At the beginning of 2026, Slovenia adopted amendments to the Higher Vocational Education Act, introducing important changes that support greater flexibility and stronger international collaboration in higher vocational education.

A new framework for micro-credentials enables higher vocational colleges to offer shorter, quality-assured learning programmes worth 1 to 9 ECTS, focused on specific knowledge, skills and competences and responsive to labour market and societal needs. The involvement of social partners in proposing such programmes further strengthens the connection between education and the world of work.

The amendments also provide a clearer basis for international joint study programmes, allowing Slovenian higher vocational colleges to develop and deliver programmes together with institutions abroad. Students completing a joint programme may receive a joint diploma issued by the participating institutions.

Another important development is transnational education, which enables a study programme or parts of it to be delivered in a country other than that of the programme provider. This creates a stronger framework for Slovenian higher vocational colleges and foreign institutions to develop education across borders.