Slovakia National Scholarship Program 2027 in Slovakia

Are you looking for an opportunity to study, conduct research, or gain academic experience in Slovakia? The Slovakia National Scholarship Program 2027, officially known as the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (NSP), offers financial support for international students, PhD students, university teachers, researchers, and artists who want to undertake a study, research, teaching, or artistic stay in Slovakia.

The programme is administered by SAIA, n. o. and supports international academic mobility at Slovak universities and eligible research organisations.

One important point for applicants is that the National Scholarship Programme is a mobility scholarship. It is not generally intended to finance an entire degree programme in Slovakia. Instead, successful applicants receive support for a temporary study, research, teaching, or artistic stay.

Slovakia National Scholarship Program 2027 – Overview

The official programme information states that the scholarship supports living costs during the stay and that eligible students and PhD students may also apply for a travel allowance.

What Is the National Scholarship Programme of Slovakia?

The National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic was established by the Government of Slovakia to support international academic mobility.

Through the programme, eligible international applicants can spend part of their studies or conduct research at a Slovak university or research organisation.

The programme can be particularly useful for students and researchers who want to:

• Experience higher education in Slovakia
• Conduct academic research
• Work with Slovak researchers
• Complete part of their Master’s studies
• Undertake doctoral research
• Participate in teaching activities
• Complete an artistic or research stay
• Develop international academic connections

The programme is not limited to one field of study, so opportunities may be relevant to applicants from different academic backgrounds, depending on the host institution and the availability of a suitable study or research opportunity.

Who Can Apply?

The National Scholarship Programme has several applicant categories.

1. International University Students

Students studying at universities outside Slovakia may apply for a study stay at a Slovak university.

The official programme information indicates that students can undertake a study stay of approximately 1–2 semesters or 1–3 trimesters, depending on the applicable study structure.

For students, the programme is generally connected to Master’s-level study or applicants who have completed at least three years of higher education by the beginning of their stay.

2. International PhD Students

PhD students studying outside Slovakia can apply for a study and/or research stay at a Slovak university or eligible research organisation.

The official programme describes PhD stays of approximately 1–10 months.

This can be a useful opportunity for doctoral candidates who want to conduct research in Slovakia, access academic facilities, or collaborate with Slovak researchers.

3. University Teachers, Researchers and Artists

University teachers, researchers and artists from outside Slovakia may also apply for a teaching, research or artistic stay.

The programme information generally provides for stays of approximately 1–10 months, depending on the applicant category and type of activity.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship is primarily intended to contribute toward the applicant’s living costs during the supported stay.

This is important because applicants should not assume that the programme automatically covers every cost associated with studying abroad.

According to the official information, the scholarship focuses on living costs and does not automatically cover tuition fees or every other expense.

Travel Allowance

Eligible students and PhD students may also apply for a travel allowance.

The amount depends on the distance between the applicant’s place of residence and the location of the scholarship stay in Slovakia.

The official programme information lists travel-support amounts based on distance, with higher support for longer distances.

How Much Is the Monthly Scholarship?

The exact scholarship amount can depend on the applicant category and the applicable programme conditions.

Official programme materials list different monthly amounts for students, PhD students, university teachers, researchers and artists.

Applicants should therefore check the current official call before relying on a particular amount for the 2027 programme.

This is especially important because scholarship rates and programme conditions can be updated.

Slovakia National Scholarship Program 2027 Eligibility

Applicants should carefully check the official eligibility conditions before preparing an application.

Depending on the applicant category, you may need to meet requirements such as:

• Being enrolled at an eligible university outside Slovakia
• Being a PhD student at an eligible foreign university or research organisation
• Being a university teacher, researcher or artist
• Having an appropriate academic background
• Having an accepted host institution in Slovakia
• Providing an invitation or acceptance document from the Slovak host institution
• Preparing the required supporting documents
• Meeting the programme’s application deadline

The exact requirements differ according to whether you are applying as a university student, PhD student, university teacher, researcher or artist.

Important: You Need a Slovak Host Institution

One of the most important parts of the application is identifying an appropriate host institution in Slovakia.

Applicants should not wait until the final days before the deadline to contact universities or research organisations.

A strong application should clearly explain:

• Why you want to undertake the stay
• Why the Slovak host institution is appropriate
• What you intend to study or research
• How the stay fits your academic or professional development
• What you expect to accomplish during the mobility period

Applicants should carefully follow the current programme instructions regarding invitation letters and other host-institution documents.

How to Apply for the Slovakia National Scholarship Program 2027

The application process is completed online through the official National Scholarship Programme system.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

First, determine which applicant category applies to you.

You may be applying as:

• A university student
• A PhD student
• A university teacher
• A researcher
• An artist

Read the official conditions carefully before starting your application.

Step 2: Find a Suitable Slovak Host Institution

Research Slovak universities and eligible research organisations and identify an institution that matches your academic or research interests.

Step 3: Contact the Host Institution

Contact the relevant faculty, department, professor, researcher or international office.

Explain your proposed study or research stay and ask about the possibility of hosting you.

Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents

Depending on your category, you may need documents such as:

• Online application form
• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter
• Study or research plan
• Academic records
• Proof of current university status
• Invitation/acceptance letter from the Slovak host institution
• Recommendation or reference documents where required
• Other documents specified in the current call

Do not submit documents based only on an old scholarship guide. Always use the requirements published for the current application round.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

Applications are submitted through the official programme website.

Make sure every required section is completed accurately and that all required attachments are uploaded in the correct format.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

The programme traditionally has two main application deadlines:

• 30 April – for scholarship stays during the following academic year
• 31 October – for scholarship stays during the summer semester of the current academic year

The official programme materials specify the deadlines and application times, but applicants should always confirm the exact 2027 deadline and time on the official website before submitting.

Step 7: Wait for the Selection Results

After submission, applications are evaluated according to the programme’s selection procedures.

Successful applicants receive information about their scholarship and the conditions they must fulfil before beginning their stay.

Official Application Link

Applicants should use the official National Scholarship Programme website for the latest 2027 call, eligibility requirements, application instructions and online application system.

Official National Scholarship Programme website:
https://www.scholarships.sk/

Official application portal:
https://www.scholarships.sk/

The official website is the best place to confirm when the 2027 application system opens and which documents are required for your particular applicant category.

Is the Slovakia National Scholarship Programme Fully Funded?

This is an important question.

The programme provides financial support for the supported mobility period, particularly toward living costs. Eligible students and PhD students can also apply for travel support.

However, it should not automatically be described as a fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD scholarship, because the National Scholarship Programme is designed primarily for temporary academic mobility rather than funding an entire degree programme.

Applicants should carefully calculate their expected expenses and check exactly what is covered under the current call.

Can I Complete a Full Master’s or PhD in Slovakia Through This Programme?

Generally, no.

The National Scholarship Programme supports temporary study, research, teaching and artistic stays rather than financing an entire degree programme.

For example, an international student may use the programme to undertake a period of study at a Slovak university as part of their existing higher education.

Students who want to complete a full Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree in Slovakia should also investigate separate university scholarships and other Slovak government scholarship programmes.

Is IELTS Required?

The National Scholarship Programme should not be advertised as automatically being an “IELTS-free scholarship” for every applicant.

Language requirements can depend on the proposed study or research activity, host institution and programme conditions.

Applicants should check the requirements of their selected Slovak university or research organisation and the current NSP application instructions.

Why Consider Slovakia for an Academic Stay?

Slovakia offers international students and researchers an opportunity to experience European higher education and build international academic connections.

A scholarship stay can help you:

• Gain international academic experience
• Develop research skills
• Work with researchers abroad
• Build professional networks
• Experience Slovak culture
• Strengthen your academic CV
• Explore future study and research opportunities in Europe

Tips for a Strong Application

If you are planning to apply for the Slovakia National Scholarship Programme 2027, start early.

1. Find your host institution early

A suitable host institution is an important part of a mobility application. Do not wait until the deadline is approaching.

2. Prepare a clear study or research plan

Explain exactly what you want to accomplish during your stay.

3. Make your motivation specific

Avoid using a generic motivation letter. Explain why Slovakia and your chosen host institution are relevant to your academic goals.

4. Check every document

Missing or incorrectly prepared documents can create problems during the evaluation process.

5. Use official information

Scholarship conditions can change from one application round to another. Always check the official website before submitting your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Slovakia National Scholarship Programme?

It is a Slovak government-supported academic mobility programme that provides scholarships for eligible international students, PhD students, university teachers, researchers and artists undertaking temporary study, research, teaching or artistic stays in Slovakia.

Is the scholarship available to international students?

Yes. The programme has opportunities for eligible international students and other international academic applicants, subject to the specific conditions of the programme.

Can Bachelor’s students apply?

Eligibility depends on the specific applicant category and study situation. The official programme describes student mobility particularly in connection with Master’s-level studies or applicants who have completed at least three years of higher education by the beginning of their stay.

Can PhD students apply?

Yes. International PhD students can apply for eligible study and/or research stays at Slovak universities or research organisations.

How long can the scholarship last?

The duration depends on the applicant category. Official programme information generally provides for student stays of 1–2 semesters or 1–3 trimesters and PhD/research-related stays of several months, depending on the category.

Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?

Applicants should not assume that tuition fees are automatically covered. The official programme describes the scholarship as support for living costs and states that it does not cover other costs such as tuition fees.

Is there a travel grant?

Eligible students and PhD students may apply for a travel allowance. The amount depends on the distance between the applicant’s residence and the place of the scholarship stay.

When is the application deadline?

The programme traditionally has application deadlines around 30 April and 31 October. Applicants should verify the exact 2027 deadline and time on the official website before applying.

Where can I apply?

Applications are submitted online through the official National Scholarship Programme website:

https://www.scholarships.sk

Is this a full-degree scholarship?

No. The National Scholarship Programme is primarily designed for academic mobility and temporary study, research, teaching or artistic stays. It should not be confused with a scholarship that funds an entire degree programme.

Final Thoughts

The Slovakia National Scholarship Program 2027 in Slovakia can be an excellent opportunity for international students, PhD candidates, researchers, university teachers and artists who want to gain academic experience in Slovakia.

The most important step is to understand that this is a mobility programme, not simply a general full-degree scholarship. Before applying, identify an appropriate Slovak host institution, prepare your study or research plan, collect the required documents and carefully follow the official application instructions.

Because programme conditions, scholarship amounts and application dates can change, applicants should always verify the latest information directly through the official National Scholarship Programme website.

Official Website & Application

National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic:
https://www.scholarships.sk/

Official application information:
https://www.scholarships.sk/

Always use the official website for the latest 2027 call and application instructions.