At today’s extraordinary session (11 February 2026), the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia unanimously approved the establishment of a public university in Novo Mesto, thus concluding a multi-year legislative process and realising the region’s long-standing efforts to establish its own public higher education institution.
This is an extremely important day for Slovenia, and a particularly historic day for the region of south-eastern Slovenia, which is one of the strongest economic areas in the country. The new, fourth public university in Slovenia will make a key contribution to further development by providing highly educated personnel, whom the region urgently needs, particularly in the automotive, pharmaceutical and mechanical engineering industries.
Faculty of Information Studies (FIS) at the forefront of efforts
The Faculty of Information Studies (FIS), established in 2008 as the first public faculty in Novo mesto, played a key role in achieving this important goal. FIS was one of the central actors in the entire process and provided all the necessary content and technical assistance in preparing the extensive documentation required for the accreditation of the future university.
The Dean of FIS, Prof. Dr. Matej Makarovič, expressed his great satisfaction on this occasion: “At the Faculty of Information Studies, we have been striving to establish a public university in Novo mesto since its very inception. We have actively participated in all procedures, led two expert working groups that prepared the necessary analyses and materials, and we are proud that our long-standing efforts have now borne fruit. I am particularly pleased with the unanimous political and social support for the new public university, which demonstrates the broadest awareness of the importance of this project. I firmly believe that we will take advantage of this exceptional opportunity for further development and expansion of knowledge, innovation and research, which will undoubtedly contribute to greater competitiveness and prosperity.”
Shaping the future through knowledge
The new public university will bring together several existing higher education and research institutions, including FIS, which will be its largest individual member in terms of student and employee numbers. It is expected to begin operating in the 2026/2027 academic year, and tuition for full-time studies will be free of charge for students, as at other public universities in the country. The university will be temporarily based at the Town Hall, and after renovation, it will move to the premises of the National Home. There are also plans to build a modern university campus in Drgančevje in the future.
The establishment of the public University of Novo Mesto represents an important milestone that will enable the region to become an even stronger centre of knowledge, development and innovation. FIS will continue to play a key role in this process.