About the opportunity
The National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (NSP) is designed to support the mobility of international students, PhD students, university teachers, researchers, and artists. Funded by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic and administered by SAIA, n. o., the programme enables international candidates to undertake study or research stays at Slovak higher education institutions and research organizations. It promotes academic exchange, cross-cultural collaboration, and professional development by providing financial coverage for living expenses during stays ranging from one to several months.
Funding and benefits
- Monthly scholarship covering living costs during the stay in Slovakia
- Travel grant contribution to assist with travel expenses (depending on the distance and country of origin)
Who can apply?
- International students enrolled at higher education institutions outside Slovakia
- Master's level students, or students who have completed at least 2.5 years of higher education in their degree programme
- PhD students studying at universities or research organizations outside Slovakia
- University teachers, researchers, and artists working at universities or research organizations outside Slovakia
Required documents
- Online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Detailed study or research programme plan
- Confirmation of status (proof of enrolment or employment at the home institution)
- Recommendation letters from the home institution
- Admission or invitation letter from a Slovak higher education institution or research organization
When to apply
- Applications are accepted twice a year for respective academic semesters
- Deadline for the summer semester of the academic year 2026/2027 is 31 October 2026
How to apply
- Prepare all required supporting documents, including an acceptance letter from a Slovak institution
- Submit the application online through the official scholarship portal at scholarships.sk
Additional information
- The programme is financed by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic and administered by SAIA, n. o.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for international students, doctoral candidates, and academics seeking funded mobility or research stays in Central Europe.
- Well-suited for researchers and artists looking to establish institutional partnerships or conduct fieldwork in Slovakia.
- Provides financial support covering living expenses and travel, easing the economic burden of international relocation.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must secure an official acceptance or invitation letter from a host institution in Slovakia prior to applying.
- Stays are temporary and tied to specific academic or research durations rather than permanent degree enrollment.
- Competitive selection process requires thorough documentation, including study plans and recommendation letters.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This programme fits well into short-to-medium-term academic and professional plans, offering structured financial support to gain international research experience, advance doctoral work, or foster cross-border academic cooperation without requiring a long-term commitment to the host country.
Our take
International students, PhD candidates, teachers, and researchers seeking a funded mobility experience in Slovakia should seriously consider applying. Those who do not yet have an affiliation or invitation from a Slovak host institution will need to secure one before submitting their application.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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