National Scholarship Programme Slovakia

National Scholarship Programme Slovakia 2025/2026: full guide for students, PhD, teachers, researchers, artists—funding, deadlines, and how to apply.

If you’re looking for a fully funded academic or artistic stay in Central Europe, the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia is one of the most accessible and generous options out there. 🎯 This National Scholarship Programme Slovakia guide covers exactly who can apply, how much funding you get, deadlines for the 2025/2026 call, how to submit a winning application, and the required documents—plus insider tips, FAQs, and voice-search-ready answers.

🧭 At a glance: The National Scholarship Programme Slovakia supports international students (Master’s/advanced undergrads), PhD candidates, university teachers, researchers, and artists for stays at Slovak universities and research organizations. Monthly stipends start at €620 for students and up to €1,470 for senior academics, with an additional travel grant for students and PhD researchers. 📍

Table of Contents

Why choose the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia? 🌍💡

Wide eligibility: open to citizens of any country (except Slovakia) across multiple profiles—students, PhDs, teachers, researchers, artists.
Competitive monthly funding: living costs covered; travel grant option for students/PhDs.
Flexible stay length: from 1 to 10 months (depending on category), with students eligible for 1–2 semesters.
Strong academic network: placements at public, private, or state universities and research institutes across Slovakia.

Who is eligible? (Students, PhD students, University Teachers, Researchers & Artists) 🎓🔬🎨

A) Students (Master’s/advanced undergrads) 👩🏽‍🎓👨🏻‍🎓

You are eligible under the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia if you:

are enrolled at a university outside Slovakia;
are a Master’s student or have already completed at least 2.5 years of the same/similar program;
will be accepted by a Slovak higher education institution for academic mobility (study stay).

Duration:

1–2 full semesters (≈ 4–5 or 9–10 months), or
1–3 trimesters where applicable (≈ 3–4, 6–7, or 9–10 months).

⚠️ Note: This category does not cover PhD studies.

B) PhD Students 🧪📚

Eligible if you are pursuing doctoral education outside Slovakia and have an acceptance from a Slovak university or research institution (e.g., Slovak Academy of Sciences) for academic mobility to study/conduct research or artistic work.

Duration: 1–10 months.

C) University Teachers, Researchers & Artists 👩‍🏫🧑‍🔬🧑‍🎨

Eligible if you are invited by a Slovak institution with a valid R&D eligibility certificate (non-business entity) for a teaching/research/artistic stay.

Duration: 1–10 months.

📌 Calendar-month rule: When the minimum length is set in months, ensure your dates cover full calendar months (e.g., March 5–April 4 = 1 month).

🌐 Open to all nationalities (except Slovak citizens).
🔁 Re-application rule: If you received an NSP scholarship before, you can reapply only after 2 years from your last award’s deadline—exceptions can apply for force majeure (e.g., pandemic, conflict).

Not Supported by NSP 🚫

Full-degree students already studying in Slovakia (Bachelor/Master/PhD).
Applicants without a PhD and more than 4 years of work experience (exceptions may apply up to 7 years—scholarship level will match the “without PhD, <4 years” category).
Applicants who spent 15+ months in Slovakia during the 36 months before the deadline.
Applicants funded for the same stay via other public scholarship programs (Erasmus+, CEEPUS, Visegrad Fund, bilateral schemes, etc.).

How much funding do you get? 💰📊

Monthly Scholarship Amounts (National Scholarship Programme Slovakia)

Students (second level / Master’s): €620 / month
PhD Students: €1,025.50 / month
University Teachers/Researchers/Artists:
- Without PhD & <4 years experience: €1,025.50
- With PhD & <10 years experience: €1,370
- With PhD & >10 years experience: €1,470

🧮 Experience is counted up to the deadline day (PhD studies count as work experience up to 6 years).
🏠 The grant covers living costs (accommodation, food, everyday expenses) during your stay in Slovakia.

Medical & Residence Notes for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss (stays >90 days) 🩺📄

You may need a temporary residence permit. Within 30 days of receiving it, submit a health certificate (public health clearance).
NSP can reimburse up to €250 for the required medical exam once you submit the original bill to SAIA in Bratislava (by the deadline for your final report).

Travel Grant (for Students & PhD Students) ✈️🧳

If you apply together with your scholarship application, you can get a lump-sum travel allowance, paid at the end of your stay with your last scholarship. The amount depends on the direct distance between your home location (or home institution) and your host institution in Slovakia:

≤200 km: €0
>200–300 km: €50
>300–500 km: €100
>500–1,000 km: €250
>1,000–2,000 km: €350
>2,000–3,000 km: €500
>3,000–5,000 km: €750
>5,000–7,000 km: €1,100
>7,000 km: €1,500

💡 Tip: Use the official Erasmus+ Distance Calculator to estimate your bracket. 🔗

Application Deadlines (CET) 📅⏰

30 April, 16:00 CET → for stays in the next academic year
31 October, 16:00 CET → for summer semester of the current academic year

⏳ Visa caution: If you require a visa, plan adequate time for documents, appointments, and issuance. Choose a realistic start date.
🔁 One application per call only.

Where and how to apply (Step-by-Step) 🖥️📝

1) Online Portal (National Scholarship Programme Slovakia) 🌐

Apply at www.scholarships.sk → Online system opens ~6 weeks before each deadline.
Fill in all fields, upload all attachments, and click “SEND” before the deadline.
You may submit documents in Slovak or English; other languages must include an official translation (or issuer-certified translation). In force majeure cases, provisional translations may be accepted, but official translations will be required before the Letter of Award.

2) Original Acceptance/Invitation Letter 📩📬

After submitting the online form, deliver the original acceptance/invitation letter to SAIA in Bratislava by the 3rd working day after the deadline, by 12:00.
Your host institution may send it on your behalf, but you must still attach a scan in your online application to be able to submit it.

🚨 Don’t wait for the last minute—heavy traffic near the deadline can slow down the system.

Required Documents (By Category) 📑📥

For Students (Category A) 🎓

CV
Motivation Letter
Detailed Study Programme (host institution name, stay duration + start date, subjects list, ECTS credits; justify if fewer than typical 30 ECTS/semester)
Two Recommendation Letters (signed, with position & contacts; max age 3 months)
Confirmation of Enrollment (issued within last 3 months; includes year of study, standard length, expected graduation date)
- If force majeure prevents it, submit a declaration of honour; the official confirmation must be provided before the Letter of Award
Bachelor’s Diploma + Supplement (and state exam certificate, if applicable)
Acceptance/Invitation Letter from Slovak host (same period as application; not older than 3 months; ideally with course list)
If previously funded by NSP (students): transcript of records with credits/exams

For PhD Students (Category B) 🧑‍🔬

CV
Motivation Letter
Detailed Study/Research/Artistic Programme (with time plan)
Supervisor’s Recommendation Letter (signed, with position & contacts; ≤3 months old)
Confirmation of PhD Enrollment (≤3 months; year of PhD, standard length, expected completion)
- Force majeure alternative: declaration of honour → official confirmation before award letter
Master’s Diploma + Supplement (and state exam certificate, if applicable)
List of Publications/Artistic Outputs (or statement of none)
Acceptance/Invitation Letter (reflecting host interest; period aligned; ≤3 months old)

For Teachers/Researchers/Artists (Category C) 🧑🏽‍🏫🎭

CV
Detailed Teaching/Research/Artistic Programme (with time plan)
Highest Diploma
List of Publications/Artistic Outputs (required format)
Acceptance/Invitation Letter (reflects host interest; aligned period; ≤3 months old)

Selection Process: How applications are evaluated 🏛️🧠

Applications passing formal checks go to the Selection Committee (appointed by the Ministry). The National Scholarship Programme Slovakia committee reviews:

Why Slovakia & why this host institution?
Programme quality & feasibility (study/research/teaching plan)
Your merits (records, outputs, references)
Host contribution & expected outcomes
Consistency and overall quality of the application
Past NSP performance (if reapplying)

✅ The Committee may set conditions (e.g., shorter funded period, extra clarifications). A reserve list can be created depending on the budget.

Scholarship Grant & Payments: What happens if you win? 💳📨

You’ll be notified usually within 8 weeks after the deadline.
After original acceptance letter verification, SAIA issues a Letter of Award + binding scholarship offer with payment requirements.
Before first payment, submit:
- Letter of Acceptance (form provided by SAIA)
- Notarized copy of your highest diploma
- Current Enrollment Confirmation (for students/PhDs; dated appropriately for semester timing)

Payment logistics 💶

Paid monthly to your bank account (typically SEPA).
Payments start once your bank details and start-of-stay confirmation are received.
SAIA may set additional conditions (e.g., interim report), and can withhold part of the payment until final documents are submitted (e.g., final report, stay completion confirmation, travel grant settlement).

Compliance & Audits 🧾

Provide complete and truthful documents; avoid double-funding from Slovak public sources for the same purpose.
Cooperate with oversight bodies; your application data may be shared for audit/control.
Non-compliance or false information can lead to repayment obligations.

Changes & Extensions 🔁

Country and host cannot be changed.
Date changes/shortening need approval; extensions are not possible—submit a new application if needed.

Smart Strategy to Win the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia 🧠🚀

Use these practical, reviewer-friendly steps to stand out:

1) Nail your Host Fit 🧩📍

Show synergy between your background and the host’s expertise (cite labs, research groups, or course offerings).
For teachers/artists, propose co-teaching, workshops, or public lectures the host can showcase.

2) Build a Concrete Workplan 🗓️🧰

Include weekly milestones (e.g., literature review, data collection, analysis, exhibitions, public performances).
Define outputs: credits (students), manuscripts/datasets (PhDs), co-authored papers (researchers), curated shows (artists).

3) Strengthen Recommendations 📨🤝

Ask referees to address impact, independence, and fit with the host.
Ensure letters are recent (≤3 months) and signed with clear affiliations.

4) Evidence of Outcomes & Dissemination 📣📥

Promise open-access preprints, conference submissions, or a public artist talk.
Mention how the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia stay will advance your degree or career (and how you’ll apply the outcomes back home).

5) Visa & Medical Timing ⏳🛂

If you’re non-EU/EEA/Swiss and staying >90 days, factor in the temporary residence process and the health certificate timeline; budget the €250 reimbursement properly with original bills.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) ❌➡️✅

Submitting late → Always finalize documents 3–7 days before the deadline. 📅
Vague study plans → Include clear ECTS (students) and time-bound goals (PhDs/academics). ⏱️
Old recommendation letters → Must be ≤3 months old at deadline. 🖊️
Missing acceptance letter original → Arrange courier/mail to SAIA immediately after submission. 📬
Overlapping public funding in Slovakia → Declare all funding sources; avoid double-financing. 💼

Quick Answers for Voice Search (AEO + Voice SEO) 🎙️🧠

What is the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia?
A Slovak government-financed scheme funding mobility stays for international students, PhDs, teachers, researchers, and artists at Slovak universities and research bodies.
Who can apply?
Master’s/advanced undergrads, PhD candidates, and university teachers/researchers/artists invited by eligible Slovak institutions.
How long is the funding?
Students: 1–2 semesters; PhDs/academics/artists: 1–10 months.
How much is the stipend?
€620 (students), €1,025.50 (PhDs), €1,025.50–€1,470 (academics/artists, depending on PhD and experience).
Is there a travel grant?
Yes, students/PhDs can get a lump-sum based on distance, paid with the last installment.
When are the deadlines?
30 April and 31 October at 16:00 CET.
How do I apply?
Submit online via the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia portal; then deliver the original acceptance letter to SAIA within 3 working days after the deadline by 12:00.

Step-by-Step: Sample Timeline for April 30 Deadline 📆🧩

By March 1: Identify host department; draft study/research/teaching plan.
By March 10: Request acceptance letter; share your CV + proposed plan.
By March 15: Secure referees; provide bullet points and deadlines.
By April 1: Collect official confirmations (enrollment/PhD, etc.).
By April 15: Finalize Motivation Letter and Detailed Programme.
April 20–25: Upload documents; proofread; confirm Focus Keyword usage if you’re referencing this guide for your personal notes 😉.
By April 28: Submit online; print/prepare original acceptance for courier.
By May 5: Ensure SAIA receives the original letter (3 working days rule).

Useful Links 🔗📥

👉 Official NSP Portal (Apply Here): National Scholarship Programme Slovakia – Foreign Applicants 🔗
👉 Host Finder Tip: Explore Slovak universities and research institutes via their departmental pages and publications for a strong fit.
👉 Distance Calculator (Travel Grant): Erasmus+ Distance Tool (search online and bookmark).

Explore more funding on the Scholarships with Aakash homepage: ScholarshipsWithAakash.site 🔗

Pro Tips for Each Category 💡📌

Students (Master’s/Advanced Undergrads) 🎓

Match your course list to your host’s semester: aim for ~30 ECTS; justify any shortfall.
Add a learning agreement-style table for clarity (course, credits, assessment).
Showcase language readiness (English or Slovak) and any prior mobility.

PhD Students 🧪

Tie your plan to specific facilities (labs/archives) and named supervisors.
Commit to deliverables (dataset, draft manuscript, conference abstract).
Include a risk plan (e.g., backup data sources, alternative archives).

Teachers/Researchers/Artists 🎭

Propose guest lectures, joint workshops, or a public performance; attach brief outlines.
Present a collaborative output (co-authored paper, exhibition catalogue, policy brief).
For senior academics, link your stay to capacity building at the host.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 🤔📢

1) Can Bachelor’s students apply to the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia?
If you have completed at least 2.5 years of a Bachelor’s (or equivalent) in the same/similar program, you can apply under the students (A) category. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait until you reach that threshold or enroll in a Master’s.

2) Can I change my Slovak host after being awarded?
No. The country and host are fixed once awarded. For date changes or shortening, request approval from SAIA. Extensions are not possible.

3) What if my university can’t issue enrollment confirmation in time?
In force majeure cases, submit a declaration of honour, then deliver the official confirmation before the Letter of Award is issued.

4) Do non-EU/EEA/Swiss students need insurance or medical checks?
For stays >90 days, you may need a temporary residence permit and a public health certificate within 30 days of receiving it. NSP can reimburse up to €250 for the medical exam with the original bill.

5) Can I hold Erasmus+ and NSP for the same Slovak stay?
No. The National Scholarship Programme Slovakia prohibits funding the same stay from public Slovak sources (including certain international public schemes administered nationally).

6) When do I get the travel grant?
The travel allowance (for students/PhDs) is paid with your final scholarship installment—after your stay ends.

7) What is the competition like?
Competitive but fair. Focus on host fit, clear outputs, strong references, and a detailed plan to maximize success.

8) How soon are results announced?
Usually within 8 weeks after the deadline.

9) Are artists treated differently?
Artists apply under Category C with an artistic programme and acceptance from an eligible host (e.g., academy, institute, or cultural R&D body).

10) Can I reapply if my previous NSP was cut short by COVID-19 or war?
Yes—force majeure can justify exceptions to the 2-year reapply rule, assessed case by case.

Contact & Administrator 📞🏢

SAIA, n. o. – National Scholarship Programme Slovakia
Sasinkova 10, 812 20 Bratislava 1, Slovak Republic
Tel: +421-2-5930-4700, +421-2-5930-4711
Web: www.scholarships.sk | www.saia.sk

Programme Administrators

University teachers/researchers/artists: nsp-foreign@saia.sk | +421-2-5930-4733
University students: nsp-foreign2@saia.sk | +421-2-5930-4736
PhD students: nsp-sk@saia.sk | +421-2-5930-4738

Final Checklist Before You Hit “SEND” ✅📮

Acceptance/Invitation letter scan uploaded & original posted to SAIA (deadline +3 working days, by 12:00)
All documents signed, recent (≤3 months), and consistent
Clear workplan with dates, outputs, ECTS (students)
Travel grant requested (students/PhDs), if needed
Visa/residence timing aligned with start date
Contact supervisors/hosts and referees for any last-minute clarifications

Conclusion 📣💼

The National Scholarship Programme Slovakia is a strategic pathway to expand your research, teaching, or artistic footprint in the EU while receiving robust monthly funding and, for students/PhDs, a travel grant. With strong host alignment, a precise workplan, timely documents, and a clear dissemination strategy, your application can be highly competitive for 2025/2026.

👉 Apply now via the official portal:
National Scholarship Programme Slovakia – Foreign Applicants: https://www.scholarships.sk/en/main/programme-terms-and-conditions/foreign-applicants 🔗

Need help tailoring your application for the National Scholarship Programme Slovakia? 📩

Drop your study/research/teaching plan and target host in the comments—we’ll help you refine your goals, outputs, and timeline to maximize your chances. 💬✨

🧑‍🎓 Author Bio

Admin and Author - Scholarship with Aakash — Admin and Author – Scholarship with Aakash

Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen curates top-ranked, fully funded scholarships for international students. With a strong background in global education and SEO, he helps students worldwide gain access to world-class research programs.

Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.

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