Slovak Government Scholarships

Overview

The Slovak Government Scholarships, officially known as the National Scholarship Programme (NSP) of the Slovak Republic, are prestigious awards offered by the Slovak government to support the mobility of international students, researchers, and academic staff to study and conduct research at Slovak universities and research institutions. Established in 2005, the program is administered by SAIA, n.o. (Slovak Academic Information Agency) and funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic. The scholarships aim to enhance international academic cooperation and promote Slovakia as an education and research destination.

Types of Slovak Government Scholarships

The National Scholarship Programme (NSP) offers scholarships in two main categories:

1. Scholarships for Students

For foreign university students and doctoral candidates to undertake a study or research stay at a Slovak university or research organization.

  • For University Students (Master's Level): Study stays of 1-2 semesters during master's studies
  • For Doctoral Students: Study/research stays of 1-10 months during doctoral studies

2. Scholarships for Researchers and University Teachers

For foreign academics, researchers, and artists to conduct teaching or research activities at Slovak institutions.

  • For Postdoctoral Researchers: Research stays of 3-6 months for those who completed their PhD within the last 10 years
  • For University Teachers/Researchers/Artists: Teaching or research stays of 1-10 months

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship category:

For University Students (Master's Level)

  • Must be a student of a foreign university (outside Slovakia)
  • Must have completed at least 2 semesters of university studies at the time of application
  • Must be enrolled in a master's degree program or its equivalent

For Doctoral Students

  • Must be enrolled in a doctoral program at a foreign university or research institution (outside Slovakia)
  • Must have an invitation letter from a Slovak host institution

For Postdoctoral Researchers

  • Must have completed a PhD degree within the last 10 years
  • Must not have had a work stay in Slovakia exceeding 12 months in the last 3 years
  • Must have an invitation letter from a Slovak host institution

For University Teachers/Researchers/Artists

  • Must be employed as a teacher, researcher, or artist at a foreign higher education institution or research organization
  • Must have a PhD degree or its equivalent
  • Must have an invitation letter from a Slovak host institution

General Requirements for All Categories

  • Nationality: Open to citizens of all countries worldwide
  • Language Proficiency: Sufficient knowledge of either Slovak or English (or other language agreed with the host institution)
  • Health: Applicants must be in good health
  • Academic Excellence: Strong academic record and clear study/research plan

Application Process

The application process for Slovak Government Scholarships involves the following steps:

  1. Visit the official NSP website at www.scholarships.sk.
  2. Create an account in the online application system.
  3. Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic information.
  4. Upload the required documents (specific to your scholarship category):
    • Curriculum vitae
    • Motivation letter (1-2 pages)
    • Detailed study/research/teaching/artistic program
    • Invitation letter from a Slovak host institution
    • Recommendation letters (typically 1-2)
    • Copy of diploma and/or confirmation of current studies
    • Copy of passport
    • List of publications (for researchers)
  5. Submit the application before the deadline.
  6. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the Minister of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
  7. Wait for the selection results, which are typically announced within 8 weeks after the application deadline.
  8. If selected, confirm your acceptance of the scholarship.
  9. Prepare for your stay in Slovakia (visa application, accommodation, etc.).

Deadlines

The National Scholarship Programme has two application deadlines each year:

  • April 30: For stays during the following academic year (September to August)
  • October 31: For stays during the summer semester of the current academic year (January to August)

Note: Applications must be submitted online by 16:00 CET on the day of the deadline.

Benefits

The Slovak Government Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support to recipients:

Monthly Scholarship Rates

  • University Students (Master's Level): 400 EUR per month
  • Doctoral Students: 734 EUR per month
  • Postdoctoral Researchers: 1,050 EUR per month
  • University Teachers/Researchers/Artists:
    • Without PhD (or equivalent): 734 EUR per month
    • With PhD (or equivalent): 980 EUR per month
    • With Professor title: 1,050 EUR per month

Additional Benefits

  • Travel Allowance: One-time payment to cover travel expenses to and from Slovakia (amount varies based on distance from the country of residence)
  • Scholarship Administration: SAIA provides administrative support throughout the scholarship period
  • Health Insurance: For scholarship recipients who are not covered by EU regulations or bilateral agreements on health insurance

Note: The scholarship does not cover:

  • Tuition fees (if applicable)
  • Accommodation costs (though host institutions often assist with finding affordable options)
  • Family expenses

Top Slovak Universities and Research Institutions

Slovak Government Scholarships can be used at various prestigious Slovak institutions, including:

Universities

  • Comenius University in Bratislava
  • Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava
  • University of Economics in Bratislava
  • Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava
  • Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice
  • Technical University of Košice
  • Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica
  • Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra
  • University of Prešov
  • University of Žilina
  • Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
  • Technical University in Zvolen

Research Institutions

  • Slovak Academy of Sciences (and its various institutes)
  • Research Institute of Child Psychology and Pathopsychology
  • National Agricultural and Food Centre
  • Water Research Institute
  • International Laser Centre

Fields of Study and Research

The Slovak Government Scholarships support study and research in a wide range of disciplines, including:

  • Agriculture and Forestry
  • Architecture and Design
  • Arts (Fine Arts, Music, Theatre, Film)
  • Economics and Management
  • Education and Teacher Training
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Slovak Language and Culture

Life in Slovakia

Studying and researching in Slovakia offers a unique Central European experience:

  • Location: Slovakia is located in the heart of Europe, making it easy to travel to neighboring countries.
  • Culture: Rich cultural heritage with historical castles, folk traditions, and vibrant contemporary arts scene.
  • Nature: Beautiful natural landscapes, including the Tatra Mountains, national parks, and thermal springs.
  • Cost of Living: Relatively affordable compared to Western European countries, with monthly living expenses ranging from 350-600 EUR (excluding accommodation).
  • Accommodation: University dormitories (approximately 80-150 EUR per month) or private rentals (approximately 200-450 EUR per month, depending on location).
  • Transportation: Well-developed public transportation system with student discounts available.
  • Language: Slovak is the official language, but English is widely spoken in academic environments and among younger people.
  • Safety: Slovakia is considered a safe country with low crime rates.

Tips for a Successful Application

  • Start preparing your application at least 2-3 months before the deadline.
  • Research Slovak institutions thoroughly to find the most suitable host for your study/research interests.
  • Contact potential host institutions/supervisors early to secure an invitation letter.
  • Develop a clear and focused study/research plan that demonstrates the benefits of your stay in Slovakia.
  • Highlight any previous connections to Slovakia or Slovak institutions in your application.
  • Ensure all documents are properly formatted and translated if required.
  • Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

Contact Information

For more information about Slovak Government Scholarships, you can contact:

SAIA, n.o. (Slovak Academic Information Agency)
Sasinkova 10
812 20 Bratislava 1, Slovak Republic
Tel: +421-2-5930 4700, +421-2-5930 4711
Email: nsp-foreign@saia.sk (for foreign applicants)
Website: www.scholarships.sk

Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic
Stromová 1
813 30 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Website: www.minedu.sk

You can also contact the Slovak embassy or consulate in your country for more information about studying in Slovakia and available scholarships.

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