Slovakia launches ‘Online žiak’ project to provide internet for 48,000 students

The ‘Online žiak’ national project has launched in Slovakia, aiming to provide internet connectivity to approximately 48,000 primary and secondary school students. The initiative specifically targets students with special educational needs and those from households in material need.

Eligible students can receive an electronic voucher worth up to €480, intended to cover fixed broadband internet connections for 24 months. This equates to a maximum monthly support of €20. The voucher can also cover necessary hardware such as modems, Wi-Fi routers, and installation fees, but it cannot be used for devices like laptops, tablets, or smartphones, nor for mobile internet or television services.

The project has a total budget of nearly €30 million, with €23.7 million provided by the European Union through the ‘Program Slovensko’. Running until November 2028, the initiative seeks to facilitate digital transformation and ensure equitable access to educational resources. Registration is currently open via the official ‘Online žiak’ website.