introduction

A study in central Europe not only offers a high standard of education but also boasts a rich cultural heritage and is usually cheaper than that available in western European countries. International students, researchers and academics can obtain direct access to such an environment through the national scholarship scheme of the Slovak Republic.

Even though a large number of students opt for the highly saturated scholarship schemes, Slovakia's national programme remains a hidden gem. It provides considerable monthly allowances both for postgraduate study and for research mobility. However, it is necessary to grasp exactly how this award works because the term 'fully funded' in this case is only slightly different from that used for conventional scholarships which cover tuition fees.

overview of the scholarship program

The National Scholarship Programme (NSP), which is funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic, serves as a tool for carrying out bilateral development cooperation; that is to say, it is meant to encourage international academic exchange not because it is to be used as a standard way of recruiting university students.

The programme includes three distinct tracks: a track aimed at master's level mobility, another for PhD level mobility, and a third one concerning teaching and research stays for experienced academics. Each year dozens of international applicants are selected to live, study and carry out their research at accredited Slovak public, private or state higher education institutions.

detailed explanation: understanding the funding model

As far as the Slovak national scholarship is concerned there is a common source of confusion about the term "fully funded". In contrast to scholarships which pay your tuition fees directly to the university, this programme provides you with a living allowance.

It all comes down to the bilateral agreement between Slovakia and your home country or to the specific internal policies of the Slovak university that you are joining. For a great many international students, this scholarship acts as a reliable allowance that meets their living expenses while they look into obtaining a separate exemption from tuition fees.

Furthermore, master's students cannot use this scholarship to start a brand-new degree in Slovakia from scratch; it is expressly designed for academic mobility, which means that you must already be enrolled in a master's programme in your home country and use the funds to study in Slovakia for part of your degree.

important information at a glance

1. host country: slovak republic (europe)
2. academic levels: master’s mobility, phd studies, research/teaching stays
3. target audience: international students, phd candidates, university teachers, and researchers
4. monthly stipend: €620 to €1,470 (depending on academic level)
5. application deadline: october 31, 2026

requirements and eligibility criteria

eligibility varies slightly depending on the specific track you are applying for:

for master’s students:

1. You must be a student at a foreign university and currently be studying outside of Slovakia.
2. You must have completed at least 2.5 years of study at university in the subject in question or in one that is closely related to it.
3. If you are carrying out an academic mobility visit then you will need to get acceptance from a higher education institution in Slovakia.

for phd students:

1. It is necessary for you to carry out your higher education or scientific training outside of Slovakia.
2. If you wish to pursue a doctoral study programme you must obtain official approval from a Slovak higher education institution or an eligible research institution.
3. for university teachers, researchers, and artists:
4. In order to carry out research and development you must be invited by a Slovak institution which holds a valid certificate (the institution in question must not be a profit-making business).
5. It is necessary for you to possess an academic or artistic background which is officially recognised.
6. You must meet the language requirement of the institution or your supervisor. Proof of proficiency can be given in English, French, Slovak, or Spanish.

benefits and financial coverage

1. The money given as a monthly allowance is intended for the purpose of covering food, accommodation, and other essential living expenses in Slovakia, the amount needed being determined by your academic status.
2. master’s students: €620 per month
3. phd students: €1,025 per month
4. university teachers / researchers / artists: €1,470 per month
5. It is necessary to point out that the scholarship does not cover the cost of international flights, visa fees, or health insurance; you are responsible for arranging your own accommodation, although your host institution has the obligation to help you secure housing and to assist you with the local administrative procedures.

step-by-step application process

You need to engage in a certain amount of proactive networking in order to be able to submit your application, because it is only possible to apply once you have a confirmed host.

step 1: verify your country's eligibility

In the first place, you should visit the official NSP website and select the country that is your nationality, since the scholarship is usually only available as a result of the bilateral agreements between Slovakia and your home country.

step 2: secure an invitation letter (crucial step)

If you want to secure an official invitation letter or acceptance letter you should contact directly a university in Slovakia, a research centre, or a specific professor, and the letter which you get has to clearly state the purpose of your visit as well as the length of your stay.

step 3: gather required documentation

        prepare the following documents to upload:

1. curriculum vitae
2. motivation letter
3. a detailed study or research program
4. two recommendation letters from your current home university teachers
5. a confirmation letter from your home university proving you are an active student
6. scanned copies of your previous diplomas and transcripts (with diploma supplements, if applicable)
7. the official invitation/admission letter from your slovak host institution

step 4: register and apply online

You should establish an account with the official portal for the national scholarship programme, fill in the electronic application form, upload the documents that you have put together, and ensure that the entire package is submitted by the deadline, which is October 31, 2026.

expert tips for applicants

1. It is important to start networking as early as possible since obtaining the invitation letter is generally the most difficult part of the process; you should send emails to professors at Slovak universities who specialize in your field at least four to six months before the deadline and attach your CV along with a brief research proposal in order to show that you are a serious applicant.
2. You can take advantage of the cost of living since Slovakia is much cheaper than either the UK or Germany. While a stipend of €620 for a master's student does require careful budgeting, it will last a lot longer in cities like Bratislava, Košice, or Banská Bystrica than it would in the major capitals of western Europe.
3. It would be useful to learn some basic Slovak; even though your programme is entirely in English, taking a short Slovak language course before you arrive is a good way of showing respect to your host institution and may give your application an advantage.

common mistakes to avoid

1. It is important to remember that if you are intending to apply as a first-year bachelor's student, this scholarship is not designed to cover such students and you should only apply if you have completed the required two and a half years of study.
2. When you are drawing up generic research proposals, your 'detailed study programme' must not be a simple reproduction of the syllabus from your home university; it should clearly set out exactly what you plan to research, study or teach during your specific time in Slovakia.
3. With regard to the invitation letter, it is important that your Slovak host organisation uses official letterhead and states the dates of your stay; otherwise you could be automatically disqualified because of the letter being too vague.

frequently asked questions

Will the scholarship pay the tuition fees that I have to pay at the university in Slovakia?

It is not provided automatically; instead, a living allowance is given. As to whether tuition is covered, this will depend on the bilateral agreements or whether the university that is hosting you agrees to waive the fees for exchange students. You should therefore get this information from your host university beforehand.

May I apply provided that I am currently studying in Slovakia?

The program is designed solely for international students and researchers who are currently based outside Slovakia.

How long will the scholarship continue to be available?

The duration will vary; mobility for master's students usually lasts one or two semesters, while stays for PhDs and those involved in research or teaching can range from one to ten months, as specified in the agreement.

Could there be a maximum age that applicants can reach?

The program guidelines do not state any age limit.

Can I have my family along with me when I am receiving this scholarship?

The scholarship amount is determined on the basis of a single individual only; even though immigration law does not prohibit you from bringing dependents, the monthly payment will not be increased to cover a family.

Shall I take the IELTS or TOEFL exam?

Although the program does not require you to have a standardized test score like IELTS, your host institution or supervisor could still ask for proof of your language ability as part of their own invitation process.

When will the results be made known?

The process of evaluation lasts about a few months and, in December or January, successful applicants are generally informed by email—this being well in advance of the beginning of the spring or autumn