Application Deadline: 31 October 2026, 16:00 CET
Are you looking for a fully funded opportunity to study, conduct research, teach, or pursue artistic work in Europe? The National Scholarship Programme Slovakia 2026 is now accepting applications from qualified international applicants worldwide.
Funded by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic, this prestigious scholarship supports short-term academic and research mobility at universities and research institutions across Slovakia. The programme is open to international university students, PhD candidates, university teachers, researchers, and artists from virtually every country outside Slovakia.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Details | Information |
| Host Country | Slovakia |
| Programme | National Scholarship Programme (NSP) |
| Funding Organization | Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic |
| Eligible Applicants | International Students, PhD Students, University Teachers, Researchers & Artists |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded Mobility Scholarship |
| Application Deadline | 31 October 2026 (16:00 CET) |
| Application Mode | Online |
About the National Scholarship Programme
Established in 2005, the National Scholarship Programme was created to strengthen international academic collaboration by supporting the mobility of talented individuals from around the world.
The programme enables selected applicants to undertake academic studies, research, teaching assignments, or artistic projects at recognized higher education institutions and research organizations in Slovakia.
Rather than funding an entire degree programme, the NSP supports short-term academic mobility, allowing participants to gain valuable international experience while collaborating with Slovak institutions.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive generous financial support, which may include:
- Monthly scholarship allowance
- Financial support to cover living expenses
- Travel grant (where applicable)
- Opportunity to study or conduct research at leading Slovak universities and research institutions
- International academic networking opportunities
- Access to world-class research facilities
- Enhanced academic and professional development
The exact scholarship amount depends on the applicant category and the duration of the mobility stay.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to applicants from countries worldwide (except Slovak citizens) under the following categories:
1. International University Students
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled at a university outside Slovakia.
- Be studying at the Master’s level (or have completed at least 2.5 years of university study in a comparable programme).
- Be accepted for a study mobility period at a Slovak higher education institution.
2. PhD Students
Applicants should:
- Be enrolled in a PhD programme outside Slovakia.
- Have an invitation or acceptance from a Slovak university or research institution.
3. University Teachers, Researchers and Artists
Eligible applicants include:
- Academic staff
- Scientists
- Researchers
- Creative professionals and artists
Applicants must obtain an invitation from a Slovak host institution before applying.
Eligible Countries
Applicants from all countries worldwide are welcome to apply, provided they are not citizens of Slovakia.
Scholarship Duration
The duration varies according to the applicant category and the host institution’s approved mobility plan.
Generally, scholarship stays range from 1 to 10 months, depending on the type of academic or research activity.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before beginning the online application:
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Study, research, teaching, or artistic work plan
- Acceptance or invitation letter from a Slovak host institution
- Academic transcripts or relevant educational documents
- Other supporting documents required for the selected applicant category
Documents must be submitted in English or Slovak. Documents issued in other languages generally require an official translation into English or Slovak.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on several factors, including:
- Academic excellence
- Research or professional achievements
- Quality and relevance of the proposed mobility stay
- Feasibility of the proposed activities
- Potential contribution to international academic cooperation
- Availability of programme funding
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection, as awards are competitive.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the official National Scholarship Programme application portal.
- Select your applicant category.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Applicants are advised not to wait until the final hours, as heavy traffic near the deadline may affect submission.
Application Deadline
31 October 2026 (16:00 CET)
This deadline applies to scholarship stays scheduled for the summer semester of the current academic year.
Official Application Portal
Interested applicants can find complete programme details and submit their applications through the official NSP website:
Application Portal: National Scholarship Programme (NSP) Application Portal
Final Thoughts
The National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic offers an outstanding opportunity for international students, doctoral candidates, academics, researchers, and artists to gain valuable international experience while working with leading Slovak universities and research institutions. With financial support covering living costs and, in many cases, travel expenses, this programme is an excellent pathway for expanding academic networks and advancing your career in Europe.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, start preparing your application early and ensure all required documents are submitted well before the 31 October 2026 deadline.
