Why choose FVO?

At FVO, you study the environment in the Šalek Valley, where people are tackling real environmental challenges. Students choose us for our small faculty, hands-on learning and strong graduate employment prospects.

Graduates by the end of 2025

377

Graduates employed within six months

90 %

Practical training in year 3

400 hours

Students per lab group

10–15

Reasons to choose FVO

Why study at FVO?

Hands-on learning

Courses are taught in sequence, so you can focus on just a few at a time. Lab groups have 10–15 students, and in year three you complete 400 hours of practical training with an employer.

A small faculty with approachable lecturers

Lecturers know you by name and make time for your questions. You learn from researchers and practitioners. In 2025, 15 guest lecturers also taught at FVO.

Strong employment prospects

Environmental professionals are in demand. Ninety per cent of graduates find employment within six months of completing their studies.

International experience and projects

At each level of study, Erasmus+ lets you study or take up a traineeship abroad for 2 to 12 months. You can join FVO projects while studying, such as the µPlastiTrap I microplastics sampler, which received an ED.VITA 2026 award.

The environment as a classroom

The Šalek Valley, a living laboratory

Coal mining and power generation put the valley under environmental pressure for decades. It then became one of the first areas in Slovenia to undergo comprehensive environmental restoration. Today, as the region restructures, it needs people with environmental expertise. Field classes and visits take place with partners such as the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant, Velenje Utilities and Velenje Museum.

Velenje is a green, student-friendly city. Get to the faculty, the lake and the city centre on foot, by bike or by local bus. For help finding accommodation, contact the Student Affairs Office.

Degree programmes

Become an ecotechnology specialist

Both programmes are available full-time and part-time.

Undergraduate studies

The professionally oriented undergraduate programme in Environmental Protection and Ecotechnology takes three years, carries 180 ECTS credits and includes two elective modules and 400 hours of practical training.

Master’s studies

The updated Environmental Protection and Ecotechnology master’s programme runs from 2026/27. It takes two years and carries 120 ECTS credits, with advanced professional and research work.

Meet us in person

Undergraduate open days are held in mid-February. Master’s open days are held in late May and late August. Find dates and schedules on the Open days page. For application instructions, see Applications and enrolment.