Slovak Government Approves Major Change in School Financing: Private and Church Schools to Lose Part of State Funding

Since the 1990s, the Slovak education system has been built on the principle that education in non-state schools is equal to education in state schools. Private and church schools – founded either by individuals, organizations, or registered churches – have enjoyed the same per-pupil funding (the so-called normative contribution) as state schools. This funding covered salaries, school operation, teacher assistants, textbooks, extracurricular activities, and even transportation. The equal model was meant to ensure that parents had a real choice between state, church, and private schools, while supporting diversity and innovation in the education system. 

However, the model created a dual funding situation: non-state schools not only received state subsidies but were also allowed to charge tuition. This additional income enabled them to provide higher-quality education, better facilities, and a broader range of activities. At the same time, the state had limited authority over private schools’ admissions policies, allowing them to select or reject students, a practice the new reform aims to address. (Eurydice)

The newly approved amendment breaks with this parity by introducing the category of a public provider of education. This designation is reserved for schools that accept students from a specified public catchment area and do not charge tuition. Schools that meet these criteria will receive full state funding. However, non-state schools that do not become public providers will now face a 20% cut in their per-student state funding. The government argues that this change is necessary because these schools, unlike their public counterparts, have historically been able to select their students, leading to an imbalance where they disproportionately enroll talented students and those from privileged backgrounds.

The reform also allows for financial penalties in counseling and prevention centers, where state funding may be cut by 15% if inspections reveal staff shortages or non-compliance with standards.

Additionally, the normative contribution for kindergartens, elementary, and secondary schools will be recalculated to depend on the number of children or pupils per calendar year. The system of wage-related and operational contributions is being updated. For example, the rule that tied operational funding to local temperature conditions (to reflect heating costs) will be removed. 

The new funding system is expected to take effect from January 2026, while the financial sanctions for non-compliance will apply starting September 2027. 

Overall, the reform seeks to reduce segregation in schools and promote equality of educational opportunity.