Imagine spending one or two semesters (or up to 10 months) in the heart of Europe, advancing your studies or research while your living costs are fully covered by a government stipend. Picture yourself walking the cobblestone streets of historic Bratislava, collaborating with leading academics, and exploring the snow-capped High Tatras on weekends — all without worrying about finances.
This is exactly what the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia makes possible. Established in 2005 and funded by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic, the NSP supports international mobility at top Slovak universities and research institutions. Whether you are a master’s student seeking credits abroad, a PhD candidate advancing your thesis, or an academic looking to teach or conduct research, this programme can open doors to an unforgettable European experience.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Slovakia (Europe)
- Host University: Slovak universities and research institutions
- Scholarship Type: Undergraduate Scholarships/MSC Scholarships/PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Living stipend, etc.
Why the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia Stands Out
Slovakia sits at the crossroads of Central Europe, offering the perfect blend of high-quality education, rich culture, and incredible affordability. As an EU member since 2004, it provides seamless access to the rest of Europe — Vienna is just an hour away, Budapest and Prague are easy day trips.
The National Scholarship Programme Slovakia is not a full-degree scholarship (for complete bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programmes, check the separate Government Scholarships at vladnestipendia.sk). Instead, it funds short- to medium-term mobility stays that fit into your current studies or career. You remain enrolled at your home institution while gaining international experience that employers and academic committees love.
Key advantages include:
See More Posts in Jobs, Scholarships, Technology, Career/Motivations, Football News Feeds
Join Job Whatsapp Channel, Scholarship Whatsapp Channel, Tech Whatsapp Channel, Follow Our Twitter (X) Channel.
- Generous monthly stipends that comfortably cover accommodation, food and local transport.
- A travel grant for students and PhD candidates based on distance.
- No tuition fees at the host institution for the mobility period.
- Immersion in a safe, student-friendly country with modern research facilities and English-taught opportunities.
- Powerful networking across the EU and beyond.
Thousands of scholars from every continent have already benefited. Their stories of academic growth, cultural discovery and career acceleration are featured on the official site — proof that this opportunity delivers real results.
See Also:
- EMERGE Alaska Fellowship: Turn Your NSF GRFP Honorable Mention into a Fully Funded PhD in Marine Ecosystem Research in USA
- Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at the University of Chicago USA: Your Opportunity to Drive AI-Powered Breakthroughs in Science
- Fully Funded MS Position: Climate Change, Prescribed Fire, and Coastal Vegetation Dynamics at Marshall University USA
Who Is Eligible for the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia?
The programme is open to citizens of virtually any country except Slovakia, with clear categories and requirements:
University Students (Master’s level or equivalent): You must be enrolled in the second level of higher education (or have completed at least 2.5 years of university studies in a similar programme) at an institution outside Slovakia. You need an acceptance letter from a Slovak higher education institution for a study stay, typically aiming for 30 ECTS credits per semester. Previous NSP recipients must wait at least two years before re-applying (exceptions for force majeure situations).
PhD Students: You must be enrolled in a doctoral programme outside Slovakia and secure acceptance from a Slovak university or research institution (including institutes of the Slovak Academy of Sciences) for research, study or artistic work.
University Teachers, Researchers and Artists: You need an invitation from a qualified Slovak host institution. Scholarship amounts vary by qualifications and experience:
- Without PhD and less than 4 years’ experience: €1,025.50/month
- With PhD and less than 10 years’ experience: €1,370/month
- With PhD and more than 10 years’ experience: €1,470/month
Important restrictions: You cannot have spent 15 or more months in Slovakia in the 36 months before the deadline. You must not be receiving other public Slovak funding for the same stay, and the programme does not support full-degree studies in Slovakia.
Scholarship Amounts and What the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia Covers
Monthly stipends are designed to cover living expenses in Slovakia:
- Students: €620 per month
- PhD students: €1,025.50 per month
- Teachers/researchers/artists: €1,025.50 – €1,470 per month (tiered by qualifications)
Additional support:
- Travel grant (lump sum) for students and PhD candidates — up to €1,500 depending on distance from your home to the Slovak host (calculated via the official Erasmus+ distance tool).
- Reimbursement of up to €250 for required medical examinations for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying longer than 90 days.
Stays last 1–10 months depending on category (students usually 1–2 semesters or 1–3 trimesters). The scholarship is paid monthly after arrival and submission of required confirmations.
Click Here to See other Scholarships.
Get Standard CV and Scholarship Essay/Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter from a Professional.
- Join this Whatsapp Channel to Get More Infos and Tips
- Join Telegram Channel for Daily Jobs, Scholarships, Business and Career Updates
How to Apply for the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia
The process is straightforward but competitive — success depends on preparation and a strong host connection.
- Identify and contact your host institution early: Secure a formal acceptance or invitation letter. Use resources like researchinslovakia.saia.sk to find suitable universities and research centres.
- Prepare your documents: (scanned PDFs)
- Detailed CV
- Motivation letter explaining why Slovakia and this specific host
- Detailed study/research/artistic plan with timeline and expected outcomes
- Two recommendation letters (for students) or one from your supervisor (PhD)
- Proof of student/PhD status and previous diplomas
- Official acceptance/invitation letter from the Slovak host
- List of publications (for PhD/researchers/artists)
- Submit online: Applications are submitted exclusively through the online system at www.scholarships.sk. The portal opens at least six weeks before each deadline.
- Send the original acceptance letter by post It must reach SAIA, n.o. in Bratislava by the third working day after the online deadline.
Key deadlines (standard annual cycle):
- 30 April at 16:00 CET — for stays in the following academic year
- 31 October at 16:00 CET — for summer semester stays
As of June 2026, the April 2026 deadline has passed. The next window is expected in autumn 2026. Always check the official website for the exact opening dates of the current call.
Tips to Maximise Your Chances
The Selection Committee evaluates the quality of your proposed programme, your academic or professional achievements, motivation, and how well the stay fits your career goals. Here is how to stand out:
- Start contacting potential hosts 3–6 months before the deadline.
- Make your motivation letter specific — explain exactly what you will do in Slovakia and why that institution is the best place.
- For students, show a realistic study plan with clear credit transfer potential.
- For researchers, demonstrate how the stay will advance your thesis or project and benefit the host team.
- Proofread everything carefully; strong English or Slovak is essential.
- Read real tips from past scholars on the official NSP website — they share practical advice on applications, visas and settling in.
Life in Slovakia: More Than Just a Scholarship
Slovakia offers an exceptional quality of life for scholars. Bratislava combines medieval charm with modern energy, while smaller university cities like Košice, Žilina and Nitra provide welcoming, affordable environments. Living costs are among the lowest in the EU, so your stipend goes far.
Expect excellent public transport, safe streets, delicious food (try bryndzové halušky!), and easy access to nature. On weekends you can hike in the High Tatras, visit fairy-tale castles, or hop across borders for quick city breaks. Many scholars describe the experience as life-changing — both professionally and personally.
For stays longer than 90 days, non-EU citizens will need a temporary residence permit (the host institution usually assists). Health insurance and basic Slovak language phrases will help you settle in quickly.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The National Scholarship Programme Slovakia is one of Europe’s most accessible and generous mobility schemes. With clear eligibility rules, solid funding, and the chance to study or research in a beautiful, central location, it deserves a place on every ambitious student’s and researcher’s shortlist.
Official resources:
- Full programme details and application portal: https://www.scholarships.sk/en/main/programme-terms-and-conditions/foreign-applicants
- NSP homepage: https://www.scholarships.sk/
- Ministry information: https://www.minedu.sk/national-scholarship-programme/
- Contact: nsp-foreign@saia.sk (teachers/researchers/artists) or nsp-foreign2@saia.sk (students)
Start preparing your documents, reach out to potential hosts, and mark the next deadline in your calendar. Your fully funded chapter in Slovakia could be closer than you think.
Apply with confidence — and get ready to discover why so many scholars call the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia one of the best decisions of their academic lives.