On 15 July 2025, the Slovenian National Assembly officially adopted a new Higher Education Act, replacing legislation that had been in force for three decades. The new law represents a fundamental reform, particularly in the area of funding, with the aim of increasing the quality, financial stability, and autonomy of higher education institutions in Slovenia. 

The law was drafted through a broad consultative process involving stakeholders from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, public and private higher education institutions, student representatives, research institutes, academic bodies, unions, and industry.  

One of the central changes is the increase in public funding for higher education to 1.5% of GDP, including investments in infrastructure and student housing. Institutions will now sign six-year financing contracts, up from the current four, allowing for greater financial planning and institutional autonomy. 

Key structural reforms include: 

• Only public universities, not independent faculties, may be established as public higher education institutions and solely at the government's initiative. 
• Public student dormitories will now be organisationally integrated into public universities. 
• A new framework for awarding and renewing concessions to private institutions is introduced, based on public interest and demonstrable need. 
• The first and renewed institutional accreditations now last seven years. Universities with two consecutive full accreditations can approve their own programmes without separate approval by the National Agency for Quality in Higher Education. 
• Micro-credentials will be formally recognised, supporting upskilling in response to labour market demands. 
• Time-adjusted study replaces part-time study, ensuring the same educational outcomes as regular programmes and maintaining comparable student rights. 
• Every student is entitled to one free study at the first and second levels, regardless of the mode of study. 
• Language provisions have been clarified: Slovenian remains the primary medium, with limited exceptions, including joint programmes and parts of programmes intended for international student exchange. 
• The law ensures healthy and sustainable lifestyle for students and staff, gender equality, and the prohibition of sexual and other harassment and bullying. 
• Academic staff obligations are now more clearly tied to teaching, research, and institutional governance. Additional teaching duties are limited to two years, and sabbaticals are regulated in line with international practice. 

The law enters into force 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette.