice?+
Yes – the city is one of the country's IT centers thanks to the Košice IT Valley cluster and major employers like Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions. Students from TUKE and UPJŠ's informatics program often find internships and part-time jobs while studying. It's one of the few cities outside Bratislava with a vibrant IT market.
What about dormitories and housing in Košice?+
Dormitories at UPJŠ and TUKE are usually more affordable than in Bratislava, and there are more spots, though you should still apply on time. Renting a room or apartment is also cheaper than in the capital. This is one reason why the east of the country is popular among students on a budget.
Is Košice far from the rest of Slovakia?+
Košice is in the east, so it's about 400 km to Bratislava (around 5–6 hours by train), but the city has its own airport with flights to several European cities. Nearby is the eastern nature – Slovak Paradise, High Tatras – which are easy to visit on weekends.
How much does it cost a student to live in Košice?+
Roughly 525–800 €/month depending on housing. A student dorm (internát) from about 55 €/month cuts the budget a lot; renting a room is the most expensive item. Transport with a student travel pass is around 25 €/month.
Is the study free?+
Full-time study in Slovak at public universities is free — this also applies to Ukrainians with protection status. You pay for the part-time form, for programs taught in English and for private institutions.
Is it easy to get a place in a student dorm?+
There are usually fewer places than applicants, so you apply for a dorm right after you are admitted. The alternative is sharing a rented room with other students.
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