The University of Maribor has launched a new study programme to increase the number of speech therapists

The University of Maribor has announced plans to introduce a new master's degree program aimed at addressing the long-standing shortage of speech therapists and deaf education specialists in northeastern Slovenia. The initiative comes as multiple institutions have raised concerns about the growing demand for professionals in this field over recent years. According to Dr. Dean Korošak, the university’s rector, the decision follows clear indications of need within the region. The Senate of the University of Maribor approved the proposal on June 23, and the application for approval has been submitted to the National Agency for Quality in Higher Education of the Republic of Slovenia (NAKVIS).

The proposed program, titled "Logopedija in surdopedagogika" (Speech Therapy and Deaf Education), will be offered by the Faculty of Education at the University of Maribor. It is designed to last five years and will consist of 300 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) points. The curriculum aims to develop professional competencies for working with individuals who have diverse communication needs throughout their entire lives—not just during childhood but also into adulthood. A significant portion of the training will focus on practical experience conducted in specialized institutions.

Dr. Milena Ivanuš Grmek, dean of the Faculty of Education, explained that the program was planned for some time and involves collaboration with several higher education professors. Due to the lack of academic staff specializing in speech therapy and deaf education, the faculty sought assistance from professors at the University of Novi Sad, who have expertise in similar programs. The program will include both theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges.

The program’s development was based on extensive analysis of current conditions. Dr. Darja Plavčak from the Faculty of Education presented data showing a sharp increase in the number of students with speech and language disorders. According to statistics from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, there were 872 such students in primary schools during the school year 2016/17, compared to 2790 in more recent years. These figures do not account for all children with communication difficulties, including those with autism spectrum disorder or learning disabilities. As a result, waiting times for speech therapy can be up to 48 months in some cases, placing existing professionals under immense pressure.

Several institutions that will provide practical training for future students have already expressed support for the initiative. These include the Centre for Hearing and Speech in Maribor, the Institute for Training, Employment, and Protection named after Dr. Marijan Borštnar Dornava, the Gustav Šilih Centre in Maribor, the University Clinical Centre Maribor, and the Health House in Maribor, among others. All these organizations have acknowledged the critical shortage of qualified personnel and emphasized the importance of the new program in addressing this issue.

The Centre for Hearing and Speech in Maribor, led by Uroš Krajnc, estimates that the sector has been behind by at least five to ten years. He noted that the centre frequently advertises job openings for speech therapists but receives no applications. Without new talent, he said, the expansion of existing programs would not be possible. Similarly, Ivanka Limonšek, director of the Institute in Dornava, highlighted the urgent need for additional professionals. Currently, her institute employs only two speech therapists, forcing them to prioritize early intervention, which she argues is insufficient since all patients require equal attention.

The program is expected to start with 20 admission spots. Prospective students must meet general entry requirements, including a high school diploma completed before June 1, 1995, and pass a communication test. Upon completion, graduates will earn the title of Master of Education in Speech Therapy and Deaf Education, qualifying them for work in education, healthcare, and other institutions dealing with individuals with communication disorders.

Multiple key healthcare and educational institutions have written to express strong support for the program. These include the Community of Organizations for Rehabilitation in Slovenia, the University Clinical Centre Maribor, the Health House in Maribor, the Centre for Hearing and Speech in Maribor, and the Gustav Šilih Centre. They have pledged full cooperation in providing practical training for future students.

The rise in autism spectrum disorder has further intensified the demand for speech therapists and educators. This trend underscores the necessity of expanding the workforce in this area. With the new program, the University of Maribor aims to fill a critical gap in the region and ensure that future graduates are equipped to address the complex and evolving needs of the population.