Over the last fifteen years higher education in Slovenia has undergone several legislative and structural changes, rapid institutional development, and a significant increase in student numbers. The most important changes were introduced in 2004 (supplemented in 2006), in accordance with the Bologna principles.
With only two public universities in 1993 the institutional landscape has expanded to fifteen higher education institutions which cover all fields of study: three public universities (incorporating forty-one faculties, three art academies and four professional colleges) and twelve private higher education institutions (one university, five faculties and six professional colleges). Under certain conditions, private higher education institutions can also offer state recognised and co-financed courses.
The number of students has more than doubled since 1991. The share of higher education students per thousand inhabitants has risen from 19.1% in 1991 to 41.1% in 2005.
| Academic year | Students | ||
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | Total | |
| 1991/92 | 36,504 | 1,647 | 36,504 |
| 2005/06 | 73,967 | 8,344 | 82,311 |