Start of Slovenian language courses at survival level

12. 7. 2024

Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for the Support and Integration of Migrants

Language schools across Slovenia are bustling hubs these days. The language institute Didaktum (Jezikovni inštitut Didaktum) is running a Slovenian language programme at survival level in 40 locations across Slovenia. The programme has been available to eligible persons since the entry into force of the 2023 amendment to the Foreigners Act, on the basis of which a decree providing assistance for the integration of foreigners who are not citizens of the European Union was adopted.

The institute’s director, Veronika Zajc, explained that Didaktum would offer Slovenian language courses at survival level in 40 locations across Slovenia, adding that "the first groups of participants started courses on 8 July, and we conduct Slovenian proficiency tests on a regular basis". Those interested may still join these groups. "All those who are eligible, and there are not so few of them, are invited to join the survival-level Slovenian language courses as soon as possible," she said.

Family members of foreigners who are not EU citizens and were issued a temporary residence permit for the purpose of family reunification are eligible to attend a Slovenian language course at survival level. Third-country applicants for family reunification should not miss the important deadlines. Foreigners applying for family reunification must enclose with the application for an extension of reunification in relation to an adult family member a certificate of enrolment in a non-formal Slovenian language programme for adults or a certificate of enrolment in an officially recognised educational programme for adults providing officially recognised qualifications. This is possible from 1 May to 31 October 2024. After 1 November 2024, a residence permit for the purposes of family reunification will be extended only if the family member presents a certificate that they passed a Slovenian proficiency test at survival level.

The procedure of enrolment in a Slovenian language course at survival level is simple: a foreigner applies to an administrative unit for a certificate of eligibility to attend a non-formal programme for learning Slovenian language and take a Slovenian proficiency test at survival level or only the latter. The administrative unit issues a certificate of eligibility to attend a non-formal programme and/or a Slovenian proficiency test. Courses or tests are free of charge only upon submission of this certificate. The enrolment form for a language course is available on the webpage of Jezikovni inštitut Didaktum.

The duration of the Slovenian language course at survival level is 180 hours. However, should a participant require additional hours, they may be eligible for an additional 60 hours.