Plan a realistic student budget

Budget categories

• Rent, deposit, and utilities
• Food, transport, and phone
• Insurance, study materials, and health
• Clothing, social activities, and travel home
• Emergency fund

Do not use one national total

Ljubljana, Maribor, Koper, Nova Gorica, and Celje have different housing markets, and the biggest variable is normally accommodation. A University of Ljubljana faculty currently gives a broad student-living estimate of €500 to €800 per month, depending strongly on housing and lifestyle. Treat this as a rough planning range, not a guaranteed minimum, and build separate ranges for each city.

An illustrative monthly budget

The table below is only an example to show the shape of a monthly budget, not a promise. Your real figures depend heavily on your city, your housing, and your habits. It assumes a shared private room or an economic dormitory place, cooking most meals with the meal subsidy helping, and a national transport ticket.

Note that the residence-permit means requirement (around €507,43 per month from 1 April 2026) sits near the lower end of this range, so it is a legal minimum to prove, not a comfortable living budget. Plan above it.

First-month budget

Budget separately for setup costs: deposit, first rent, temporary accommodation, permit and card fees, translation and certification, travel, bedding and household items, phone and transport setup, and an emergency reserve. The first month can cost substantially more than a normal month.

Private rent checklist and food

Ask whether the price includes electricity, heating, water, internet, building charges, cleaning, parking, and any summer or short-stay charges. Student meals reduce the price of eligible restaurant meals but do not replace grocery planning; cooking remains important, especially where the city has fewer providers. Keep an emergency reserve that is not committed to rent.

Ask for student discounts

A certificate of enrolment or student card may unlock discounts for cinema, theatre, museums and galleries, sport and fitness, swimming pools, cultural subscriptions, photocopying and printing, and ISIC or EYCA partner offers. Discounts are commercial or institutional benefits, not permanent legal rights, so check the current condition and age limit.

Sources and further information

• University of Ljubljana accommodation and living costs
• University of Primorska living-cost guide
• University of Maribor dormitory price lists
• GOV.SI subsidised student meals
• eUprava subsidised student ticket

Last checked: 30 July 2026