Faculty of Environmental Protection
Protecting the environment through knowledge β in Velenje since 2008.
The Faculty of Environmental Protection (FVO) is an independent higher education institution based in Velenje. Since 2008, we have been educating environmental professionals β ecotechnologists β through undergraduate professional and masterβs degree programmes. Until 2022, we operated as the Environmental Protection College (VΕ VO).
Study
Two programmes, one name
Both programmes, at undergraduate (first-cycle) and masterβs (second-cycle) level, are called Environmental Protection and Ecotechnologies and are offered in full-time and part-time formats. They bring together natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, biotechnology and the humanities, covering topics from reducing water, air and soil pollution, waste management and (bio)monitoring to nature conservation, sustainable use and management of natural resources, geography and environmental law.
Duration: three years, 180 ECTS credits
Qualification: Bachelor of Ecotechnology (professional degree)
Duration: two years, 120 ECTS credits
Qualification: Master of Ecotechnology
Revised programme from the 2026/27 academic year.
Why FVO?
What makes us distinctive?
We are a relatively small faculty with close personal contact, internationally recognised lecturers with extensive practical experience, and a strong emphasis on practical training and learning outside the classroom.
Lecturers with practical experience
Many of our lecturers are established professionals with practical experience in businesses, public institutions and research institutes. They bring current developments and the needs and expectations of the profession and employers directly into their teaching.
Learning in small groups
Laboratory classes take place in groups of 10 to 15 students.
400 hours of practical training
In the third year of the undergraduate programme, you gain work experience with employers in Slovenia or abroad.
A wide choice of electives
We fully respect studentsβ preferences when it comes to electives: we have always delivered every elective course selected by our students.
Erasmus+ exchanges
You can complete part of your studies or a traineeship abroad at one of our partner institutions.
Velenje
Why Velenje?
The Ε alek Valley once faced severe environmental pressures from coal mining and energy production, before undergoing one of Sloveniaβs first comprehensive environmental remediation programmes. Today, it is an outdoor classroom where the links between the environment, energy and the economy are clearly visible. As coal is phased out, the region is changing again. FVO contributes through regional development programmes and the expert group for the just transition of the coal region.
Our journey
Faculty facts
| Institution name | Faculty of Environmental Protection (FVO) |
|---|---|
| Address | Trg mladosti 7, 3320 Velenje |
| Telephone | +386 3 898 64 10 |
| info@fvo.si | |
| Registration number | 2257092000 |
| Tax number | 53343549 (VAT ID: SI53343549) |
| Bank account | SI56 0400 1004 8714 262, OTP banka d. d. |
| Founder | Regional Study Centre in Celje, a public institution |
| Court register entry | SRG 2006/2399 of 6 February 2007; latest amendment SRG 2022/48139 of 20 May 2022 |
| Chair of the Management Board | Katja Esih |
| Director | GaΕ‘per Gantar, PhD, Assistant Professor |
| Dean | BoΕ‘tjan Pokorny, PhD, Full Professor |
Thinking about studying here?
Both programmes are available full-time or part-time. Meet us at an open day or find out how to apply and enrol.
Student Affairs Office
Milena Ε½evart
Office hours: Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri 10:00β13:00; Wed 10:00β13:00 and 15:00β17:00
Last updated: October 2026
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Study at FVO
Study that sparks change
If youβre interested in the environment, nature, technology and the challenges ahead, FVO is your next step.
Explore study options, practical training and career paths in environmental protection.
