SECONDARY EDUCATION · SLOVAKIA

Secondary school after grade 9

After grade 9 a child chooses between a gymnázium, a vocational school (SOŠ) and a conservatory. All of them that end with the matura open the way to university. Here is how they differ and how to apply.

Types of secondary school

Gymnázium (academic secondary school)

General education, prepares for university. 4–8 years, ends with the matura exam. The best route if your child plans to study at a university.

Vocational secondary school (SOŠ)

Gives a trade plus the matura (access to university). Technical, business, medical and IT fields. A practical balance between a profession and higher education.

Conservatory (konzervatórium)

Music, dance, drama, singing — 6 years. Creative entrance exams (talentové skúšky). Ends with the matura and the absolutórium.

Apprenticeship programs (učňovské)

3 years, a trade qualification (výučný list) without the matura. A fast way into a profession; the matura can be added separately later.

How to apply, step by step

Have the foreign grade 9 certificate recognized (nostrifikácia through RÚŠS)

Choose the type of school and the field to match your child's plans

Submit the ePrihláška — one deadline, around February

Take the prijímačky / Testovanie 9 entrance tests (in spring)

Frequently asked questions

Where can my child go after grade 9?+

There is the gymnázium (prepares for university), the vocational school SOŠ with the matura (a trade plus access to university), 3-year apprenticeship programs (a trade qualification) and the konzervatórium for the arts. The choice depends on your child's plans.

What is the matura and why does it matter?+

The matura is the school-leaving exam of a secondary school. Without it you cannot enter a university. A gymnázium and a SOŠ lead to the matura; 3-year apprenticeship programs do not (the matura can be added separately later).

How do I get a foreign school certificate recognized?+

A grade 9 certificate is recognized by the Regionálny úrad školskej správy (RÚŠS). With temporary protection status a simplified admission procedure is possible. Start the recognition early — before the ePrihláška deadline.

Next: higher education and universities

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