The National Scholarship Program (NSP) 2026 in Slovakia is a prestigious and fully funded scholarship initiative by the Government of Slovakia aimed at encouraging international students, researchers, university teachers, and artists to pursue academic and research opportunities in Slovakian higher education institutions. This program promotes academic mobility and cross-cultural exchange, enhancing global cooperation and Slovakia’s reputation as a hub for quality education and research.

Basic Information and Application Deadline

The National Scholarship Program (NSP) 2026 offers scholarships primarily for master’s students, PhD candidates, university teachers, researchers, and artists from all nationalities except Slovak citizens. The scholarship supports short-term study and research stays at Slovak institutions ranging from 1 to 10 months, depending on the category of applicant and program structure. Importantly, this scholarship does not fund full degree programs but provides financial support for academic mobility projects, research, teaching, or artistic stays.

The application deadline for NSP 2026 is October 31, 2025, by 16:00 Central European Time (CET). Applications must be submitted online through the official NSP portal.

University/Institution Details

The NSP supports academic mobility at public, private, and state higher education institutions and research organizations in Slovakia, including well-regarded universities and research centers like the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Eligible institutions hold valid certificates for offering doctoral degree programs and engaging in academic and scientific development.

Study Areas and Available Programs

The scholarship is open to all academic fields and majors across various disciplines. Eligible candidates include:

• Master’s level students (second level of higher education)
• PhD students engaged in doctoral research or studies
• University teachers, researchers, and artists invited for teaching, research, or artistic collaboration

National Scholarship Program (NSP) 2026 Benefits

Scholarship Amount (per month)

• Students: €620
• PhD students: €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 Grant (for students & PhD students only)

• Based on distance from home to host in Slovakia:
  • Up to 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
  • Over 7,000 km: €1,500

• Health Insurance reimbursement up to €250 (~$279 USD) for compulsory medical examinations related to residence permits for scholarships longer than 90 days.

Benefits Not Included

• The scholarship does not cover tuition fees for full-degree programs.
• It does not fund education beyond short-term mobility, full bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree funding in Slovakia.
• Funding is not provided for family members or dependents.
• Other personal expenses such as leisure travel, equipment, or optional courses are not covered.

Eligibility Criteria for National Scholarship Program (NSP) 2026

• Applicants must be non-Slovak citizens.
• Master’s students should be enrolled outside Slovakia in the second cycle of higher education and have completed at least 2.5 years of university study.
• PhD candidates must be enrolled in doctoral programs abroad and invited by a Slovak institution for mobility.
• University teachers, researchers, and artists must be invited by a Slovak institution for teaching, research, or artistic stays.
• Applicants should not have lived in Slovakia for more than 15 months within the last 36 months prior to application and should not receive funding from other Slovak public scholarship programs.

Eligible Applicants

• Students (Master’s or after 2.5 years of university study, not PhD):
  • Must study at a university outside Slovakia.
  • Must be accepted by a Slovak university for academic mobility.
  • Stay: 1–2 semesters (4–10 months) or 1–3 trimesters (3–10 months).
• PhD students (outside Slovakia):
  • Must be accepted by a Slovak university or research institution.
  • Stay: 1–10 months.
• University teachers, researchers, artists:
  • Invited by a Slovak higher education/research institution (non-business).
  • Stay: 1–10 months.

Required Documents

• Completed Application Form via NSP portal
• Motivation Letter/Statement of Interest
• Study Plan, Research Plan, or Artistic Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of Enrollment or Acceptance Letter from Slovak Institution
• Transcripts and Educational Certificates
• Language Proficiency Certificates (if required)
• Copy of Passport
• Passport-size Photograph
• Additional supporting documents as specified

1. For Students: CV, motivation letter, study programme, 2 recommendation letters, confirmation of student status, diploma (if applicable), acceptance letter from Slovak host, transcript if previously funded.

2. For PhD students: CV, motivation letter, detailed programme, supervisor’s recommendation, PhD study confirmation, diploma, publication list (or statement), acceptance letter.

3. For Teachers/Researchers/Artists: CV, teaching/research programme, diploma of highest degree, publication/artistic list, acceptance letter.

National Scholarship Program (NSP) 2026 Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Visit the official NSP website and create an applicant account.
2. Complete the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and project details.
3. Prepare and upload all required documents in the correct format.
4. Double-check all information and documents for completeness and accuracy.
5. Submit the application before the deadline (October 31, 2025, 16:00 CET).
6. Receive application confirmation via email.
7. Wait for selection results, which will be communicated by the scholarship committee.
8. If selected, complete additional formalities like visa procedures and residence permits.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start preparing your application well ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
• Write a compelling motivation letter that clearly articulates your academic and career goals.
• Ensure your study or research plan aligns with Slovakian institutions’ expertise and adds value to your field.
• Obtain strong recommendation letters from previous professors or supervisors.
• Submit all required documents neatly organized and adhere strictly to file format and size requirements.
• Pay close attention to language proficiency requirements.
• Follow up politely if you don’t receive confirmation within a reasonable time.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Slovakia (in USD)

• Accommodation: $300 – $600
• Food: $200 – $350
• Transportation: $40 – $70
• Miscellaneous (books, leisure, phone, etc.): $100 – $150
  Estimated monthly budget: $640 – $1,170, comfortably covered by NSP stipends.

Why Choose This Scholarship? 5 Reasons

1. Fully Funded: Covers generous monthly living allowances, travel grants, and health insurance reimbursements.
2. Wide Range of Eligible Fields: Open to almost all academic disciplines and artistic areas.
3. Short-Term Mobility: Enables gaining international experience without committing to long full-degree programs.
4. Prestigious Slovak Institutions: Access to renowned universities and research centers in a rapidly developing academic environment.
5. Cultural Exchange: Offers a chance to immerse in Slovak culture while building a global network of academic and professional contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I apply for a full degree under NSP?
A: No, the NSP funds only short-term academic mobility, research, or artistic stays, not full degree programs.

Q: Are students allowed to work while on NSP scholarship?
A: Yes, recipients may work part-time as long as it does not interfere with their studies.

Q: What languages are the programs offered in Slovakia?
A: Many programs are available in Slovak, but increasing options in English exist especially at the graduate level.

Q: Can I reapply for NSP if I have received it before?
A: Reapplication is possible only if two years have passed since the previous scholarship period, with exceptions for extraordinary circumstances.

Q: How will I know about the selection results?
A: Selected candidates will be contacted via email by the scholarship committee.

Official Link:

The National Scholarship Program (NSP) 2026 in Slovakia is an excellent opportunity for international students, researchers, and artists to gain valuable academic and cultural experience in Europe with comprehensive financial support. Interested candidates should prepare their applications early and adhere to all guidelines to maximize their chances of success.

This program offers a perfect balance of academic challenge, cultural immersion, and financial security, making it a top choice for pursuing international mobility in higher education. Apply before October 31, 2025, and take a step toward enriching your academic career in Slovakia.

All details, application, and updates can be found on the official NSP website. Good luck with your scholarship application!