Studying in Prešov
Prešov is one of the education centers of Slovakia: 2 universities with faculties and study programs. Full-time study in Slovak at public institutions is free, including for Ukrainians with protection status.
Universities in Prešov 2
Student life in Prešov
An approximate monthly student budget in Prešov:
Prešov is one of the cheapest 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 Prešov for foreigners
Prešov is a university city in eastern Slovakia, near Košice. The educational core here is the University of Prešov (Prešovská univerzita v Prešove), strong in humanities and social sciences, teacher training, as well as theology and health sciences. The eastern part of the country is generally cheaper to live in than the west.
- The University of Prešov (Prešovská univerzita v Prešove) offers humanities and social sciences, pedagogy, management, sports, and health sciences.
- A special feature of the university is its theological faculties (Greek Catholic and Orthodox), which is rare in Slovakia.
Prešov is the third-largest city in Slovakia and the university center of the eastern part of the country. The University of Prešov (Prešovská univerzita) is strong in humanities and social sciences, teacher training, management, sports, and health sciences, and its rare theological faculties (Greek Catholic and Orthodox) distinguish the university from others. It is a multidisciplinary university, focused more on humanities and social sciences than on technology. For future teachers, humanities scholars, and health professionals, it is one of the key universities in the region.
The main advantage of its location is its proximity to Košice: the cities are only about 35 km apart, and the journey by train or bus takes approximately 30–45 minutes. This gives students access to a larger city with its job market, IT companies, and airport, while maintaining the lower living costs of Prešov. Many even commute daily between the two cities. In fact, Prešov and Košice function as a joint educational and economic agglomeration.
Prešov is one of the cheapest student cities in the country: both rent and daily expenses are among the lowest in Slovakia. The city opens up the eastern part of the country – it is close to the High Tatras, the Šariš region, and the natural attractions of the east. The calm pace and low prices make the city convenient for studying on a budget. For the Ukrainian community, it is important that the east of the country is closer to the border and has a noticeable Ukrainian presence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main university in Prešov?+
The University of Prešov (Prešovská univerzita v Prešove) is a multidisciplinary university with faculties of humanities and natural sciences, philosophy, pedagogy, management, sports, health sciences, and theology.
What makes Prešov convenient for students?+
It is one of the cheaper cities to live in in eastern Slovakia, located near Košice – with access to its universities and a larger city.
How convenient is it to travel from Prešov to Košice?+
Very convenient – the cities are about 35 km apart, and trains and buses run frequently (the journey takes approximately 30–45 minutes). Many students use this to live more cheaply in Prešov and work or fly from the airport in Košice.
Is Prešov really cheap for students?+
Yes, it is one of the most affordable cities in the country: rent and daily expenses are among the lowest in Slovakia, and the dormitories of the University of Prešov are affordable. This is a significant plus for studying on a limited budget.
What is worth seeing near Prešov?+
The eastern part of the country is rich in nature: the High Tatras are nearby, as are mountain trails and historical sites of the Šariš region, including the salt mines in Solivar. For students who love nature and a calmer pace of life, this is an attractive location.
How much does it cost a student to live in Prešov?+
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.
Questions about studying? Ask the community
Advice on admission, student dorms, scholarships and diploma recognition — from people who have already been through it, in our Telegram channel.
Subscribe