Slovaks interest in entering tertiary education has rapidly increased in the last decade. While in 1995 the country was among the worst in OECD with only about 30% of the population, today Slovakia has the 7th highest rate with almost 70%, better than Norway, U.S. U.K. or Germany.

As of October 2008 Slovakia had 20 public, 3 state-operated, and 10 private universities and colleges most of which are located in just a few cities in the country. Even though the number has almost doubled since January of 2006, Slovakia still provides space for higher quality - an ivy-league school. In the past it required serious effort to be admitted to one of the tertiary schools and colleges. Recent growth in the number of private colleges makes it less difficult to pursue one’s choice of study, though financing remains an issue. But such is the case with most countries.

Another opportunity exists in establishing higher-education institutions in the cities of Poprad (54,000 inhabitants) and Liptovsky Mikuláš (which are only 56 km away or 40 minutes apart by train). Both are gorgeous cities in the mountains that offer beautiful views. But surprisingly they still do not have an established college or university. Thus high school graduates from these towns have to commute to other places to obtain their education.