Ljudska univerza Ptuj

What Ljudska univerza Ptuj does

Ljudska univerza Ptuj (LU Ptuj) is a Slovenian public adult education institution (javni zavod) headquartered in Ptuj, operating continuously since 1939 with formal registration from 1974. It delivers a comprehensive portfolio of formal and non-formal adult education programs serving employed adults, unemployed individuals, seniors, secondary-school-completers, and migrants across the Podravje region through multiple locations. Core programs include secondary education for adults (SSU), the senior university (U3ŽO), the Špajza modrosti community-learning brand, vocational and digital-skills training, and information-counseling services delivered through the ISIO network and the new Family Center (Družinsko središče) mandate covering 2026–2030.

The institution operates with a lean staff of 17–18 employees and runs an ecosystem of sub-brands and certified programs, including VGC+ Stičišče and the Green Quality Mark. Technology infrastructure centers on standard educational platforms — notably Moodle for learning delivery and e-Indeks for credentialing — with no proprietary systems or AI-driven capabilities evidenced. LU Ptuj is also a member of ZLUS, the national Slovenian association of people's universities, and is actively engaged as a partner in multiple Erasmus+ KA2 strategic partnerships (covering themes from digital health literacy to green skills and workplace inclusion).

Revenue is not commercially generated; the institution is funded through a combination of Slovenian government appropriations for its public-institution mandate, EU grants (Erasmus+, ESF, AMIF), and learner fees for certain programs. The business model is therefore mandate-driven rather than market-driven, with go-to-market centered on public program delivery, regional employer and institutional partnerships, and cross-border EU project participation rather than commercial sales motions.

Name

Ljudska univerza Ptuj

Legal name

Ljudska univerza Ptuj

Website

https://lu-ptuj.si

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ljudska univerza Ptuj is a Slovenian public adult education institution serving learners across the Podravje region with secondary education, vocational training, senior university, and counseling programs, funded by government appropriations and EU grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Ptuj

HQ country

Slovenia

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. EU and government project funding: LU Ptuj receives significant funding from European Union programs (Erasmus+, European Social Fund) and Slovenian government ministries (Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Digital Transformation). Projects include vocational training, basic competencies development, and social activation programs.
2. Tuition and course fees: Some programs such as language courses, computer courses, and professional training courses charge tuition fees. Various programs are free for participants as they are funded by public sources.
3. Contract training for employers: Partnership with Korak centers for human resources development provides contract-based training services for local businesses and employers in the region

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Ljudska univerza Ptuj is a public adult education institution offering formal education pathways (primary school for adults, secondary vocational programs, and higher education partnerships) alongside non-formal professional courses, language training, vocational qualification preparation, and family/multigenerational support services. Programs are delivered through physical centers in Ptuj and partner municipalities, supported by the e-Indeks student information system and Moodle-based digital learning.

Product overview

Ljudska univerza Ptuj operates as a comprehensive adult education institution offering a multi-tiered portfolio of educational programs. The core offerings include formal education pathways (primary school for adults, secondary vocational programs, and higher education partnerships) alongside counseling and support services (ISIO Counseling Center, Self-Directed Learning Center). Specialized centers address specific populations: the Family Center 'Špajza modrosti' provides family counseling and therapeutic services, while the Multigenerational Center 'Stičišče' serves vulnerable groups through intergenerational programs. The institution's non-formal education includes professional courses (forklift operation, languages, computer literacy, accounting) and National Qualification preparation programs (social caregiving, meat processing, textile work, project management). International projects like the Erasmus+ initiatives (CT:VR with VR classrooms, SAFE for senior digital literacy, DIGICOMP for youth digital skills) complement the traditional offering, alongside Slovenian-language programs for immigrants. All programs are supported by e-Indeks student management system and Moodle-based digital learning platforms for specific projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Center za družine Špajza modrosti: Family center providing counseling and support services for children, youth, and families, operating since 2017.
• Večgeneracijski center Stičišče
• ISIO Svetovalno središče Ptuj
• SSU - Središče za samostojno učenje
• U3ŽO - Univerza za tretje življenjsko obdobje
• Špajza modrosti

Products and services

• Primary School for Adults (Osnovna šola za odrasle) Foundational literacy, numeracy, and general knowledge programs enabling adults who did not complete primary education to obtain their primary school qualification.
• Secondary School Programs (Srednje šole) Secondary vocational and technical education tracks leading to qualifications including Trader, Economic Technician, and Preschool Education Technician.
• Higher Education and Postgraduate Studies (Visokošolski in podiplomski študij) Higher education and master's-level programs offered in partnership with universities, including the master's program in Inclusive Pedagogy.
• ISIO Counseling Center (ISIO Svetovalno središče Ptuj) Information and counseling services providing career guidance, educational counseling, and decision support for adult learners.
• Self-Directed Learning Center (SSU - Središče za samostojno učenje) Resources, study space, and support for independent learners pursuing self-study and skill development at their own pace.
• University for the Third Life Period (U3ŽO) Educational programs for seniors and retirees covering intellectual engagement, digital literacy, health education, and active aging topics.
• Lifelong Success Training (Usposabljanje za vseživljenjsko uspešnost) Personal development courses covering life effectiveness, rural challenges, and skills for personal and professional success.
• Center for Families Špajza modrosti (Wisdom Pantry) Family center offering free counseling, parent counseling, therapeutic services, and support activities for children, youth, and families.
• Multigenerational Center Stičišče (VGC+ Stičišče) Multigenerational center serving vulnerable groups including families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and migrants through social inclusion and community support programs.
• Forklift Operator Training (Tečaj voznika viličarja) Forklift operation training course covering theory, practical driving skills, safety regulations, and vehicle maintenance, with certification upon completion.
• Foreign Language Courses (Tečaj tujih jezikov) English (beginner and advanced) and German language courses covering grammar, vocabulary, and practical communication skills over 40 hours.
• Computer Literacy Courses (Računalniško izobraževanje) 30-hour computer courses for beginners covering Windows operating system, Word processing, email, and internet basics.
• Slovenian for Foreigners (Slovenščina za tujce) Slovenian language instruction for foreign nationals combined with Slovenian culture and constitutional knowledge for integration support.
• National Professional Qualification Preparation (NPK) Preparation courses for National Professional Qualifications including Social Caregiver, Project Manager, Meat Processor, and Textile Garment Worker.
• Accountant Training (Usposabljanje za računovodja) Training program preparing participants for bookkeeping and accounting work, requiring four-year secondary education and affinity for working with numbers.
• Social Caregiver Training (Socialni oskrbovalec) Training program preparing participants to provide home care services for elderly and persons with special needs, requiring minimum age 23 and relevant work experience.
• Occupational Safety and Fire Safety Training (Varnost in zdravje pri delu ter požarna varnost) Occupational safety and health and fire safety training for workers and employers, compliant with Slovenian labor regulations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 60,000 participants trained over 80 years
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Zavod Nazaj na konjacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading partner in the VGC+ Stičišče consortium. Non-governmental organization operating since 2005, specializing in support for children, youth with developmental challenges, and families. Provides therapy with horses and learning support programs.
• Ljudska univerza OrmožcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium partner with 60-year tradition in adult education. Operates at two locations with appropriate technical equipment and 10 employees. Provides support in Ormož and Središče ob Dravi locations.
• Local Community Development Foundation (Štip, Severna Makedonija)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading partner in Erasmus+ project 'Bridging borders by recognition of VET'. Foundation focused on local community development and vocational education recognition.
• Innova Sozialwerk e.V. (Nemčija)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman partner in Erasmus+ project focused on vocational education recognition and digital tools for VET modernization.
• Zveza ljudskih univerz Slovenije (ZLUS)coreOthersNational association of People's Universities in Slovenia. LU Ptuj is a member of this association.
• Korak - Centers for Human Resources DevelopmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational network of centers for professional development. LU Ptuj participates in the Korak network providing contract training services for employers throughout Slovenia.
• Občina KidričevominorOthersMunicipality providing venue (Kajuhova 6, Kidričevo) for VGC+ Stičišče activities. Part of multi-municipality consortium.
• Občina VidemminorOthersPartner municipality providing venue for VGC+ Stičišče multi-generational center activities.
• Občina PodlehnikminorOthersPartner municipality providing venue for VGC+ Stičišče activities.
• Občina Trnovska vasminorOthersPartner municipality providing venue for VGC+ Stičišče activities.
• Občina Sveti AndražminorOthersPartner municipality providing venue for VGC+ Stičišče multi-generational center activities.
• Medobčinsko društvo invalidov PtujminorOthersMunicipal association of disabled persons providing accessible venue for VGC+ Stičišče activities at Potrčeva 15, Ptuj.
• SAN VIATOR (Španija)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading partner in CT:VR (Creative Teaching through Virtual Reality) Erasmus+ project focused on VR/AR in adult education.
• Ljudska univerza Murska SobotaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in CT:VR Erasmus+ project on virtual reality in adult education.
• DIE BERATER UNTERNEHMENSBERATUNGS GESELLSCHAFT MBH (Avstrija)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustrian partner in SAFE (Senior's Anti-Fake Education) project for digital literacy and media literacy for seniors.
• BUPNET BILDUNG UND PROJEKT NETZWERK GMBH (Nemčija)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman partner in SAFE project focused on combating fake news and improving digital skills for seniors.
• KENTRO MERIMNAS OIKOGENEIAS KAI PAIDIOU (Grčija)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreek partner (Athens) in SAFE Erasmus+ project for senior digital literacy.
• CESIE (Italija)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian partner (Sicily) in SAFE project for anti-fake education for seniors.
• CENTRE FOR ADVANCEMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY (CARDET, Ciper)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCyprus-based educational technology research center partner in SAFE project.
• Tehniški šolski center MariborminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical school center partner in TPK 2018-2022 project for acquiring basic and vocational competencies.
• Ljudska univerza Škofja LokaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in DIGICOMP 2024-MLADI project for digital creator training for youth.
• dt. LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigital technology lab partner in DIGICOMP 2024-MLADI youth digital skills project.
• AZM - Ljudska univerza MariborminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner People's University Maribor in DIGICOMP 2024-MLADI digital skills project.
• Pučko sveučilište Varaždin (Hrvaška)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCroatian partner in DS4S (Digital Storytelling for Seniors) project under Europe for Citizens program.
• SOSU AARHUS (Danska)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDanish social and health school, leading partner in BEPRESEL Erasmus+ project for active aging education.
• UNIWERSYTET JAGIELLONSKI (Poljska)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJagiellonian University Krakow, partner in BEPRESEL project for better preparation for senior life.
• UNIVERSITÀ DELLE LIBERETÀ DEL FVG (Italija)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian university partner in BEPRESEL Erasmus+ project for healthy aging education.
• AOF SKANDERBORG AFTENSKOLE (Danska)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDanish folk high school partner in BEPRESEL project.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Ljudska univerza Celje: Slovenian People's University operating in the Savinjska region with a comparable adult education and lifelong learning portfolio. Provides similar formal education, vocational training, and senior programming under the same public-institution framework.
• Zavod Nazaj na konja: Lead partner in the VGC+ Stičišče consortium and Slovenian NGO operator since 2005. Provides therapy with horses and learning support for children, youth with developmental challenges, and families — operating as an integrated social service provider alongside LU Ptuj.
• Ljudska univerza Maribor (AZM): Maribor-area People's University and DIGICOMP 2024-MLADI partner. Comparable full-service adult education provider including formal schooling, secondary vocational programs, and cultural/community programs.
• Ljudska univerza Murska Sobota: Slovenian People's University and CT:VR Erasmus+ partner. Provides comparable adult education, language learning, and vocational training to a similar demographic mix in the Pomurje region.
• Ljudska univerza Škofja Loka: Slovenian People's University and DIGICOMP partner. Operates a similar public-institution model with adult education, vocational training, and lifelong learning programs for the Gorenjska region.
• Korak - Centers for Human Resources Development: National network of professional development centers that LU Ptuj partners with for contract training services to employers. Operates a similar professional training and corporate education model across Slovenia.
• Ljudska univerza Ormož: Nearby Slovenian People's University and direct consortium partner in VGC+ Stičišče with two locations and 10 employees. Offers a near-identical portfolio of formal adult education, vocational programs, and counseling services to overlapping regional populations.

Broad incumbents

• Andragoški center Slovenije (ACS): National andragogic center that awards LU Ptuj's Green Quality Mark and coordinates adult education policy across Slovenia. Functions as a broad incumbent providing nationwide program standards, training of trainers, and the TVU lifelong learning campaign.

Emerging players

• UNIVERSITÀ DELLE LIBERETÀ DEL FVG: Italian university partner in the BEPRESEL Erasmus+ project for healthy aging education. Comparable adult education provider focused on lifelong learning and senior engagement, serving a regional Italian population.

Regional players

• Pučko sveučilište Varaždin: Croatian People's University (pučko sveučilište) and DS4S project partner. Operates a directly comparable adult education and lifelong learning model but primarily serves the Varaždin region of Croatia rather than Slovenia.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/LJUDSKA-UNIVERZA-PTUJ-269116450242
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/public-university-of-ptuj

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Ljudska univerza Ptuj