11 February 2026 will be remembered as an important day for Novo Mesto and the entire regions of Dolenjska, Posavje, and Bela krajina. The National Assembly unanimously supported the establishment of the new public University of Novo Mesto, with 73 votes in favor. After several decades of efforts, the process—initiated by the current Government of Dr. Robert Golob, with operational support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation immediately upon taking office—has now been successfully concluded.
This decision is not merely a formality or a political act; it represents the realization of long-standing efforts by numerous individuals, institutions, and the entire region. All eight faculties already operating in Novo Mesto will join together within the new public university, and the public research institute Rudolfovo will become an affiliated member. This creates a strong, integrated academic and research center with a clear development vision.
On this occasion, the Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Novo Mesto, Prof. Simon Muhič, PhD, expressed his particular satisfaction:
“I am especially pleased that the process was supported by the sincere and concrete engagement of the local community. The Municipality of Novo Mesto will provide premises for the Rectorate—initially at City Hall and later in the renovated National Hall building—and will transfer land to the university for the future university campus in Drgančevje. These decisions demonstrate a clear awareness of how important the university is for the long-term development of the city and the region.
With the establishment of the new public university, Novo Mesto has become the fourth Slovenian city with a public university. Its location also carries geostrategic significance and further strengthens the region’s role within Slovenia. Above all, it represents a new impetus for connecting knowledge, research, and both the economic and non-economic sectors.
I am proud to state that the employees of FINI have been an exceptionally important part of this process over the past 44 months. I am confident that in Dolenjska we will know how to responsibly, ambitiously, and collaboratively seize the opportunity brought by the establishment of the new public university. Good luck, University of Novo Mesto.”
