The Higher Vocational School for Hospitality and Tourism Bled (VSGT) is one of Slovenia’s specialised institutions dedicated to hospitality and tourism education. Located in the resort town of Bled, a destination known for its lake tourism and international visitors, the school operates within an environment where hospitality is not theoretical, but lived daily. Over the years, VSGT has developed strong ties with hotels, restaurants and tourism operators across Slovenia, ensuring that its programmes are closely aligned with industry expectations. Its institutional culture reflects this practical orientation, students are trained to think operationally, work professionally and understand the commercial realities of hospitality management from the beginning of their studies.
For students from Africa and other non-EU countries who are searching for an affordable European study destination with direct industry exposure, VSGT represents a pathway that is often overlooked but strategically relevant. This guide explains what the programme offers, how it is structured and what you should realistically expect before applying.
Understanding the VSGT Higher Vocational Programme in Hospitality and Tourism
VSGT offers a higher vocational programme in Hospitality and Tourism, designed to prepare students for supervisory and mid-level management roles within hotels, restaurants, tourism agencies and event companies. Unlike traditional university degrees that lean heavily on academic theory and research output, vocational education in Slovenia is structured around competence, applied skills and employability.
The programme typically runs for two years and leads to a professional higher education qualification. The academic framework combines classroom instruction, seminars and mandatory practical training. Students are not only introduced to management concepts but are required to apply them in real hospitality settings.
Core Academic Areas
While the exact modules may vary slightly from year to year, the curriculum generally covers:
Hospitality operations management
Food and beverage service systems
Tourism marketing and destination management
Business economics and accounting fundamentals
Communication in hospitality
Organisation and event management
Entrepreneurship and innovation in tourism
Foreign language training
The design of the programme reflects a central reality of hospitality: technical knowledge alone does not create competent managers. Students must understand guest psychology, service standards, operational coordination and financial control. VSGT integrates these elements progressively, ensuring that by graduation, students have both theoretical grounding and documented practical exposure.
Why Slovenia Makes Strategic Sense for Hospitality Studies
When evaluating study destinations, most non-EU students default to the United Kingdom, Canada or Germany. Slovenia rarely appears in mainstream conversations. However, there are structural advantages that make it worth consideration.
Slovenia is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area. This status provides institutional credibility and exposure to EU-standard hospitality systems. At the same time, tuition fees and living expenses are generally lower than in Western Europe.
Tourism plays a central role in Slovenia’s economy, especially in towns like Bled. Because of this, students are immersed in an active tourism environment rather than a purely academic setting. Hospitality in Slovenia is not seasonal in theory; it is visible, measurable and economically significant.
For African applicants who want a European qualification without the financial intensity of the UK system, Slovenia presents a balance between affordability and legitimacy.
Full-Time Study at VSGT
The full-time study option is the most common pathway for international students. It involves structured weekday lectures, practical sessions and scheduled industry placements. For students applying from outside Slovenia, full-time enrolment is usually necessary to meet residence permit requirements.
Full-time students benefit from a cohesive academic rhythm. They attend classes, complete assignments and engage in compulsory internships that are integrated into the programme. This structure ensures that practical training is not an afterthought but a mandatory component of graduation.
From an immigration perspective, full-time status simplifies visa processing because it clearly demonstrates that the primary purpose of residence is study.
Part-Time Study Option
VSGT also offers part-time study arrangements, primarily designed for individuals who are already employed or have professional responsibilities. Part-time schedules may include weekend sessions or adjusted academic timetables.
For non-EU applicants considering this route, it is essential to verify whether part-time enrolment qualifies for a Slovenian student residence permit. In many EU countries, part-time academic status does not automatically satisfy immigration requirements for international students. Therefore, full-time study remains the more predictable route for those applying from abroad.
Part-time study can be beneficial for individuals already residing legally in Slovenia who wish to upgrade their qualifications while working in hospitality.
Practical Training and Industry Integration
One of VSGT’s defining strengths is its integration of practical training. Students are required to complete internships within hotels, restaurants or tourism enterprises. Because Bled is a major tourist destination, opportunities for placement are embedded in the local economy.
This matters significantly. In hospitality, employers prioritise demonstrable experience over abstract academic excellence. A student who has supervised a breakfast shift, coordinated guest check-ins during peak season or assisted in event logistics holds practical credibility that cannot be substituted by classroom theory alone.
International students who approach internships strategically can use them as gateways to longer-term employment opportunities or strong professional references.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Applicants from Nigeria and other non-EU countries should prepare for the following general requirements:
Secondary school completion certificate equivalent to Slovenian education standards
Academic transcripts
Proof of language proficiency, depending on the language of instruction
Valid international passport
Completed application form
Motivation letter
Certain documents may need to be officially translated and certified. It is important to confirm equivalency recognition for WAEC or NECO qualifications before submission.
Because admission timelines and documentation rules can change, applicants should begin preparation several months before the intended intake period.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
Tuition fees for non-EU students are typically higher than for EU citizens, but they remain competitive compared to Western European hospitality schools. Exact figures should always be confirmed directly with the institution.
Beyond tuition, students must account for:
Accommodation expenses
Health insurance
Residence permit fees
Food and transport
Study materials
Bled’s status as a tourist destination can influence rental prices, particularly during peak seasons. Many students reduce costs by sharing accommodation.
For Nigerian applicants, proof of financial capacity is required during visa processing. It is advisable to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for at least one academic year.
Language of Instruction
Prospective students must verify whether the programme is delivered in English or Slovenian. Some vocational programmes in Slovenia are primarily taught in Slovenian, while others incorporate English components.
If instruction is in Slovenian, applicants may need to provide proof of language proficiency or complete preparatory courses. Making assumptions about language availability can delay the admission process, so confirmation is critical.
Work Opportunities During Study
International students in Slovenia are generally permitted to work part-time under the student work system. Hospitality students have a relative advantage because hotels and restaurants often require seasonal staff, particularly during tourism peaks.
However, part-time employment should be viewed as supplementary income rather than a primary funding strategy. Immigration authorities will still require proof that tuition and living expenses can be covered independently of anticipated earnings.
Students who secure work within reputable establishments during their studies often graduate with both academic qualifications and professional references, strengthening their employment profile.
Career Prospects After Graduation
Graduates of VSGT are positioned for operational and supervisory roles within the hospitality and tourism sector. Potential career pathways include:
Front office supervision
Food and beverage coordination
Event operations management
Tourism consultancy
Restaurant management
Hotel department leadership
Experience gained in Slovenia can enhance employability both locally and internationally. For Nigerian graduates who return home, European hospitality exposure can serve as a competitive differentiator in the growing hotel and tourism market.
For those seeking to remain in Europe, post-study work options will depend on prevailing immigration policies at the time of graduation. Regulations can evolve, so forward planning is essential.
DATES:
- FIRST APPLICATION PERIOD: 18 February – 18 March 2026
Electronic application for enrollment via eVŠ online portal, accessible at http://visjesolska.si/
- SECOND APPLICATION PERIOD: 21 August – 27 August 2026
Electronic application for enrollment via eVŠ online portal, accessible at http://visjesolska.si/
Pro Tip:
Most students treat internships as a compulsory academic requirement. This mindset limits the value of the experience. In a vocational system like VSGT’s, internships function as extended performance evaluations.
Approach each placement as though it is a three-month job interview. Document your responsibilities clearly. Request formal feedback from supervisors. Build relationships with department heads rather than only interacting with immediate team members.
Hospitality operates on trust and reputation. If you prove dependable during peak season, managers are more likely to recommend you for future roles or retain you when vacancies arise. This approach transforms mandatory training into a strategic career asset.
Studying at the Higher Vocational School for Hospitality and Tourism Bled is not about chasing global brand prestige. It is about entering a practical European training environment where hospitality is integrated into daily economic life. The institution’s strength lies in its applied curriculum, industry partnerships and structured practical exposure.
For African students exploring realistic and affordable EU study pathways, VSGT offers a focused route into hospitality and tourism management. Success, however, depends on preparation. Applicants must verify admission requirements early, prepare documentation carefully and approach practical training with long-term career intent.
When evaluated strategically, VSGT is more than a small-town vocational school. It is an operational gateway into the European hospitality industry for students willing to combine discipline with initiative.
