Introduction

The Association of Higher Vocational Colleges of Slovenia (HVC Association), abbreviated as the HVC Association, was established on 20 April 2005 as an association of institutions operating in accordance with the regulations governing public institutions. Today, the HVC Association represents, advocates for, and pursues the common interests of 49 public and private higher vocational colleges in cooperation with national, local, and international authorities and organisations.

Its key role is to connect higher vocational colleges with stakeholders in education, training, and industry, as well as to contribute to policy development and the implementation of projects within the fields of higher vocational education and applied professional research. Through its activities, the Association directly contributes to the development of local communities and regions.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Association of Higher Vocational Colleges of the Republic of Slovenia (HVC Association)

Legal Representatives:
Mr Gregor Rak, MA, President of the Management Board of the HVC Association
Mr Miha Zimšek, Secretary General of the HVC Association

IBAN: SI56 0400 0027 8932 365

Registration Number: 2246376000

Tax Number: 10104941 (not liable for VAT)

VISION

The HVC Association is the institution representing and advocating for higher vocational education in Slovenia and internationally. It serves as a promotional hub for higher vocational education and facilitates the exchange of information and good practices. The Association ensures high-quality cooperation among all stakeholders. It provides professional support to its member institutions, addresses systemic challenges, organises training activities and professional conferences, and promotes the development and modernisation of all types of higher vocational study programmes, with a particular focus on flexibility and specialisation. It develops, participates in, and implements development projects and, through its project office, provides support to its members.

MISSION

The mission of the HVC Association is to represent the common positions and interests of public, private, and individual higher vocational colleges in both the Slovenian and international environments. The Association supports its members and promotes cooperation in education, training, research, and development with the aim of increasing innovation and entrepreneurship. In all its activities, the HVC Association promotes and adheres to the highest quality standards.

CORE ACTIVITIES

As the central organisation for higher vocational education, the HVC Association carries out the following activities:

  • Preparation, participation in, and implementation of (international) development projects;
  • Organisation of events, including annual conferences, thematic seminars, and professional consultations;
  • Development and promotion of higher vocational education.

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT DOCUMENTS

HVC Association Development Plan 2026–2030

The HVC Association Development Plan 2026–2030 defines the strategic direction of the Association for the period 2026–2030. During this period, the Association aims to strengthen its mission of representing the common positions and interests of higher vocational colleges not only within Slovenia but also internationally.

Thirty years after the introduction of higher vocational education in Slovenia, this level of tertiary education is well recognised nationally. Student enrolment remains stable, and higher vocational college students account for just over 10% of all students enrolled in tertiary education.

In 2025, the HVC Association celebrated its 20th anniversary and is recognised as the institution representing its member colleges and advancing their common interests in relation to local and national authorities as well as international organisations. During the previous development period (2020–2025), all higher vocational colleges in Slovenia joined the Association. The Association also expanded its activities through increased public funding and the recruitment of additional staff.

The HVC Association Development Plan 2026–2030 identifies four strategic development areas:

  • Students;
  • Environment;
  • Higher Vocational Colleges;
  • HVC Association.

Higher Vocational Education Strategy in the Republic of Slovenia 2020–2030

The Higher Vocational Education Strategy in the Republic of Slovenia for the period 2020–2030 is built around four strategic objectives, or pillars:

  • Financially sustainable operation of higher vocational colleges;
  • Comprehensive quality assurance in higher vocational education;
  • Alignment with the needs of industry and society;
  • High employability of higher vocational college graduates.