Study in Europe - Apply now for The Slovak Republic National Scholarship Programme 2026
If you are an international university student, doctoral candidate, academic researcher, or artist looking for funded mobility in Europe, the National Scholarship Programme (NSP) of the Slovak Republic is an outstanding opportunity to consider.
Financed directly by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic from the state budget, the NSP supports international academic exchange and development cooperation. Whether you plan to complete a temporary study stay during your Master's degree, carry out scientific field research for your PhD, or deliver lectures at a Slovak university, this program provides generous monthly living stipends so you can immerse yourself in Central Europe's academic landscape without financial strain.
At a Glance: Scholarship Summary
Here is a quick overview of what the Slovak Republic National Scholarship covers:
- Host Country: Slovak Republic (Slovakia)
- Funding Body: Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic
- Eligible Candidates: International Master’s students, PhD candidates, university lecturers, researchers, and artists
- Purpose: Academic study mobility, scientific research stays, and teaching visits at Slovak higher education and research institutions
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Financial Benefits: Comprehensive monthly living stipends designed to cover housing, meals, and day-to-day living costs:
- Master’s Students (Second-Level Higher Education): €620 per month
- PhD Students: €1,025 per month
- University Lecturers, Researchers & Artists: €1,470 per month
- Logistical Support: Host institutions assist grantees with local accommodation arrangements and entry/residence formalities in the Slovak Republic.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Categories)
To qualify for the National Scholarship Programme, you must hold citizenship in a foreign country outside Slovakia and fit into one of three specific applicant tracks:
1. Master’s Degree Students (Second-Level Higher Education)
- You must be currently enrolled at a university outside Slovakia.
- You must have already completed at least 2.5 years of university studies in the same or a closely related study program by the application deadline.
- You must be accepted by a public, private, or state higher education institution in Slovakia for academic mobility (a temporary study stay).
2. Doctoral (PhD) Students
- Your ongoing doctoral education or scientific training must take place at a university or research institute outside Slovakia.
- You must secure an acceptance or invitation letter from an eligible public, private, or state Slovak university or research institution authorized to conduct doctoral programs.
3. University Teachers, Researchers & Artists
- You must be invited for a teaching, research, or artistic stay by an eligible Slovak university, research institution, or certified non-commercial research body.
Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate competence in the primary working language required for their study stay or research project (typically English, Slovak, French, or Spanish).
Required Application Documents
All materials must be prepared in English or Slovak (with certified translations where applicable) and attached to the online portal:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up-to-date resume detailing your academic history, achievements, and publications.
- Motivation Letter: A personal statement articulating your academic objectives and why your mobility in Slovakia is essential to your career.
- Detailed Study / Research Programme: A clear roadmap of the coursework, laboratory research, or teaching plan you intend to pursue in Slovakia.
- Two Recommendation Letters: Issued and signed by professors from your home university.
- Home University Enrollment Confirmation: Official certificate proving you are an active, regular student at your home university at the time of application.
- Academic Degrees & Transcripts: Scans of your Bachelor’s diploma, diploma supplement, and state examination certificates (if applicable).
- Official Invitation / Acceptance Letter: A formal document issued by your host institution in Slovakia stating the agreed duration and dates of your stay.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applying for the Slovak Government National Scholarship requires coordination between your home university and your prospective Slovak host institution:
Step 1: Secure Your Host Institution in Slovakia
Before submitting an application, connect with a relevant faculty member, laboratory director, or department head at a Slovak university or research institute. Secure an official Invitation / Acceptance Letter specifying the exact timeframe of your stay.
Step 2: Check Bilateral Agreements for Your Country
Visit the official National Scholarship Programme portal. Select your home country to confirm specific bilateral quotas, conditions, and country-specific submission requirements.
Step 3: Register and Create Your Account
Create an applicant profile on the official scholarship website and verify your email to unlock the online application system.
Step 4: Complete the Application & Upload Files
Fill out each section of the digital application form. Ensure all supporting documents—including your study plan, invitation letter, reference letters, and degree scans—are clearly uploaded in the required format.
Step 5: Review and Submit Online
Double-check all uploaded documents against the official checklist. Submit your completed dossier through the portal ahead of the intake deadline.