Ljubljana – The European Commission has published the latest review of education and training, assessing the progress of member states in achieving seven goals in this area. The Slovenian education system is relatively successful at all levels of education compared to the EU. In 2023, the share of both secondary school students and university students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics has increased, exceeding the European average.
The share of students in secondary vocational and professional education and training enrolled in programs in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics was 42.1 percent in 2023, significantly above the EU average (26.9 percent) and close to the proposed target for 2030. The share of students enrolled in programs in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics increased by 0.4 percentage points, while in the EU, it stagnated on average between 2015 and 2023.
In 2024, women represented about one-third of students enrolled in programs in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at the tertiary level, which is very close to the EU average but below the proposed EU target. Among students in secondary vocational and professional education and training enrolled in programs in this field, there were less than one-sixth women.
In the field of preschool education and care, Slovenia provides a place for every child from a very early age (11 months), often immediately after the end of parental leave. Thus, it is one of the few EU countries without a shortage of places in preschool education and care.
The European Commission highlights the decline in basic skills among students and insufficient digital skills, as well as a lack of teachers, as challenges in school education. All of this poses a risk to the development of human capital. Comprehensive reforms of curricula are being implemented at the preschool, primary, and secondary school levels, and a new mandatory subject in computer science and digital technologies will be introduced in primary schools. (November 14)
