How to get the fully funded Slovakia National Scholarship 2026 with no IELTS required

Unlock Your Future: The Fully Funded Slovakia National Scholarship 2026 (No IELTS Required!)

The 2026 Secret Opportunity

The National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (NSP) presents a golden opportunity for international students, PhD candidates, university teachers, researchers, and artists to engage in academic and research endeavors in Slovakia. Funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovak Republic, this program aims to foster international collaboration and cultural exchange by supporting mobility to Slovak higher education institutions and research organizations. For 2026, the NSP continues to be a beacon for those seeking fully funded opportunities, with a particular emphasis on academic mobility rather than full degree programs. This means it's ideal for those looking to undertake a study stay, research, teaching, or artistic stay in Slovakia. The program is administered by SAIA, n. o. (Slovak Academic Information Agency). The application deadlines for 2026 intakes are strategically set for late in the year, with the April 30, 2026 deadline typically covering stays in the following academic year, and the October 31, 2026 deadline for the summer semester of the 2026/2027 academic year. It's important to note that this scholarship does not cover full-time bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree programs, nor does it fund individuals already studying in Slovakia for full degree programs.

Who is Eligible?

• University students who are currently enrolled in universities outside Slovakia.
• Master's students, or those who have completed at least 2.5 years of university studies in the same or a similar program.
• PhD students whose higher education or scientific training is taking place outside Slovakia and who have been accepted by a Slovak higher education institution or research institution for doctoral studies, research, or an artistic stay.
• University teachers, researchers, and artists who have been invited for a teaching, research, or artistic stay by an eligible Slovak institution.
• Applicants must not hold Slovak citizenship.
• Applicants must not have permanent residence in Slovakia as of January 1, 2021.
• International applicants who have spent 15 or more months in Slovakia within the 36 months prior to the application deadline are generally not eligible.
• Applicants who are already receiving funding from other public scholarship programs (e.g., Erasmus+, CEEPUS, Visegrad Fund) may not be eligible.

Step-by-Step Roadmap

• Identify Your Program and Host Institution: Research Slovak universities and research institutions that align with your academic or research interests. Secure an official acceptance or invitation letter from your chosen institution. This is a mandatory requirement for the application.
• Prepare Your Application Documents: Gather all necessary documents, ensuring they meet the specified requirements (e.g., certified translations if not in English or Slovak).
• Complete the Online Application: Access the online application system at www.scholarships.sk. The system typically opens at least six weeks before the application deadline. Fill out the application form accurately and upload all required attachments.
• Submit Your Application: Ensure you submit the online application before the deadline.
• Send Original Documents (if required): In some cases, the original admission/invitation letter may need to be sent to SAIA, n. o., Bratislava, by a specified deadline after the online submission. Check the specific call for applications for details.
• Await Notification: SAIA, n. o., usually informs applicants about the decision within 8 weeks of the application deadline.
• Prepare for Your Stay: If awarded the scholarship, complete any necessary formalities, such as obtaining a temporary residence permit if required for stays longer than 90 days for non-EU citizens.

Checklist of Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive overview of your academic and professional background.
• Motivation Letter: Clearly articulate your reasons for choosing Slovakia, your field of study, and your future aspirations.
• Detailed Study Plan or Research Schedule: Outline your proposed activities, including the host institution, duration, and a timeline. For students, this should include the list of subjects and expected credits.
• Two Recommendation Letters: From university professors or teachers, including their signature, position, and contact details.
• Acceptance Letter or Invitation: A mandatory document from the Slovak host university or research institution confirming your acceptance for the stay.
• Confirmation of Studies: From your current home university, confirming you are a regular student.
• Academic Transcripts/Diplomas: Bachelor's diploma, diploma supplement, and state examination certificate (if applicable). For Master's and PhD applicants, transcripts of records from university are required.
• Copy of Valid Passport: Including personal details.
• List of Publications/Academic Works (for PhD students and researchers only): If applicable.
• Photograph: Meeting specific size and resolution requirements.
• Birth Certificate: With certified translation if not in English or Slovak.

Financial Reality

• Monthly Stipend: The scholarship provides a monthly stipend to cover living costs in Slovakia. The amount varies based on the applicant's category:
  • Master's Students: €620 per month.
  • PhD Students: €1,025.50 per month.
  • University Teachers/Researchers/Artists:
    • Without PhD & less than 4 years of experience: €1,025.50 per month.
    • With PhD & less than 10 years of experience: €1,370 per month.
    • With PhD & more than 10 years of experience: €1,470 per month.
• Travel Allowance (Travel Grant): Students and PhD students can receive a travel allowance to help cover travel costs. This is a lump sum paid at the end of the stay and its amount depends on the distance between the applicant's place of residence and Slovakia, ranging from €0 to €1,500.
• Coverage: The scholarship is intended to cover living costs, including accommodation and food. It does not cover tuition fees.

Verified Links to Portals

• Official Scholarship Portal: www.scholarships.sk
• SAIA, n. o. (Slovak Academic Information Agency):
• Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic: