RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Students Affairs Office
International Cooperation Office
Rektorat, room 121
Slomškov trg 15, Maribor
T: 02 23 55 322
F: 02 23 55 438
E: erasmus@um.si
E: incoming.erasmus@um.si
Financial Support for Students
Erasmus+ students receive a monthly grant from their home institution to cover living costs during their exchange at the University of Maribor. The amount depends on the student's home country and the type of mobility.
Additionally, exchange students in Slovenia are entitled to a student meal subsidy — meals at student restaurants cost around 2.90–4.50 € with a valid student card (significantly subsidised by the state).
Students can also benefit from student discounts on public transport, cultural events, and selected services in Maribor. The ŠOUM (Student Organisation of the University of Maribor) provides additional support and information about available benefits.
For more information: https://www.erasmusplus.um.si/international-students/
Insurance
If you’re planning your Erasmus in Slovenia you have to consider your safety and well-being. One crucial aspect of ensuring peace of mind during your Erasmus is having health insurance. In this article, we will explore the various insurance options available for foreigners in Slovenia.
If you have health insurance in:
EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom
What do you have to do?
- Have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or a certificate that serves as a substitute for it. You get the card/certificate in your home country
What do you get?
- With the European card or convention certificate, you are entitled to urgent and necessary medical services in public healthcare network in Slovenia. The EHIC card provides all the necessary and urgent scope of medical services, but you might have to pay some small fees for some of the health services, which will then be reimbursed by your local healthcare system.
Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina
What do you have to do?
- Get the BIH/SI 3 or MNE/SI 03 or SRB/SI 03 or RM/SI 3 form in your home country, from the institution that provides your health insurance.
- Submit the form to the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS, Mala ulica 3, Ljubljana), which will issue your MedZZ certificate. Your insurance is not valid without this certificate.
What do you get?
- With the European card or convention certificate, you are entitled to urgent and necessary medical services in public healthcare network in Slovenia.
Other countries
What do you have to do?
- Buy health insurance from a private insurance company in your home country or in Slovenia.
Important: valid health insurance is a condition to receive a visa.
Support for students with disabilities and special needs
The University of Maribor is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students, including those with disabilities and special needs.
Support services include:
- Individual counselling and academic support
- Adapted examination conditions (extended time, quiet room, oral exams)
- Accessible campus infrastructure at most faculties
- Assistance with orientation and daily life at the university
For information about inclusion and accessibility support, contact the Erasmus+ International Office or consult the dedicated page: Inclusion and Accessibility
Email: incoming.erasmus@um.si
Medical Facilities
Slovenia has a well-developed public healthcare system with a network of public healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, throughout the country. Public healthcare services are generally of high quality. All international students in Slovenia have access to the public healthcare system. The type of health insurance you have may completely or partially cover the payment of medical services such as emergency medical care, general medical examinations, prescription medication and specialist services.
Depending on your medical condition, you visit one of the following options. If the condition is urgent, visit the clinical center (Ljubljanska 5, 2000 Maribor), but if the condition is not urgent and you still need a doctor, visit the outpatient clinic for unspecified (Ulica kneza Koclja 11, 2000 Maribor).
Psychological help
We understand that embarking on an international academic journey can be both exciting and challenging. Studying abroad can be an enriching adventure, but it can also present various psychological stressors. Adapting to unfamiliar surroundings, coping with homesickness, managing academic pressures, and establishing new social connections are just a few of the factors that can impact your emotional and mental health during your time abroad.
If you are in need of psychological help, there are two options that you can use:
- The psychological consultancy of ŠOUM, you can write an email to svetovalnica@soum.si and schedule a free private consultation with a psychologist
- The Association of Psychology Students Maribor also offers free consultations for Erasmus students, feel free to contact them at svetocalnica.dspm@gmail.com and schedule a consultation with one of Psychology students
Clinic for people without a personal doctor
The clinic for people withour a personal doctor is intended for patients who do not have a selected personal physician, it is meant for locals, but they will also help foreigners with the medical care that does not belong to urgent treatment.
Location: Ulica kneza Koclja 11, 2000 Maribor
Clinic for People Without a Personal Doctor
02 62 01 536, Ulica kneza Koclja 11, 2000 Maribor
First Aid Unit
112, Ulica talcev 9, 2000 Maribor
Urgent Medical Assistance
+386 (0)2 321 15 34
University Clinical Center Maribor
+386 (0)2 321 10 00, Ljubljanska 5, 2000 Maribor
Pharmacies
+386 (0)2 229 45 30, Lekarna Center Gosposka 12, 2000 Maribor +386 (0)2 229 45 70, Lekarna Pri gradu Partizanska 1, 2000 Maribor
Pharmacies are usually open from 7:00 to 19:00.
Night Pharmacy
+386 (0)2 320 79 11, Lekarna Tabor, Ljubljanska ulica 9, 2000 Maribor
Emergency Services
112, Ambulance, Firebrigade 113, Police, reporting accidents and criminal acts
For Students in Dislocated Units
LJUBLJANA
- Clinic for people without a personal doctor – Derčeva ulica 5 (01 5815 357 / 01 5815 356)
- Pharmacy – Poljanski nasip 10 (01 230 61 00)
- Night pharmacy – Njegoševa cesta 6k (01 230 61 00)
KRANJ
- Clinic for people without a personal doctor – Gosposvetska ulica 10 (04 2082 100)
- Pharmacy – Gosposvetska ulica 12 (04 201 61 00)
- Night pharmacy – Bleiweisova cesta 8 (04 201 61 34)
CELJE
- Clinic for people without a personal doctor – Gregorčičeva 5 (041 480 829)
- Pharmacy – Stanetova ulica 13a (03 425 02 60)
- Night pharmacy – Ljubljanska c. 20 b (03 425 02 50)
Learning Facilities
The University of Maribor provides students with access to a wide range of learning facilities across its 17 faculties:
- University Library (UKM) — one of the largest academic libraries in Slovenia, with extensive digital and physical collections, study spaces, and online access to scientific databases
- Computer labs and IT facilities at all faculties with free internet access
- Moodle e-learning platform — used for course materials, assignments, and communication with lecturers
- AIPS examination platform — for online exam registration and results
- Student study rooms in faculties and student dormitories
- Research laboratories available to students participating in research projects
- Multimedia rooms in student dormitories
Library website: https://ukm.um.si/en
Sport and Leisure Facilities
The University of Maribor offers excellent sport and leisure facilities for all students:
- Leon Štukelj Sports Centre — the main university sports facility, offering a wide range of sports activities including fitness, gym, swimming pool, and team sports
- Faculty sports halls — most faculties have their own sports halls and outdoor facilities
- University sports programmes — students can participate in organised sports activities, recreational classes, and interuniversity competitions
- Mbajk bike-sharing — city-wide bicycle rental system available to students with a yearly subscription of just 3 €
- Nature and outdoor activities — Maribor is surrounded by forests, the Drava river, and Pohorje mountain, offering hiking, cycling, skiing, and other outdoor activities
- Mariborsko Pohorje ski resort — one of Slovenia's largest ski resorts, just 15 minutes from the city centre
Special Facilities
The University of Maribor provides several special facilities and services for its students:
- Career Centre — supports students and graduates with career development, CV workshops, employer events, and the annual Career Market fair
- HPC RIVR Supercomputer Centre — national supercomputer centre supporting advanced research, accessible to researchers and advanced students
- RIUM Research Infrastructure — state-of-the-art scientific equipment available on an open access basis
- University of Maribor Press — academic publishing house producing textbooks and research publications
- Demola Innovation Hub — connects interdisciplinary student teams with companies to solve real technological challenges (winner of the Reimagine Education Award)
- Buddy Programme — pairs incoming international students with local student volunteers for practical support and social integration
- Student restaurants — subsidised canteens at multiple locations across Maribor offering affordable meals with a student card
Practical Information For Incoming Mobile Students
Maribor is second biggest city in Slovenia. To travel around the city and to the city suburbs you can use a public transport, bike or also rent a car. Below you can find several different options.
Bus
There are 22 bus lines in Maribor and they drive pretty regularly, depending on the line. The bus ticket costs 2€ if purchased on the bus itself, but most of people buy prepaid bus cards, where 10 tickets cost 10€ much more budget-friendly alternative. If you plan to travel by bus a lot, consider buying a student subsidized monthly ticket, which costs around 20€ per month and offers unlimited transportation with city buses. Slovenian For more information you can visit the marprom website , where you will find more info and all the bus lines.
Mbajk
Mbajk has quickly become a favored mode of transportation among Maribor’s students. It offers the opportunity to rent bicycles conveniently from numerous locations across the city. With a yearly subscription of 3€, users can access bikes as frequently as desired. Simply unlock a bike using the mobile app or website, and you’re all set to explore Maribor on two wheels.
Carsharing
Carsharing is a transportation service that allows individuals to rent a car for short periods, typically by the hour or by the minute. To use a carsharing service, individuals usually need to sign up for a membership with the carsharing provider and provide their driver’s license and payment information. Once registered, they can locate available cars near their location using the app, unlock the vehicle, and use it for their desired period. When they finish their trip, they return the car to a designated parking spot within the carsharing zone. Currently there is one car sharing provider in Maribor Avant-to-go, you can get more info at their webstie: https://avant2go.si/car-sharing
Carpooling
Recently, among students, carpooling has gained significant popularity. Carpooling involves sharing car journeys with multiple individuals, providing an excellent means to save money, help the environment, and socialize with others. The most widely used carpooling platform in Slovenia is prevoz.org.
Rent-a-car
There are several rent-a-car options in Maribor. Prices for renting a car vary and start at around 40€ per day.
Taxi
Taxis provide a hassle-free transportation option, available round the clock for your convenience. Whether you require a prompt ride from a party or need to reach a different part of the city swiftly, taxis are there to assist. Among the favored taxi services is Cammeo Taxi, renowned for its user-friendly mobile app that allows you to easily book a cab whenever you need one.
VISA
Whether you need a visa to study in Slovenia depends on your nationality:
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
No visa required. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter Slovenia freely. However, if staying longer than 90 days, you must register your temporary residence at the local Administrative Unit (Upravna enota) within 3 days of arrival.
Non-EU citizens
Most non-EU students need a Type D (long-stay) visa or residence permit to study in Slovenia for more than 90 days. You must apply at the Slovenian embassy or consulate in your home country before arrival.
Required documents typically include:
- Valid passport
- Acceptance letter from the University of Maribor
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Valid health insurance
- Completed visa application form
After arrival, non-EU students must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit at the Administrative Unit within 3 days.
For detailed information: Visa and Residence Permit Guide
Contact: incoming.erasmus@um.si
Cost of Living
Maribor is one of the most affordable cities in Slovenia and Central Europe for students. Estimated monthly costs:
- Accommodation: 180–350 € (student dormitory) or 300–550 € (private rental)
- Meals: 100–200 € (using subsidised student restaurants: meals from 2.90–4.50 €)
- Public transport: ~20 € per month (subsidised student monthly pass)
- Books and study materials: 20–50 €
- Personal expenses and leisure: 100–200 €
Estimated total: 450–800 € per month, significantly lower than most Western European cities.
Students benefit from state subsidies on meals, transport, and healthcare, making Maribor particularly cost-effective for exchange students.
Housing
The University of Maribor offers several accommodation options for international students:
Student Dormitories (Študentski domovi UM)
The University operates 15 student dormitory facilities across Maribor with approximately 2,867 beds. Dormitories offer single and double rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens, as well as fully equipped apartments. Amenities include free internet, laundry rooms, study rooms, multimedia rooms, and sports facilities.
Monthly cost: approximately 180–350 € depending on room type.
Erasmus students are given priority for dormitory placement. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible after receiving acceptance to UM.
Dormitory website: https://sd.um.si/
Private Accommodation
Private rental rooms and apartments are also available in Maribor. Monthly rent for a private room is approximately 300–550 €. The International Office can provide guidance on finding private accommodation.
Contact: incoming.erasmus@um.si
Transport
Getting around Maribor and Slovenia is easy and affordable for students:
City Bus (Marprom)
Maribor has 22 city bus lines. A single ticket costs 2 € on the bus, or 1 € with a prepaid card (10 tickets = 10 €). A subsidised student monthly pass costs approximately 20 €/month for unlimited travel. More info: marprom.si
Mbajk Bike Sharing
City-wide bicycle rental available via mobile app or website. Annual subscription: 3 €. Ideal for short trips around the city. More info: mbajk.si
Intercity Travel
Regular bus and train connections from Maribor to Ljubljana (1.5h), Graz, Vienna, Zagreb and other cities. Student discounts are available on most intercity routes.
Taxi & Carsharing
Cammeo Taxi available via mobile app. Avant2Go carsharing available for students with a driver's licence: avant2go.si
Carpooling
Popular among students for travel within Slovenia and neighbouring countries: prevoz.org
Meals
Students at the University of Maribor benefit from a state-subsidised meal system:
- Student restaurants (menze) — located near the main faculties and dormitories, offering hot meals for 2.90–4.50 € with a valid student card
- Café-bars and snack bars — available on most faculty campuses
- Supermarkets — Hofer, Spar, Lidl, Mercator and others within walking distance of campus areas
The student meal subsidy (subvencija za prehrano) significantly reduces the cost of eating out. Students can use this subsidy at hundreds of participating restaurants across Slovenia, not just on campus.
Estimated monthly food costs: 100–200 € using subsidised options.
Student Associations
University of Maribor students can engage with a wide range of student associations and organisations:
- ŠOUM (Student Organisation of UM) — the main student union representing all UM students, organising social, cultural and sports events, and providing support services including psychological counselling (svetovalnica@soum.si)
- Erasmus Student Network (ESN) — active at UM, organising social and cultural events for international students, trips, and integration activities
- Faculty student councils — each faculty has its own student council representing student interests
- Sports clubs and teams — university-affiliated sports clubs in football, basketball, volleyball, athletics, and more
- Academic and professional clubs — numerous subject-specific clubs and associations across all faculties
- IAESTE and AIESEC — student organisations offering international internship and exchange opportunities
Work placement possibilities
The University of Maribor supports students in finding work placement and internship opportunities:
- Career Centre — organises the annual Career Market fair, workshops, employer presentations, and networking events connecting students with potential employers
- Demola Innovation Hub — connects student teams with companies for project-based work on real business challenges
- Faculty internship programmes — most study programmes include compulsory or optional internship components with partner companies
- Erasmus+ Traineeship — students can apply for funded Erasmus+ traineeships at companies and organisations in other European countries
- Student work (študentsko delo) — Slovenian regulations allow students to work part-time through student service agencies, which is a popular and flexible way to earn income during studies
Sport clubs/programs
The University of Maribor offers a rich programme of sports activities and clubs:
- Leon Štukelj Sports Centre — the main university sports facility with gym, fitness centre, swimming pool, sports halls, and outdoor courts
- University sports leagues — interuniversity competitions in football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and other sports
- Recreational sports classes — organised by the university for all students
- Mariborsko Pohorje ski resort — 15 minutes from city centre with student discounts on ski passes
- Outdoor sports — hiking, cycling, kayaking, and climbing near Maribor's forests, Drava river and Pohorje mountain
- University sports clubs — open to student members across a wide range of disciplines
Language courses
The University of Maribor offers various language learning opportunities for international students:
- Free Slovenian language courses — offered each semester specifically for Erasmus and international students, organised through the faculties and MKC Maribor (Municipal Cultural Centre)
- Polyglot Café — a popular language exchange programme where students meet regularly to practise different languages in an informal setting
- Online Linguistic Support (OLS) — Erasmus+ students have access to OLS language courses before and during their exchange
- Faculty language courses — some faculties offer elective courses in English, German, and other foreign languages open to exchange students
- Intensive Slovenian courses — available before the start of each semester for students wishing to learn basic Slovenian
Note: Most courses at UM are taught in Slovenian, but a selection of courses is available in English. Check the course catalogue for English-taught courses: Course Catalogue
Events and culture
Maribor offers a vibrant cultural scene with numerous events throughout the year:
- Lent Festival (June) — one of the largest open-air festivals in Central Europe, featuring music, theatre and cultural performances along the Drava riverbank
- Old Vine Festival (October) — celebrating the world's oldest living grapevine, with wine, gastronomy and cultural events
- Maribor Theatre Festival — prestigious international theatre festival
- Night of Researchers — annual European Researchers' Night at UM with open labs and public lectures
- ESN & ŠOUM events — regular cultural trips, international evenings, themed parties and city tours organised for exchange students throughout the semester
- Museums and galleries — Maribor City Museum, Art Gallery and other cultural institutions accessible with student discounts
For current events: maribor.si