The National Scholarship Programme (NSP) of the Slovak Republic is now open for international applications for the 2026 intake. This prestigious, fully funded scholarship allows international students, PhD candidates, university teachers, researchers, and artists from all over the world (except Slovakia) to undertake short-term study, research, teaching, or artistic stays at Slovak higher education institutions and research organizations.

The NSP is funded by the Slovak Government to support international mobility and academic cooperation. With fewer applicants reaching out to host institutions early, applying soon can significantly increase your chances of securing an invitation letter.

📌 Key Details

  • Host Country: Slovakia

  • Scholarship Name: National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (NSP)

  • Financial Coverage: Fully Funded

  • Deadline: October 31, 2025

  • Application Opens: 6 weeks before the deadline (September 19, 2025)

  • Application Fee: None

🎓 Fields of Study

The scholarship is open to all academic disciplines, research areas, and artistic fields. Applicants can apply for stays in universities or research institutions in Slovakia that match their academic or professional interests.

⏳ Duration of Scholarship

  • University Students:

    • 1–2 semesters (4–5 or 9–10 months) or 1–3 trimesters

  • PhD Students, Teachers, Researchers, Artists:

    • 1–10 months (short-term stays for research, teaching, or artistic work)

💰 Financial Benefits

The Slovakia National Scholarship Programme provides a monthly scholarship and additional financial support:

  • Master’s Students: €620/month

  • PhD Students: €1,025.50/month

  • Teachers, Researchers, Artists: €1,025.50 – €1,470/month
    (Based on experience and whether they hold a PhD)

  • Travel Grant: €0 – €1,500 depending on the distance between the applicant’s home country and Slovakia

  • Medical Exam Reimbursement: Up to €250 (for non-EU/EEA applicants staying more than 90 days)

👉 Note: This scholarship covers living costs in Slovakia during the stay, including accommodation, meals, and other daily expenses.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

1. For University Students

  • Must be enrolled at a university outside Slovakia at the Master’s level (second level of higher education).

  • Must have completed at least 2.5 years of university studies.

  • Must be accepted for a study stay at a Slovak public, private, or state higher education institution.

2. For PhD Students

  • Must be pursuing doctoral studies at a university outside Slovakia.

  • Must have secured acceptance for a research or artistic stay at a Slovak higher education or research institution.

3. For University Teachers, Researchers, and Artists

  • Must be invited for a teaching, research, or artistic stay by a Slovak host institution.

  • Must present a valid invitation letter.

📝 Application Timeline

  • Application Opens: 6 weeks before the deadline (September 19, 2025)

  • Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

  • Result Announcement: Usually within a few weeks after the deadline.

🌍 Why Choose Slovakia?

  • Affordable living costs and quality education.

  • Wide range of academic fields in English and Slovak.

  • Opportunities to build research collaborations in Europe.

  • Cultural exposure in the heart of Europe.

📎 How to Apply

  1. Secure an invitation or acceptance letter from a Slovak higher education institution or research organization.

  2. Visit the official NSP website to fill out the online application form.

  3. Upload all required documents before the deadline.

  4. Submit the application online — no application fee is required.

👉 Official Website: https://www.scholarships.sk

🟡 Pro Tip:

Try to contact potential host professors or institutions as early as possible, ideally before the application portal opens. This gives you a better chance of receiving a response and securing your acceptance/invitation letter on time.

📅 Important Dates

  • Application Opens: September 19, 2025

  • Deadline: October 31, 2025

📌 Summary Table

ComponentDetails
Scholarship TypeFully Funded
CountrySlovakia
Duration1–10 months (depending on applicant category)
FieldsAll disciplines
EligibilityStudents, PhD candidates, teachers, researchers, artists
Monthly Stipend€620 – €1,470 depending on category
Application FeeNone
DeadlineOctober 31, 2025
Official Websitehttps://www.scholarships.sk

This is an excellent opportunity for students and professionals to gain European academic experience without financial burden. Don’t miss the chance to apply!