Overview
The University of Nova Gorica (UNG) is a private, research-oriented university in western Slovenia near the Italian border, formally established as a university in 2006 (with roots in the Nova Gorica Polytechnic founded in 1995). It offers a small, student-focused environment where many programmes connect classroom learning with ongoing research. Around half of the student body is international, and UNG’s study culture is shaped by cross-border collaboration and strong ties to applied research, especially in environmental science, viticulture, arts, and humanities.
UNG brings together seven academic schools, plus a Graduate School for doctoral studies. Students benefit from small cohort sizes, close mentoring, and interdisciplinary engagement across research areas such as quantum optics, astrophysics, materials science, and cognitive science.
2. General Information
| Name | University of Nova Gorica (Univerza v Novi Gorici) |
|---|---|
| Established | 2006 (originating from the 1995 polytechnic) |
| Type | Private research university |
| Location | Nova Gorica, Slovenia (Slovene–Italian border region) |
| Students | ≈ 50% international among ≈ 1,200 total (recent internal reporting; prior reference: 2019/20) |
| Schools | Schools of Environmental Sciences; Engineering & Management; Sciences; Humanities; Arts; Viticulture & Enology; Graduate School |
| Website | ung.si |
3. Fee Structure
| Program | Tuition Fee (non‑EU full-time, per year) |
| Bachelor’s (Engineering & Management; Cultural History; Environmental Sciences) | €2,800 – €3,000 (some tracks up to ~€3,500 for Digital Arts) |
| Master’s (Engineering & Management; Humanities; Environment) | €2,800 – €3,000 (Digital Arts ~€3,500; Heritage ~€6,000) |
| Doctoral programmes | ~€4,000/year (final amounts can vary by track and funding arrangement) |
| EU / Slovenian students (select programs) | Free for full‑time Bachelor’s & Master’s in state‑funded programmes (availability depends on programme and admission category) |
If you are comparing options across Slovenia, you may also want to review how public universities structure tuition and funding—see, for example, the University of Ljubljana tuition and programme structure and the University of Maribor overview.
4. Academic Programs
- Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees offered across seven schools
- Key areas include Environmental Sciences; Engineering & Management; Digital Arts; Viticulture & Enology; Cultural History; Sciences; and Humanities
- English-taught programmes are available in areas such as Environment, Physics & Astrophysics, Material Science, Media Arts, Cultural Heritage, and Slovene Studies
- Graduate School offers doctoral tracks in Cognitive Science, Karstology, Molecular Genetics, Physics, and Heritage Conservation
- Double or joint degree options and Erasmus+ mobility are available for eligible students
Applicants who are choosing between regional universities often look at how study formats and research exposure differ. If you want another Slovenian option with a focus on coastal and applied research contexts, read about the University of Primorsk as well.
5. Facilities
- Laboratories and research centres in astrophysics, quantum optics, materials science, and cognitive science
- Small class sizes and personalised mentoring across all schools
- Research cooperation connected with major Slovenian research organizations (including integration with broader national research networks)
- Supportive environment for student‑athletes, scholarships, summer schools, and talent development programmes
UNG’s model is designed for learning-by-doing. That approach can be especially relevant if you are aiming for research careers, because students can build experience alongside ongoing projects during their study period.
6. Accommodation
UNG does not operate a large campus housing system. Many international and Erasmus students arrange living through university-coordinated dormitories or private rentals. In Nova Gorica, accommodation availability can be tight during peak intakes, so students frequently consider options in nearby Gorizia or other nearby towns across the border.
- University or shared student dorms: approx. €100–200/month
- Private flat shares: around €200–300/month per room
Before you commit to housing, it can help to also compare student-life logistics in other Slovenian university towns—such as student accommodation and local options in Maribor—so you can plan a realistic budget and commute.
7. Contact Information
- Email: info@ung.si
- Phone: +386 5 6205 820
- Address: Vipavska 13, 5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Explore More Universities Slovenia
– If you are interested in writing, write for us education articles now.
