How can you give your child an education that prepares them for admission to a European university while maintaining a connection to the Ukrainian language and culture? A government decision has been made for Ukrainian families in Slovakia: a bilingual high school will open in Bratislava.
Slovakia and Ukraine have signed an agreement to establish bilingual schools. This was the result of a joint government meeting held on November 5 in Lviv. For Ukrainians in Slovakia, this is a new educational opportunity that combines the Ukrainian curriculum with European standards. Read more about the education system in Slovakia in our guide.
What, Where, and When: Project Details
The new Ukrainian-English gymnasium in Bratislava is scheduled to open on September 1, 2027. For the first school year, the plan is to enroll one class of up to 30 students.
Key details about the future school:
- Duration of study: 5 years.
- Location: Bratislava (the exact address will be announced later).
- Founder: Regional Office of School Administration in Bratislava (Regionálny úrad školskej správy v Bratislave).
It is important to note that a five-year gymnasium in the Slovak system is a comprehensive secondary school, not the equivalent of a Ukrainian gymnasium for grades 5–9. Graduates will receive a Slovak high school diploma (maturita), which entitles them to enroll in higher education institutions in Slovakia and other EU countries.
The agreement is reciprocal: the Ukrainian side, in turn, has committed to establishing a Slovak-English gymnasium in the city of Irpin, Kyiv Oblast. According to the agreement, until its official opening, classes will be held in specialized classrooms at the local “Linguist” humanities lyceum.
How the Program Will Work
The educational process will be organized in accordance with Slovak law, and its quality will be monitored by the State School Inspectorate.
Key features of the curriculum:
- The primary language of instruction is Ukrainian. This will allow students to preserve and deepen their knowledge of their native language.
- English will be used to teach at least three subjects.
- Slovak language and literature will be required courses. This is necessary for successful integration and for further education or employment in Slovakia.
This approach will enable graduates to be fluent in three languages and be competitive both in Ukraine and abroad.
Why This Is Important for Ukrainians in Slovakia
The establishment of a state-run bilingual high school is a significant step in supporting the Ukrainian community. Unlike private schools, this project is state-funded and is part of an intergovernmental agreement, which guarantees its stability.
Slovak Minister of Education Tomáš Druťker noted that education is an area where cooperation between countries makes a tangible difference. According to him, this initiative will give young people the opportunity to learn additional languages, gain a better understanding of the culture of a neighboring country, and prepare for admission to universities.
The establishment of such a high school also aligns with the Slovak government’s strategy for integrating Ukrainian children into the education system. This is not only an educational project but also a social one that strengthens cultural ties between the two countries.
Details regarding admission requirements and the exact location of the high school will be announced closer to the opening date. KOMPAS will monitor the news and keep you informed of all updates.
