Principal Vida Perko, MSc, at a round table on adults returning to education

On Tuesday, 22 September 2026, at the Open Day of the Acquiring Education project, organised by the Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia, Vida Perko, MSc, Principal of Academia Institute of Technology, also participated in a round table discussion.

The main round table entitled 'From Practice to the Classroom: What Brings Adults Back to Education?' was dedicated to the experiences of adults who, after various life and professional paths, are re-entering education.

In addition to Vida Perko, MSc, the discussion also included Monika Strahovnik from ERUDIO Education Centre, Renata Bačvić from the Cene Štupar Public Institute – Ljubljana Education Centre, and Suzana Kljun from the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia.

The discussion opened up numerous questions that adults face when returning to education – from balancing studies with work and family obligations to motivation, perseverance, and the importance of support from educational institutions.

Adult education as a new opportunity

At Academia, we have been encountering students for many years who decide to study after several years of work, wish to upgrade their professional qualifications, obtain formal education, or take a new step in their career. The flexibility of studies, the connection between theory and practice, and the direct applicability of acquired knowledge are particularly important for adult students.

The event took place within the framework of the Acquiring Education project, through which eligible adults can obtain co-financing of the costs of already completed education or professional qualifications in the amount of up to 2,755 euros.

The aim of the project is to include 3,200 participants, and the project is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union from the European Social Fund Plus.

Up to 2,755 euros reimbursement of education costs

The project is particularly relevant for students and graduates of Academia as well. Eligible persons can, upon meeting the conditions of the public call, obtain reimbursement of eligible education costs of up to 2,755 euros, which can significantly facilitate the decision to complete already commenced education.

The event demonstrated that returning to education is not only about acquiring formal qualifications, but often also means new self-confidence, new competences, and new career opportunities.

At Academia, we therefore believe that it is never too late to take a new step in education.

Learn from Experience. Real Skills for the Real World.

Source: Academia (22. 9. 2026). Fotografije: arhiv Academie.

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