Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (MBU) is a public university and in 2010 defended the status of university. It is a member of the European University Association and provides quality tertiary and further education in line with the development of science and practice needs, and develops new knowledge through creative scientific and artistic research.

It offers a classical university spectrum of educational opportunities at all three levels and forms of study in pedagogical, social, economic, legal, political, humanities and natural sciences, in international relations, economics, and mathematics, as well as in English and French-language studies. The University creates opportunities which link learning and practice through innovative mentoring, volunteering, non-formal education and community work. It is the leader in Central Europe in the development of the globally recognized educational service-learning strategy and is the first university in the Slovak Republic whose study programmes are part of the international CFA Institute University Recognition Program. It runs a Globsec Academy Center, a young leader incubator, supported by the world-class think tank of the same name, and the Talent and Research Center. Education at MBU, which is assessed positively by both students and employers, is provided by professionals and practitioners.

MBU develops joint study programmes and contacts with major foreign universities, where students have the opportunity to complete part of their studies. MBU is the 4th most successful in Erasmus + and annually realizes approximately 450 foreign mobilities. In selected study programmes it is possible to obtain not only a Slovak diploma but also from a foreign university. 

In addition to pedagogical, scientific and artistic activities, a significant part of the creative activity of MBU represents the basic and applied research in cooperation with domestic and foreign institutions. MBU is successful in research projects of the EU Framework Programmes (FP5-FP7, H2020), particularly in the field of socio-economic and human sciences, and has the ambition to be the best Slovak university in international scientific cooperation in these fields. 

MBU implements lifelong learning in various study programmes and forms from the MBU Children's University to MBU's Third Age University. In their leisure time, a student can create a space for the various social activities provided by the sports clubs, artistic groups and student organizations which are run at the MBU. Among the MBU's graduates and educators are several Olympic winners and their trainers, outstanding artists and scientists.