Slovakia National Scholarship Programme 2026/2027: Apply for Study, PhD, Research and Academic Mobility Scholarships

The National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (NSP) 2026/2027 is providing international students, PhD students, university teachers, researchers and artists with an opportunity to undertake a scholarship stay in Slovakia. The programme supports international academic mobility by enabling eligible applicants to study, conduct research, undertake artistic activities, or teach at eligible higher education institutions and research organisations in the Slovak Republic.

Established by the Government of the Slovak Republic, the National Scholarship Programme is financed by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic through the state budget. Its purpose is to strengthen international academic mobility and create opportunities for talented students, researchers, academics and artists to gain experience within Slovakia’s higher education and research environment.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, the programme offers scholarship stays ranging from several months to up to 10 months, depending on the applicant category. Successful applicants can receive monthly financial support to help cover living expenses such as accommodation and food during their stay in Slovakia. Eligible students and PhD students may also apply for a separate travel grant.

The programme covers all fields of study, making it potentially relevant to applicants from a broad range of academic, research and artistic backgrounds.

Overview of the Slovakia National Scholarship Programme 2026/2027

The National Scholarship Programme is designed specifically for international mobility rather than funding full-degree studies in Slovakia. Applicants are expected to undertake an approved study, research, teaching or artistic stay at an eligible Slovak institution.

The programme supports three principal categories of international applicants:

1. International university students.
2. International PhD students.
3. International university teachers, researchers and artists.

Citizens of countries around the world, except citizens of Slovakia, may apply provided they satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements.

What Does the Scholarship Support?

The National Scholarship Programme supports academic and professional mobility in Slovakia. Depending on the applicant’s category, the scholarship can facilitate:

• University-level study.
• Doctoral-level study.
• Academic research.
• Scientific research.
• Artistic activities.
• University teaching.
• Professional and academic development.
• International academic collaboration.

Applicants must have an appropriate Slovak host institution and an approved programme for their proposed stay. The host institution plays an important role in confirming the applicant’s acceptance or invitation.

The programme therefore provides more than financial assistance. It gives international scholars an opportunity to spend an extended period within Slovakia’s academic, research or artistic environment while developing their studies, research activities, teaching experience or professional careers.

Scholarship Duration

The length of the scholarship depends on the applicant category.

International University Students

Eligible students can receive support for:

• One to two full semesters, equivalent to approximately 4–5 months or 9–10 months; or
• One to three full trimesters where the academic year is organised into trimesters, equivalent to approximately 3–4, 6–7 or 9–10 months.

The programme requires the stay to correspond to the approved academic mobility programme.

International PhD Students

PhD students may receive a scholarship for a stay lasting between 1 and 10 months.

Their stay can involve doctoral study, research or artistic activities, depending on the proposed programme and the arrangements with the Slovak host institution.

University Teachers, Researchers and Artists

International university teachers, researchers and artists may also receive support for a stay lasting between 1 and 10 months.

Their proposed activity can involve teaching, research or artistic work at an eligible Slovak institution.

How Much Does the Slovakia National Scholarship Programme Pay?

The scholarship provides monthly financial support according to the applicant’s category and, for university teachers, researchers and artists, their academic qualifications and professional experience.

The applicable monthly rates include:

• University students at the second level of higher education: EUR 620 per month.
• PhD students: EUR 1,025.50 per month.
• University teachers, researchers and artists without a PhD or equivalent and with less than four years of relevant experience: EUR 1,025.50 per month.
• University teachers, researchers and artists with a PhD or equivalent and less than 10 years of relevant experience: EUR 1,370 per month.
• University teachers, researchers and artists with a PhD or equivalent and more than 10 years of relevant experience: EUR 1,470 per month.

For university teachers, researchers and artists, professional experience is calculated up to the application deadline. PhD studies may count as professional experience, subject to the programme’s stated maximum of six years.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The monthly scholarship is intended to help international scholarship holders meet the costs associated with living in Slovakia during their approved study, research, teaching or artistic stay.

Eligible expenses may include:

• Accommodation.
• Food.
• Other ordinary living expenses connected with the stay in Slovakia.

The scholarship is therefore primarily a living-cost allowance rather than a payment intended to fund a full degree programme.

Scholarship holders may also receive assistance from their host institution regarding accommodation and formalities associated with entering and staying in Slovakia. Alternatively, the scholarship holder may manage these arrangements independently.

Travel Grant for Students and PhD Students

In addition to the monthly scholarship, eligible students and PhD students can apply for a separate travel grant.

The travel allowance is not automatically awarded. Applicants must request it together with their scholarship application.

The amount depends on the direct-line distance between the applicant’s place of residence or home institution and the Slovak host institution.

The travel grant rates are:

Distance	Travel Grant
Up to 200 km	EUR 0
More than 200 km up to 300 km	EUR 50
More than 300 km up to 500 km	EUR 100
More than 500 km up to 1,000 km	EUR 250
More than 1,000 km up to 2,000 km	EUR 350
More than 2,000 km up to 3,000 km	EUR 500
More than 3,000 km up to 5,000 km	EUR 750
More than 5,000 km up to 7,000 km	EUR 1,100
More than 7,000 km	EUR 1,500

The travel grant is paid as a lump sum together with the final scholarship payment at the end of the stay.

Who Can Apply for the Slovakia National Scholarship Programme?

The programme is open to several categories of international applicants, but each category has specific requirements.

1. International University Students

Applicants in the student category must meet all three of the programme’s stated conditions.

They must:

• Be university students at a university outside Slovakia.
• Be students at the second level of higher education, such as master’s students, or have completed at least 2.5 years of university studies in the same or a similar study programme by the application deadline.
• Undertake a study stay in Slovakia as part of their higher education outside Slovakia and be accepted by a public, private or state university in Slovakia for academic mobility.

All three conditions must be satisfied.

This particular category does not apply to doctoral or equivalent PhD studies.

2. International PhD Students

PhD applicants must have their higher education or scientific training taking place outside Slovakia.

They must also be accepted by an eligible public, private or state higher education institution or research institution in Slovakia capable of carrying out a doctoral programme.

The programme may support PhD applicants undertaking:

• Doctoral study activities.
• Research.
• Artistic activities where applicable.
• Academic mobility connected to their doctoral training.

Eligible host institutions can include institutions such as the Slovak Academy of Sciences and other qualifying research institutions.

3. University Teachers, Researchers and Artists

International university teachers, researchers and artists can apply where they have been invited to undertake a teaching, research or artistic stay in Slovakia.

The invitation must come from an institution in Slovakia that has a valid certificate confirming its eligibility to carry out research and development and that meets the programme’s institutional requirements.

The programme specifically excludes business companies from the host-institution category described in these conditions.

Nationality and Geographic Eligibility

The National Scholarship Programme has broad international eligibility.

According to the programme conditions, citizens of any country in the world, except citizens of Slovakia, can apply for a scholarship stay in Slovakia.

This means applicants from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania and other regions can potentially apply, provided they meet the requirements applicable to their category.

The programme does not state a race or ethnic-group restriction. Eligibility is instead determined by nationality, academic status, professional category, host institution and compliance with the programme’s requirements.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Although the programme is internationally accessible, several groups are specifically excluded.

The National Scholarship Programme does not support international students or PhD students who have been accepted for a full degree programme in Slovakia, including bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral studies, where they want to use the NSP to finance the full degree.

It also does not support international students or PhD students who are already studying in Slovakia in a full-degree programme and are seeking NSP funding for those studies.

Other exclusions include:

• University teachers, researchers and artists without a PhD or equivalent who have more than four years of relevant professional experience, subject to the programme’s stated exceptional circumstances provisions.
• International applicants who have spent a total of 15 months or more in Slovakia during the 36 months preceding the application deadline.
• Applicants who are simultaneously accepted for a scholarship stay in Slovakia under another publicly funded scholarship programme, such as the International Visegrad Fund, Erasmus+, CEEPUS or relevant bilateral agreements.

Applicants who have previously received an NSP scholarship generally need at least two years to have passed between the relevant application deadlines, although exceptions may be considered in special circumstances, particularly cases involving force majeure.

Application Deadline for 2026/2027

There are two main application deadlines under the National Scholarship Programme:

30 April at 16:00 CET for scholarship stays during the following academic year.

31 October at 16:00 CET for scholarship stays during the summer semester of the current academic year.

For the summer semester of the 2026/2027 academic year, the application deadline is 31 October 2026 at 16:00 CET.

Applicants who require a visa or temporary residence permit are advised to consider the additional time needed for collecting documents, securing appointments and completing the visa or residence process when selecting the intended start date of their scholarship stay.

How to Apply for the Slovakia National Scholarship Programme

Applications are submitted online through the official scholarship application system at www.scholarships.sk.

The online system is opened at least six weeks before the relevant application deadline.

Applicants should not wait until the final minutes to submit their applications because high numbers of users accessing the system close to the deadline may affect processing speed. The programme administrator does not assume responsibility if an applicant fails to submit the application because of last-minute technical delays.

The general application process involves:

1. Identifying the appropriate applicant category.
2. Finding a suitable host institution in Slovakia.
3. Obtaining the required acceptance or invitation letter.
4. Preparing the required academic and supporting documents.
5. Completing the online application.
6. Uploading all required attachments.
7. Submitting the application before the deadline.
8. Ensuring the original acceptance or invitation letter reaches SAIA within the prescribed period.

Only one application may be submitted per applicant for each application call.

Language Requirements for Application Documents

Applications and supporting documents may be submitted in Slovak or English.

Where documents are issued in another language, the programme generally requires an original document accompanied by an official translation into Slovak or English, subject to the specific exceptions contained in the programme terms.

Applicants should therefore begin preparing translations well before the application deadline rather than waiting until the final stages of the application process.

Required Documents for International Students

Applicants applying under the international student category must prepare several supporting documents.

The required documents include:

• Curriculum vitae.
• Motivation letter.
• Detailed study programme.
• Two recommendation letters from university teachers.
• Official confirmation that the applicant is a regular student at their home higher education institution.
• Bachelor’s diploma and diploma supplement together with the state examination certificate, where applicable.
• Acceptance or invitation letter from the Slovak host higher education institution.
• Transcript of records or confirmation of examinations where required for applicants who have previously received an NSP scholarship.

The detailed study programme should identify the Slovak host institution, the duration and starting date of the stay, the subjects to be studied and the number of credits expected to be earned.

Where the stay involves coursework, the programme indicates that the number of credits should generally correspond to the normal requirements of the host institution for the relevant period, typically around 30 ECTS per semester, unless a different arrangement is appropriately justified.

Recommendation letters and study confirmations are generally required to be recent, with the programme specifying that they should not be older than three months on the application deadline.

The acceptance or invitation letter must correspond to the period stated in the application and should contain relevant information about the proposed study stay.

Required Documents for International PhD Students

International PhD applicants must submit documentation appropriate to doctoral study and research.

The required documents include:

• Curriculum vitae.
• Motivation letter.
• Detailed study, research or artistic programme.
• Recommendation letter from the applicant’s dissertation supervisor.
• Official confirmation of PhD student status.
• Master’s diploma, diploma supplement and state examination certificate where applicable.
• List of publications or artistic activities in the required format, or a statement confirming that the applicant has no publications.
• Acceptance or invitation letter from the Slovak host higher education or research institution.

The proposed programme should provide an appropriately detailed plan for the stay, including the host institution, starting date, duration and planned activities.

The acceptance or invitation letter should demonstrate a meaningful level of interest from the host institution in the applicant’s proposed study, research or artistic stay rather than merely serving as a formal invitation.

Required Documents for University Teachers, Researchers and Artists

Applicants applying for teaching, research or artistic stays should prepare:

• Curriculum vitae.
• Detailed teaching, research or artistic programme.
• Diploma for the highest academic degree achieved.
• List of publications or artistic activities in the required format.
• Acceptance or invitation letter from the Slovak host higher education institution or research organisation.

The proposed programme should clearly describe the activities to be undertaken, the host institution, starting date, duration and timetable.

As with other categories, the acceptance or invitation letter must correspond to the period stated in the application and should demonstrate an appropriate level of interest from the Slovak host institution in the proposed teaching, research or artistic stay.

The Importance of the Acceptance or Invitation Letter

One of the most important parts of the application is the acceptance or invitation letter from the Slovak host institution.

The applicant must upload a scan of the acceptance or invitation letter with the online application. Without the required scan, the applicant cannot submit the online application for further assessment.

The original acceptance or invitation letter must also be delivered to SAIA, n. o., in Bratislava no later than the third working day after the application deadline by 12:00 noon, subject to the programme’s rules regarding working days in Slovakia.

The host institution may also take responsibility for ensuring that the original document is delivered. However, applicants should still obtain a scan or copy for their own application because it must be attached to the online submission.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee a scholarship.

The programme states that scholarships and travel allowances are not legally enforceable. The final decision depends on factors including the applicant’s compliance with the formal requirements, the quality of the application, the proposed programme, the necessity of the stay and the availability of funds.

Applications that meet the formal requirements are forwarded to the Selection Committee.

The Selection Committee considers several factors, including:

• Why the applicant has chosen the particular Slovak host institution.
• The quality and relevance of the proposed study, research, teaching or artistic programme.
• How the applicant intends to use the results of the scholarship stay in future studies, research or career development.
• The applicant’s professional and personal qualities.
• Recommendations provided by referees.
• Academic, research or other relevant achievements.
• The potential contribution of the applicant to the host institution.
• The overall quality and consistency of the application.

Applicants should therefore avoid treating the scholarship as simply a financial application. The academic or professional purpose of the proposed stay is an important part of the selection process.

Scholarship Selection and Notification

SAIA, n. o. administers the scholarship selection process, while the Selection Committee is appointed by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic.

Applicants are normally informed whether they have received financial support within approximately eight weeks after the application deadline.

Successful applicants receive a Letter of Award and a binding scholarship offer containing information and requirements relating to payment.

Before the first scholarship payment, successful applicants must provide the required acceptance documentation, a notarised copy of their highest academic diploma and, for students and PhD students, a valid confirmation of studies for the academic year in which the scholarship stay will take place.

How the Scholarship Is Paid

The scholarship is paid in monthly instalments to the bank account provided by the scholarship holder.

Payment begins after the programme administrator has received the required banking information and confirmation that the scholarship stay has begun.

The specific payment arrangements and deadlines are communicated to successful applicants together with their Letter of Award.

Residence and Medical Requirements for Longer Stays

International scholarship holders who stay in Slovakia for more than 90 days and who are citizens of countries outside the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland may need a temporary residence permit.

In such circumstances, the scholarship holder may be required to provide a confirmation that they do not suffer from a disease threatening public health.

The programme states that eligible medical examination and confirmation costs may be reimbursed up to EUR 250 per scholarship holder, subject to the applicable conditions and submission of the original bill to SAIA within the required deadline.

Responsibilities of Scholarship Holders

Successful applicants are expected to comply with the conditions of the National Scholarship Programme throughout their scholarship stay.

Among other responsibilities, scholarship holders must:

• Ensure that submitted documents and information are complete, accurate and truthful.
• Avoid financing the same expense from the same public source for the same purpose.
• Inform SAIA where they receive other support from the Slovak state budget during the scholarship period.
• Cooperate with Slovak authorities or authorised persons in monitoring, control or audit activities where required.
• Maintain appropriate documentation relating to the scholarship stay.

The scholarship is intended for the specific study, research, teaching or artistic purpose approved through the programme.

Changing the country or host institution is not permitted. Changes such as altering the start date or shortening the stay require approval from the Programme Administrator.

An extension of an already approved scholarship is not possible, although an applicant may apply for a new scholarship subject to the programme’s rules on repeated stays.

Reporting Requirements

Scholarship holders have reporting obligations.

Where the scholarship stay lasts more than six months, the scholarship holder must submit an interim report. The Programme Administrator may withhold further scholarship payments until this requirement is fulfilled.

At the conclusion of the scholarship stay, the scholarship holder must submit a final report and confirmation that the scholarship stay has been completed.

A portion of the scholarship may be withheld until these requirements have been met.

Scholarship holders should therefore retain relevant documents and records throughout their stay because the Programme Administrator may request evidence demonstrating that the approved programme was implemented.

Important Advice for Prospective Applicants

Applicants interested in the Slovakia National Scholarship Programme should begin preparation well before the deadline.

A strong preparation strategy includes:

1. Identify the Correct Applicant Category

Determine whether you are applying as a university student, PhD student, university teacher, researcher or artist. Each category has different eligibility requirements and documentation.

2. Find a Suitable Slovak Host Institution

The host institution is central to the application. Applicants should identify a Slovak university or eligible research organisation whose academic, research or artistic environment aligns with their objectives.

3. Secure the Acceptance or Invitation Letter Early

Because the acceptance or invitation letter must be uploaded with the application and the original must subsequently reach SAIA, applicants should not leave this process until the last minute.

4. Develop a Strong Study or Research Programme

The proposed programme should clearly explain what the applicant will do during the scholarship stay, why the Slovak host institution is appropriate and how the experience will contribute to future academic or professional development.

5. Prepare Supporting Documents in Advance

Applicants should begin collecting recommendation letters, academic confirmations, diplomas, transcripts, publications lists and other required documents early.

6. Check Translation Requirements

Documents issued in languages other than Slovak or English may require official translation. Applicants should identify translation requirements early enough to avoid delays.

7. Submit Before the Deadline

The online application must be completely filled out, all required attachments uploaded and the application submitted before the stated deadline.

Applicants are specifically advised against waiting until the final moments because system congestion could interfere with submission.

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Key Facts About the Slovakia National Scholarship Programme 2026/2027

• Programme: National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic.
• Host country: Slovakia.
• Target applicants: International university students, PhD students, university teachers, researchers and artists.
• Fields of study: All fields of study.
• Student scholarship: EUR 620 per month.
• PhD scholarship: EUR 1,025.50 per month.
• University teachers/researchers/artists: EUR 1,025.50 to EUR 1,470 per month depending on qualifications and experience.
• Student stay: Approximately 3–10 months depending on semester/trimester structure.
• PhD stay: 1–10 months.
• Teacher/researcher/artist stay: 1–10 months.
• Travel grant: Available to eligible students and PhD students who apply for it.
• Nationality: Citizens of any country except Slovakia may apply, subject to the applicable conditions.
• Application platform: scholarships.sk.
• Summer semester deadline: 31 October 2026 at 16:00 CET.
• Next academic year deadline: 30 April at 16:00 CET.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Slovakia National Scholarship Programme 2026/2027.

Conclusion

The National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic 2026/2027 offers an important international academic mobility opportunity for students, PhD candidates, university teachers, researchers and artists who want to undertake a structured study, research, teaching or artistic stay in Slovakia.

With monthly financial support ranging from EUR 620 to EUR 1,470, depending on the applicant category and professional background, as well as a separate travel grant for eligible students and PhD students, the programme can help international scholars manage the living costs associated with an academic or professional stay in Slovakia.

However, applicants should understand that the programme is intended for mobility stays rather than full-degree study in Slovakia. A suitable Slovak host institution, a well-developed programme of activities and complete supporting documentation are central to a competitive application.

For applicants targeting the summer semester of the 2026/2027 academic year, the key deadline to remember is 31 October 2026 at 16:00 CET. Prospective applicants should begin contacting potential host institutions, preparing their study or research plans and gathering supporting documents well before the deadline.

Applications are submitted online through www.scholarships.sk, while the programme is administered by SAIA, n. o. Applicants should carefully review the official programme terms and conditions before submitting their applications to ensure that they satisfy all eligibility, documentation and submission requirements.

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