The National Scholarship Program (NSP) of the Slovak Republic offers international students, PhD candidates, university teachers, researchers, and artists the opportunity to undertake study, research, or artistic stays at Slovak higher education institutions and research organizations. The National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (NSP) is financed by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic from the state budget of the Slovak Republic. Established in 2005, it promotes academic and cultural exchange through fully funded mobility opportunities.
The National Scholarship Program (NSP) of Slovakia supports students for study, research, or artistic stays in Slovakia. It also funds Slovak scholars going abroad. The scholarship covers living costs and travel allowances for students and PhD candidates (and for all categories of Slovak recipients). The academic year 2025/2026 application deadline is April 30, 2025, at 16:00 CET.
Universities/Institution:
- Funded by: Government of Slovakia
- Host country: Slovakia
- Degree level: Masters, PhD, Teachers, Researchers and Artists
- Scholarship Duration:
- Masters/Student: 1–2 semesters (4–10 months) or 1–3 trimesters (3–10 months).
- PhD students, university teachers, researchers, and artists: 1–10 months.
Study Areas Covered by the NSP Scholarship:
The National Scholarship Program (NSP) of Slovakia supports a wide range of academic disciplines, research fields, and artistic studies. Eligible applicants can pursue mobility in the following areas:
1. Science & Technology
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.)
- Information Technology & Computer Science
- Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Environmental Science & Renewable Energy
2. Social Sciences & Humanities
- Political Science & International Relations
- Economics & Business Studies
- Sociology & Anthropology
- Psychology & Education
3. Medical & Health Sciences
- Medicine & Public Health
- Pharmacy & Biomedical Research
- Nursing & Allied Health Sciences
4. Arts & Culture
- Visual Arts & Fine Arts
- Performing Arts (Music, Theatre, Dance)
- Literature & Creative Writing
- Architecture & Design
5. Research & Innovation
- Interdisciplinary Research Projects
- Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
- Sustainable Development & Climate Change
The scholarship is open to all academic fields as long as the applicant is accepted by a Slovak institution for academic mobility.
National Scholarship Program (NSP) Benefits:
Monthly Scholarship Amount
- Master’s students: €620
- PhD students: €1,025.50
- University teachers/researchers/artists:
- Without PhD & less than 4 years of experience: €1,025.50
- With PhD & less than 10 years of experience: €1,370
- With PhD & more than 10 years of experience: €1,470
Travel Grant (For Students & PhD Applicants Only)
- Awarded as a lump sum at the end of the stay.
- Amount based on distance from home country to Slovakia:
- 200 km or less → €0
- 201 – 300 km → €50
- 301 – 500 km → €100
- 501 – 1,000 km → €250
- 1,001 – 2,000 km → €350
- 2,001 – 3,000 km → €500
- 3,001 – 5,000 km → €750
- 5,001 – 7,000 km → €1,100
- Above 7,000 km → €1,500
Coverage & Responsibilities
- Scholarship covers living expenses (food, accommodation, etc.).
- Host institutions may assist with accommodation & formalities.
Benefits not Included:
- Tuition fees
- Insurance costs
Eligible Applicants for the NSP Scholarship:
- Students:
- Must be enrolled in a university outside Slovakia.
- Must be a master’s student or have completed at least 2.5 years of university studies in the same/similar program.
- Must be accepted by a Slovak university for academic mobility.
- Duration: 1–2 semesters (4–10 months) or 1–3 trimesters (3–10 months).
- Note: PhD students do not qualify under this category.
- PhD Students:
- Must be pursuing a PhD or research training outside Slovakia.
- Must be accepted by a Slovak university or research institution.
- Duration: 1–10 months.
- University Teachers, Researchers & Artists:
- Must be invited by a recognized Slovak institution (excluding business companies).
- Duration: 1–10 months.
- Citizenship Requirement:
- Open to applicants from any country except Slovakia.
- Non-EU scholarship holders staying over 90 days must submit a medical clearance within 30 days (reimbursed up to €250).
Who is NOT Eligible for the National Scholarship Program (NSP)?
- Full-degree students in Slovakia:
- Those enrolled in full bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs in Slovakia.
- Those already studying a full degree in Slovakia and seeking NSP funding.
- University teachers, researchers, and artists:
- Those without a PhD and more than 4 years of work experience.
- Exception: Candidates with 4–7 years of experience may be considered in special cases but will receive lower funding.
- Applicants with recent long-term stays in Slovakia:
- Those who have spent 15+ months in Slovakia within the last 36 months.
- Applicants receiving other Slovak-funded scholarships:
- Those funded by Erasmus+, Visegrad Fund, CEEPUS, bilateral agreements, etc.
Required Documents for NSP Scholarship Application
A. For International Students (Study Stay)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Detailed Study Programme (host institution name, duration, subjects, ECTS credits)
- Two Recommendation Letters (from university teachers, signed, with contact details)
- Confirmation of Enrollment (from home university, not older than 3 months)
- Bachelor’s Diploma & Supplement (if applicable)
- Admission/Invitation Letter (from Slovak university, confirming study stay, not older than 3 months)
- Transcript of Records (if previously awarded NSP scholarship)
B. For International PhD Students (Study/Research Stay)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Detailed Study/Research Plan (host institution name, duration, research timeline)
- Recommendation Letter (from PhD supervisor, signed, with contact details)
- Confirmation of PhD Enrollment (from home institution, not older than 3 months)
- Master’s Diploma & Supplement (if applicable)
- List of Publications/Artistic Activities (or statement if none)
- Admission/Invitation Letter (from Slovak host institution, not older than 3 months)
C. For University Teachers/Researchers/Artists (Teaching/Research Stay)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Detailed Teaching/Research Plan (host institution, duration, work plan)
- Highest Academic Diploma
- List of Publications/Artistic Activities
- Invitation Letter (from Slovak host institution, confirming the stay, not older than 3 months)
Each document must be in the required format and within the validity period stated.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluates applications based on:
- Motivation and purpose of the stay in Slovakia.
- Quality and impact of study/research proposal.
- Academic/professional achievements.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Contribution to the host institution.
National Scholarship Program (NSP) Application Process:
- Visit the official NSP website.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents in the specified formats.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Tips for a successful application:
- Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and translated into English if necessary.
- Clearly outline your study or research objectives and how they align with your career goals.
- Obtain strong recommendation letters that attest to your qualifications and potential.
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Slovakia:
- Accommodation: €150–€400/month (depends on dormitory or private housing).
- Food: €150–€300/month.
- Transport: €20–€30/month (student discounts available).
- Other expenses (internet, books, leisure): €100–€200/month.
- Total Estimated Cost: €500–€900/month.
Why Choose This Opportunity?
- Financial Support: Covers living costs and travel expenses.
- Academic Mobility: Study or conduct research at top Slovak universities and institutions.
- Diverse Network: Connect with international scholars, researchers, and artists.
- Cultural Experience: Explore Slovakia’s rich history, landscapes, and European lifestyle.
- Career Growth: Enhance academic and professional prospects with international exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Who can apply for the NSP scholarship?
- International students, PhD candidates, researchers, university teachers, and artists.
- Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
- No, it only supports living and travel expenses.
- Can I apply if I have already studied in Slovakia?
- Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for academic mobility.
- How competitive is the scholarship?
- Selection is based on academic excellence and research/artistic proposals.
- When is the application deadline?
- Typically in April and October each year (check the official website for exact dates).
Official Link for More Details and Application:
National Scholarship Programme (NSP) Slovakia
