NSP National Scholarship Programme 2026 (Slovakia) – Fully Funded Scholarship
The NSP supports the mobility of international students, PhD researchers, and academics to study and teach in Slovakia. A fully funded programme by the Slovak government, it offers monthly stipends and travel grants for eligible scholars. The feature image above evokes this international campus experience. This article provides a detailed guide on NSP 2026, including eligibility, benefits, application steps, deadlines and useful tips.
Eligibility Criteria
- International university students (Master’s level or 2.5+ years of study completed) currently enrolled outside Slovakia, who have secured acceptance for a study exchange at a Slovak higher education institution.
- PhD candidates outside Slovakia, accepted to a Slovak university or research institute to pursue doctoral studies or research/teaching stay.
- Foreign university teachers, researchers or artists invited to Slovakia for a teaching, research or artistic residency by an eligible Slovak institution.
- Candidates must NOT be Slovak citizens or already enrolled full-time for a degree in Slovakia (full-degree students in Slovakia are not eligible).
- Re-applicants: at least 2 years should have elapsed since a previous NSP award (exceptions possible for force majeure cases).
Scholarship Benefits and Stipend Breakdown
The NSP provides a monthly living stipend and (optionally) a travel grant. The stipend is intended to cover accommodation, food and other living expenses during the stay. Below is the stipend breakdown by category:
| Category | Monthly Stipend | Travel Grant (max) |
|---|---|---|
| University students (Master’s level) | €620 | Up to €1,500 (distance-based) |
| PhD students | €1,025.50 | Up to €1,500 |
| Teachers/Researchers/Artists with PhD | €1,370–€1,470 (based on experience) | – |
| Teachers/Researchers/Artists without PhD | €1,025.50 | – |
The travel grant (paid as a lump sum at the end of the stay) is determined by distance: e.g. €0 (≤200 km), €50 (200–300 km), €100 (300–500 km), … up to €1,500 for >7,000 km. (See official distance bands on the NSP site.)
Application Process and Requirements
Applying for NSP 2026 involves several steps:
- Secure a host and admission letter: Before applying, obtain an acceptance/invitation from a Slovak host university or research institution specifying your study/research plan and period.
- Prepare your documents: Gather all required attachments (CV, motivation letter, transcripts, etc.; see checklist below).
- Fill online application: Register and complete the NSP application at scholarships.sk when the portal opens (~6 weeks before deadline).
- Submit by deadline: Upload all documents and submit the application by 30 April 2026 (16:00 CET) for next academic year stays, or by 31 October 2026 (16:00 CET) for summer semester stays .
- After selection: If awarded, send original acceptance letter and notarised diploma/confirmation to SAIA in Bratislava, sign the scholarship contract, and arrange arrival and visa.
| Required Document | Description/Notes |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Vitae | Academic CV (bulleted, Europass format recommended). |
| Motivation Letter | Clear letter explaining your goals, choice of Slovakia and host, and expected contribution of the stay. |
| Programme Plan | Study or research plan, listing courses or projects and credits during the stay. |
| Recommendations | Two letters from your university professors or mentors (signed, ≤3 months old). |
| Enrollment Confirmation | Official certificate from your home university confirming current student status, year and expected graduation. |
| Transcripts/Diplomas | Scanned transcript and diploma of highest degree (with English or Slovak translation if needed)【14†L299-L308】. |
| Admission/Invitation Letter | Official document from the Slovak host confirming your acceptance for a study/research stay. |
(Keep originals; you’ll submit them if you are awarded the scholarship.)
Selection and Evaluation
Applications are first checked for completeness and eligibility. Then a Selection Committee appointed by the Slovak Ministry evaluates each application on quality. Key criteria include the applicant’s motivation and study plan, academic achievements, the relevance of the proposed stay, and the strength of recommendation letters. In particular, they look for clear goals, how the Slovak stay will advance your research or career, and your academic record. The committee ranks applications by quality and available funding. Scholarships are not guaranteed; meeting all requirements and submitting a strong application are essential.
Deadlines and Scholarship Duration
The main application deadlines are:
| Deadline (CET) | For Stays Covering |
|---|---|
| 30 April 2026, 16:00 | Academic Year 2026/2027 (full year or winter semester) |
| 31 October 2026, 16:00 | Summer Semester 2026/2027 only |
Duration: For students, stays can be 1–2 semesters (4–10 months) (e.g. Sept–June). PhD students and staff may stay 1–10 months. Plan your arrival and departure dates according to Slovak academic calendars (e.g. semester runs)
Visa and Arrival Guidance
- Visa/Residence: Non-EU/EEA students need a visa or temporary residence permit for Slovakia. Apply early for a Schengen (short stay) or national visa (long stay) well ahead of travel, considering processing times.
- Health Clearance: If your stay exceeds 90 days, Slovak authorities require a medical certificate (disease-free) for residence. The NSP reimburses up to €250 for this exam upon submission of a bill.
- Accommodation: Contact your Slovak host institution for help with housing. Many universities assist international students in finding dorms or private housing.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clear CV: Use bullet points and concise structure (Europass format recommended) to present your education, skills and experience.
- Compelling Motivation: Explain clearly why you chose Slovakia and the specific host, and how the scholarship fits your goals.
- Detailed Study Plan: Provide a realistic list of courses or research activities (with ECTS credits) you will undertake, showing that you have a concrete plan.
- Strong References: Obtain two recent recommendation letters from academic mentors who know your work. Their letters should highlight your strengths and fit for the programme】.
- Language: You may submit documents in English or Slovak. Ensure any non-English documents include certified English translations.
- Submit Early: Complete and review your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Start Your Study Journey in Slovakia
Apply now for the NSP National Scholarship Program 2026 and get the opportunity to study or conduct research in Slovakia with full financial support.
FAQs
What is the NSP National Scholarship Programme?
The National Scholarship Programme of Slovakia is a fully funded mobility scholarship for international students, PhD researchers, and academics to study or conduct research in Slovakia. It is financed by the Slovak government (Ministry of Education) and provides a monthly stipend and travel support for successful applicants.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility includes Master’s-level students (or those with ≥2.5 years of study) from universities outside Slovakia, accepted for an exchange at a Slovak university; PhD students from outside Slovakia, accepted to a Slovak doctoral or research programme; and foreign teachers, researchers or artists invited to Slovak institutions. Slovak citizens and students already enrolled in full-degree programmes in Slovakia are not eligible.
What is the duration of the scholarship stay?
For students, the scholarship covers 1–2 semesters (4–10 months). PhD students, teachers and researchers can stay 1–10 months. Make sure your planned stay fits the Slovak academic calendar (e.g. semester from September/February).
How much is the monthly stipend?
The monthly stipend is €620 for university students, €1,025.50 for PhD students, and €1,370–€1,470 for teachers or researchers with a PhD. These funds are intended to cover your living expenses (accommodation, food, etc.) during the stay.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship stipend is meant for living costs (accommodation, meals, etc.). It does not cover tuition fees. In addition, eligible students and PhD scholars can receive a one-time travel grant (up to €1,500) based on their travel distance to Slovakia.
What are the application deadlines?
There are two deadlines each year: 30 April (16:00 CET) and 31 October (16:00 CET) . For the 2026/2027 academic year, apply by 30 April 2026 for autumn/winter stays, or by 31 October 2026 for summer-semester stays.
What supporting documents are needed?
You must upload a CV, motivation letter, detailed study/research plan, two academic reference letters, proof of enrollment (certificate of study) from your home university, academic transcripts/diploma, and the official invitation letter from the Slovak host institution. Originals of these will be required if you win the scholarship.
Is an English language test required?
No formal English test is required. You can complete the application and submit documents in English (or Slovak). If any official document is in another language, provide an official English translation.
How will I receive the scholarship if I am selected?
Selected applicants receive a Letter of Award. After sending a signed acceptance and the original acceptance letter to SAIA, the scholarship is paid monthly to your bank account. The first installment is paid once all required documents (e.g. enrollment confirmation) are submitted. Subsequent payments follow during the stay.
