Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica
About the University
Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica is a classic state higher education institution, founded on July 1, 1992, and named after an 18th-century Slovak educator. Located in the central region of Slovakia, it has 7 faculties and, as of 2024, educates 4,982 students.
Studies are offered for Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees in Slovak and English. Strong fields include economics, law, political science, pedagogy, philology, and sports; the Faculty of Political Sciences and International Relations is particularly notable.
Full-time study in Slovak is free. The application fee is €35. Application deadlines are: Bachelor's – usually by April 30, 2026; Master's and PhD – depending on the faculty (June–August 2026).
Photo Gallery
Campus, Buildings, and Student LifeKey Facts
Faculties 7
Programs by Degree
Admission and Deadlines
Updated 21 July 2026Applications are submitted via ePrihláška, on portalvs.sk or the faculty website. The admission method depends on the program: some accept based on the high school diploma average without exams, medical and creative faculties conduct entrance or talent exams. The application fee is usually €15–€60 depending on the university.
ePrihláška →Costs and Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions about the University
What is Matej Bel University strong in?+
UMB is a classic university with 7 faculties. The most notable fields are political science and international relations (a separate faculty is rare in Slovakia), economics and tourism, law, philology, and teacher training. Natural sciences and informatics are at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, sport and health at a separate faculty.
How many students and faculties does UMB have?+
As of 2024, there were about 4,982 students (full-time 3,931, external 1,051). The university has 7 faculties: Economics, Law, Political Science and International Relations, Philosophy, Education, Natural Sciences, and Physical Education, Sport and Health.
Sources: UMB on Wikipedia
How much does it cost to apply?+
The fee for the admission process depends on the faculty: from about €20 (Faculty of Philosophy, electronic application) to €50–€60 (Faculty of Law). The Faculty of Education charges about €35–€40 for an electronic application for bachelor's studies. Payment is by bank transfer by the last day of submission.
Sources: UMB admission requirements 2026/2027
What support is available for students from Ukraine?+
Since the beginning of the war, UMB has expressed solidarity with Ukraine: the University Advisory and Support Center (Univerzitné poradenské a podporné centrum) is active, and individual faculties have organized meetings with applicants from Ukraine and fundraising events. Full-time study in Slovak is free for everyone, including Ukrainians.
Can I study in English?+
Yes. UMB offers programs with multilingual education, including English- and partly French-language studies (philology, international relations, economics). For English-language programs, confirmation of English level (TOEFL/IELTS) is required. Full-time study in Slovak is free.
Sources: UMB - Program Overview (EN)
