The first 10 years (ages 6 through 16) of education are compulsory for all children in the Slovak Republic. Public education is provided at no charge by the government, although funding for education is considered insufficient considering the need. Classes are conducted in the Slovak language.

The first level of primary school is offered from ages 6 to 10. After these first 5 years of primary school, students may apply for 8 years of high-school (passing of examinations is required), or may attend an advanced level of primary school for 5 more years to meet the educational requirements. Students who complete the first and second levels of primary school can apply for a 4 year high-school curriculum.

There are public vocational schools geared toward technical, industrial and arts careers for students aged 15 through 19 who show an affinity for a trades-oriented education. These vocational schools emphasize employment related skill programs for their students.

There are public, private and church schools available in most cities. In larger cities there are private bilingual secondary schools offering curricula in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Hungarian, some offering international exit exams accredited in Europe.

Slovak colleges and universities are part of the European education and research area. They are open to foreign students and offer transferable credits and degrees for further study or research abroad. Bratislava's Comenius University has an independent program within the Institute for Language and Academic Preparation, which enables foreign students to prepare for Slovak universities in the Slovak language.