What truly defines a study experience are the people – their ideas, perseverance, curiosity and willingness to take a step forward.
At Academia Institute of Technology, we have once again selected the Students of the Year, who stood out on individual study programmes and modules through their work, attitude towards study and achievements.
This year's recipients are students with very different life and career paths. Some studied whilst in full-time employment, others decided to make a complete career change. Some enrolled at Academia to deepen knowledge they already use in practice, whilst others discovered new professional opportunities during their studies.
What they share above all is that they did not understand their studies merely as a path to a diploma, but as an opportunity for professional and personal development.
Katja Novak – Computer Science and Informatics
Katja Novak successfully completed her studies in systems engineering whilst in full-time employment in the field of information technology in the banking sector. At Academia, she enhanced her many years of practical experience with additional professional knowledge in the field of systems and networks.
Miša Mulec – Graphic Design
Miša Mulec from Ptuj is the Student of the Year for the graphic design module. Art and creativity have accompanied her for a long time, and at Academia she developed her interest with the support of lecturers who come directly from the profession.
Urša Marolt – 3D Animation
Urša Marolt's interest in 3D modelling brought her from Ljubljana to Academia in Maribor. Today she develops her knowledge in the field of 3D animation, works at the company Brinox, and also expresses her creativity as a singer in the Perpetuum Jazzile choir.
Tina Jerot – Photography
Photography has accompanied Tina Jerot since childhood. Besides photography, she is interested in old cameras, collages, video editing and other visual approaches. She already uses the knowledge from Academia when photographing concerts and events.
Saša Gril – Human Resources Management and Sales
Saša Gril made a major career change after years of work in tourism and began working in the field of human resources. Today she is employed in the human resources department of the company Kolektor, and her studies at Academia helped her better understand the new professional field and the broader business context of her work.
Ognjen Vučković – Digital Marketing and Sales
Ognjen Vučković combined his interest in digital marketing, sales, analytics and creativity during his studies. The knowledge he gained also helped him enter the labour market, and today he is gaining experience at the company Henkel as Assistant Account Manager.
→ Read Ognjen Vučković's story
Viktorija Sokolenko – Accounting
Viktorija Sokolenko enhanced the accounting knowledge she had already acquired in Ukraine at Academia with knowledge of the Slovenian environment, legislation and system. Studying in a new language and a new country was both a professional and personal challenge for her, from which she emerged even more persistent and self-confident.
→ Read Viktorija Sokolenko's story
Aljoša Medved – Security
Aljoša Medved is employed in the Slovenian Armed Forces, so his security studies were directly connected to his professional field and further professional development. During his studies, he successfully completed all obligations in the first attempt.
Alenka Rojnik – Civil Engineering
Alenka Rojnik chose civil engineering after her previous studies in geoinformatics. She successfully fulfilled her study obligations even during pregnancy and later whilst caring for a small child, and what convinced her most about the studies was their practical orientation.
Ajla Pedljič – Mechanical Engineering
Ajla Pedljič has always been interested in machines, tools and robotics. Today she is employed at the company GEDARID as a process engineer and operational assembler, and her studies helped her develop not only professional knowledge but also analytical thinking, organisation and project collaboration.
Different paths, shared desire for progress
The stories of this year's Students of the Year show that a successful study path does not have only one form.
It can mean the beginning of a career, its change or enhancement of knowledge after several years of work. It can mean studying whilst employed, alongside family or in a completely new language and environment. In all cases, however, it requires curiosity, perseverance and willingness to take advantage of the opportunities that studies offer.
Congratulations to all the Students of the Year 2026.
You can learn more about their individual stories, experiences and advice for future students in the interviews published on our website by clicking on the links above.
Studies are delivered in Slovenian – ask us how to apply.
B1 Slovenian is required; we offer a free preparatory course. The admissions team replies within one working day.
Source: Academia (20. 8. 2026). Fotografije: arhiv Academie.
This English summary was produced automatically from the Slovenian article and is pending editorial review. Slovenska različica
