About This Opportunity

Slovakia's National Scholarship Programme (NSP), administered by SAIA, supports international students, PhD candidates, university teachers, researchers, and artists to undertake short-term study or research stays at Slovak higher education institutions and research organisations. The programme has two annual application rounds and is open to applicants from a wide range of countries worldwide, including African nations.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Open to international students (Master's and above), PhD candidates, university teachers, researchers, and artists
  • Must have an active collaboration or study arrangement with a Slovak host institution — confirm your placement before applying
  • Applications submitted online through scholarships.sk
  • There is no specific country restriction, but priority may be given based on bilateral agreements

What You Get / Benefits

  • Monthly stipend of €400 for students, €600 for PhD candidates, and up to €1,500 for researchers and university teachers, depending on academic level
  • Coverage for a short-term stay (1–12 months) at a Slovak higher education or research institution

How to Apply

  • Visit scholarships.sk and review the current call for applications and guidelines
  • Identify a Slovak host institution and confirm your placement or research collaboration with a Slovak supervisor
  • Complete and submit the online application before the relevant deadline (April 30 for the summer round, October 31 for the winter round)
  • Include a formal invitation letter from your Slovak host and supporting academic documents

    • Tips

    • This programme operates on two annual deadlines — April 30 and October 31 — giving you two chances per year to apply if you miss one round.
    • The stipend is relatively modest compared to scholarships in larger Western European countries, but Slovakia offers a very low cost of living, making it more practical than the figures suggest.
    • Stays are short-term (up to 12 months) — this is better suited to research collaboration or exchange than full degree study. Consider this if you are a doctoral student looking to conduct part of your research in Europe.

    ⏰ Two deadlines per year: April 30 and October 31 — check scholarships.sk for the current round and confirm your Slovak host institution's availability first.