On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava was once again buzzing with energy, questions, and hundreds of future students. The Open Day confirmed the growing interest in studying civil engineering and showed that FCE STU remains a top choice for many secondary school graduates.
A Strong Start in the Auditorium
The event began in the Academician Bella Auditorium, led by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Ing. Stanislav Unčík, PhD., who welcomed attendees, shared the faculty’s history, and emphasized the importance of civil engineering as a crucial field for society’s future. A presentation about the Faculty of Civil Engineering, delivered by our students Ema Pavlíková and Samuel Klimík, was followed by a panel discussion featuring interesting industry guests. The invited speakers included fire safety expert Ing. Simona Kalinovská and structural engineering specialist Ing. Kamil Laco, PhD. The discussion was moderated by the Vice-Dean for Public Relations and Cooperation with Practice, Prof. Ing. Katarína Gajdošová, PhD. Students Ema and Samuel, who are in their fifth year of study, also shared their experiences and insights into student life, providing a first-hand perspective on studying at the faculty. The nearly full auditorium at the start of the event demonstrated the strong interest in studying among the faculty visitors.
The Faculty Live: Science and Technology
After the program in the auditorium, the faculty transformed into an interactive space full of demonstrations and activities. The secondary school students had the opportunity to see non-destructive material testing, drone application demonstrations, rock and material examinations, 3D printing and virtual reality, mathematical modelling “from the cell to the universe,” and concrete testing with a Schmidt hammer.
Environmental topics were also presented, including an interactive rain simulator, a 3D model of a wastewater treatment plant, and a presentation on the English-language program Civil Engineering Without Borders.
Students could assess their knowledge of each study program with an accompanying quiz. Correct answers earned them stamps and a chance to win faculty merchandise. The quiz naturally motivated students to visit all the stalls and actively participate in discussions with faculty members.
Student Zone Dynamik: Study, Practice, and Life at the Faculty
A large portion of the program took place in the Student Zone Dynamik, which featured three themed sections. In the Study Zone - from application to enrollment - visitors received detailed information about submitting applications, the admissions process, important deadlines, and enrollment procedures. The Practice Zone – a career in civil engineering - introduced employment opportunities and provided space for discussions with representatives from construction companies PRODIS Plus, Hornex, and Doprastav, who shared insights into working in the field. A relaxed atmosphere was created in the Fun & Chill Zone, where students talked to students and visitors could unwind, have fun, and discuss university life, events, and study experiences directly with those currently experiencing them.
Open Day in Online Space
The event was also supported through collaboration with influencers Matej Kučera and Michal Totka, who shared stories directly from the faculty during the Open Day, helping to spread the atmosphere among young people in the online space.
Communication with potential visitors had already been happening intensively on social media for several weeks before the event. On the faculty’s official Instagram account, we organized a construction-themed competition for faculty merchandise, created a student-made video invitation, and regularly posted updates and Reels introducing the study programs, facilities, and behind-the-scenes preparations. The communication focused not only on the Open Day schedule but also on systematically providing information about the admission process and study opportunities.
The numbers speak clearly
The optional registration recorded 639 students (compared to 487 in 2025), showing a significant increase from the previous year. The actual numbers were even more encouraging – over 700 prospective students visited the faculty. The largest group consisted of 4th-year secondary school students, with 428 registered participants. Regionally, Western Slovakia led with about 70% of participants, followed by Central Slovakia with roughly 22%, and Eastern Slovakia with around 8%.
Acknowledgment
We want to thank our industry guests for their inspiring presentations, the construction companies for their active participation and for sharing career opportunities, and especially our students who helped us organize the event, led activities, guided tours, and engaged with visitors. Without their energy and authenticity, the Open Day would not have made such a strong impact.
Open Day 2026 confirmed that the Faculty of Civil Engineering at STU in Bratislava is a place where tradition, innovation, and the future of civil engineering come together. We are excited to welcome everyone who chooses to become part of our community.
Text: Zuzana Chalupová, Photos: Tatiana Zaťková and Dagmar Žáková
