National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic for Internationals

The National Scholarship Programme (NSP) is a government-funded initiative by the Slovak Republic, administered by SAIA, n. o., that supports international mobility by offering scholarships to master’s students, PhD candidates, university teachers, researchers, and artists for study, research, teaching, or artistic stays at institutions in Slovakia. Established in 2005, the aim is to boost academic and cultural exchange by covering living expenses and, in some cases, travel allowances for eligible applicants.

Eligibility

• Master’s students must:
  • Be enrolled outside Slovakia,
  • Have completed at least 2.5 years of university-level education,
  • Be accepted for a study stay at a Slovak institution
• PhD candidates and university teachers, researchers, artists:
  • Must be actively involved in higher education or research outside Slovakia,
  • Be invited or accepted by a Slovak institution for mobility
• Nationality: Applicants from any country worldwide may apply
• Restrictions:
  • Those already studying full-time in Slovakia or previously staying for over 12 months within the last 36 months are ineligible.
  • Applicants currently under other Slovak public-funded mobility programs (e.g., Erasmus+, Visegrad) may also be excluded

Program Dates/Location (for 2027-28)

• Application Deadlines:
  • 30 April 2026 (by 16:00 CET): for stays during the next academic year (2027–2028)
  • 31 October 2026 (by 16:00 CET): for summer semester or shorter-term stays
• Stay Timing:
  • Master’s students: start between 1 September 2026 and 1 April 2027; must finish by 31 August 2027
  • PhDs, researchers, artists: start between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027; finish by 30 November 2027 (1–10 months)
• Location: Various accredited higher education and research institutions across Slovakia

Program Benefits (By Applicant Type)

• Living cost stipend (per month):
  • Master’s students: approx. €620
  • PhD students: approx. €1,025.50
  • 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
• Travel allowance: Provided to both incoming international students and outgoing Slovak participants
• Administrative Support: Assistance from SAIA (Slovak Academic Information Agency) and host institutions
• Medical Clearance Reimbursement:
• For non-EU/EEA/Swiss scholars staying over 90 days, up to €250 reimbursed for a mandatory public-health certificate (with original bill)

Study Fields

Open to all disciplines at accredited Slovak institutions

Required Documents

Master’s Students

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Detailed study programme (dates, courses, credits)
• Two academic recommendation letters
• Confirmation of enrollment from home institution
• Copy of bachelor’s diploma, diploma supplement, and state exam certificate (if applicable)
• Admission/invitation letter from the Slovak host 

PhD Candidates 

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Detailed research programme with timeline
• Recommendation from dissertation supervisor
• Enrollment confirmation from home institution
• Master’s diploma and supplement, exam certificate
• List of publications or artistic works
• Admission/invitation letter from the host institution

Teachers/Researchers/Artists 

• CV
• Detailed teaching/research/artistic programme
• Highest academic degree diploma
• Publications or artistic portfolio
• Invitation letter from the Slovak host organization

Application Process

1. Online Submission via the NSP portal (scholarships.sk); opens at least 6 weeks before each deadline
2. Upload all required documents in English or Slovak
3. After online submission, deliver the original of the admission/invitation letter to SAIA, n. o., Bratislava within 3 working days after the deadline, by 12:00 CET
4. The Selection Committee reviews applications and decides on awards.
5. Scholarship confirmation will be available through official channels. Ensuring visa, accommodation, and arrival plans align with the stay timeframe is essential

For more detailed information, please visit the following link: National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic