Vocational Matura: Where to Go After Secondary School

The vocational matura opens more doors than you might think. Whether you want to get employed as soon as possible or continue your studies, you have several paths available. Here is a clear overview of where the vocational matura can take you in 2026.

What does the vocational matura actually enable you to do?

With a vocational matura you can:

• get employed with the acquired secondary vocational qualification,
• enrol in a short-cycle higher education institution (VSŠ),
• enrol in higher education professional study programmes,
• enrol in university programmes with an additional examination.

Option 1: Institute of Technology (the fastest path to a profession)

The vocational matura is direct entry to a short-cycle higher education institution. The study lasts two years, is practically oriented and includes mandatory work placement in companies. Graduates of short-cycle higher education institutions are among the most sought-after personnel, as they come with experience and find employment quickly. After short-cycle higher education institution, you can continue directly into the 2nd year of many higher education programmes.

Option 2: Higher Education Professional Study

With a vocational matura you can also enrol in higher education professional programmes (1st Bologna cycle). These are more theoretically oriented and last three to four years.

Option 3: University Study (fifth subject)

If you are interested in a university programme, you must complete an additional examination from the general matura ("fifth subject") in addition to the vocational matura.

Option 4: Employment

With a vocational matura you have acquired a professional qualification and can get employed immediately. Many combine this path with study — they work and study part-time simultaneously, to obtain higher education without interrupting their income.

How to decide?

• Do you want to get to a profession and practice quickly? → short-cycle higher education institution.
• Are you not yet certain about the direction and theory does not bother you? → higher education professional programme.
• Are you aiming for a specific university profession? → vocational matura + fifth subject.
• Do you need income now? → employment + part-time study.

Can I enrol in higher education with a vocational matura?

Yes, the vocational matura is a direct requirement for enrolment in a short-cycle higher education institution.

What is the fifth subject?

An additional examination from a general matura subject, which you complete if you wish to enrol in a university study programme.

Is short-cycle higher education institution a good choice after vocational matura?

For everyone who wants to get to a profession and practice quickly, short-cycle higher education institution is the most employable path — with the possibility of later continuing studies at higher education or university level.

Are you not certain which direction is right for you?

At Academia you can choose between programmes in economics, informatics, engineering and media — all with mandatory work placement and the possibility of part-time study.

View programmes and register for an info day →

Source: Academia (17. 6. 2026).

This English summary was produced automatically from the Slovenian article and is pending editorial review. Slovenska različica