Funding for PhD students
Full-time PhD Study
PhD scholarships - all admitted PhD students (including from outside of EU/EEA) are eligible for a PhD scholarship during the full-time doctoral study under specific conditions. For details it is necessary to contact the receiving university or the respective institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Information about the PhD programmes at Slovak universities offered in English language are available at Portal of higher educations institutions.
Scholarships of the Government of the Slovak Republic for doctoral degree programmes
- to students from countries eligible for the Official Development Assistance (ODA) - Brasil, Georgia, Sudan. The list of eligible countries may vary every year.
- for persons with Slovak Living Abroad status - Croatia, France, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine.
Studies can be carried out only at public universities in Slovakia and are held in the Slovak language. The Scholarships of the Government of the Slovak Republic include a scholarship for a 10-month language preparation course in the case that the applicant has not completed his/her previous education in the Slovak Republic.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 25 May
Applications are submitted online.
Scholarships are awarded by the Assessment Committee of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic.
More information:https://www.minedu.sk/scholarships-of-the-government-of-the-slovak-republic/
PhD Study Stay (short-term mobility)
Find a grant offer according to your home country:
National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (NSP)
supports research mobility of international PhD students, at higher education institutions (public, state and private) and in research organisations in Slovakia. The Programme supports only short- or medium-term mobility (1 – 10 months) not full degree studies at Slovak universities.
Citizens of any country in the world (except the citizens of Slovakia) can apply for a scholarship in Slovakia in the framework of the NSP.
Scholarships cover scholarship holders’ living costs (i.e. food, accommodation, etc.) during their research stay in Slovakia.
The amount of the scholarship for PhD students: €1025.5/month.
PhD students can apply also for a travel allowance. The amount of the travel allowance depends on the (linear) distance between the applicant’s place of residence and the place of his/her stay in Slovakia:
- up to 200 km – 0 €,
- more than 200 km, max. 300 km – 50 €,
- more than 300 km, max. 500 km – 100 €,
- more than 500 km, max. 1 000 km – 250 €,
- more than 1 000 km, max. 2 000 km – 350 €,
- more than 2 000 km, max. 3 000 km – 500 €,
- more than 3 000 km, max. 5 000 km – 750 €,
- more than 5 000 km, max. 7 000 km – 1 100 €,
- more than 7 000 km – 1 500 €.
Applications must be submitted online together with the required documents. The online application system is opened at least 6 weeks before the application deadline. The submission of applications is exclusively online.
Application deadlines:
• 30 April by 16:00 CET – scholarship stays during the following academic year,
• 31 October by 16:00 CET – scholarship stays during the summer semester of the current academic year.
More information about the Programme terms and conditions
Bilateral Intergovernmental Agreements on Educational, Research and Cultural Cooperation
The Government of the Slovak Republic has concluded bilateral agreements on educational, research and cultural cooperation with several countries in order to support exchange programmes providing scholarships for students and researchers coming to Slovakia to study or conduct research at Slovak universities and in research institutes of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.
Scholarships are awarded for study and/or research stays, as well as language courses. There is no general limitation regarding the field of study. Applicants must be nominated by their respective counterpart institutions. Applicants who would like to study or conduct research in Slovakia should arrange in advance contact with their Slovak host institution.
Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply: Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine and *USA.
*with the USA special programme has been created – see below “Fulbright Program”.
Scholarship rates (if not specified otherwise in the bilateral agreement):
- students (bachelor/master level) – €620/month,
- PhD students – €1025.5 /month,
- university teachers/researchers – €1420/month.
For further information (specific instructions, exact application deadlines, etc.) the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the respective country should be consulted.
|
Country |
Counterpart institution & URL |
Programme offered by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic on the basis of reciprocity |
Target group |
Special eligibility conditions |
|
|
Austrian Agency for International Mobility |
Research stay (3 – 6 months) |
PhD student |
When applying, completed at least one semester of PhD studies. |
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|
|
Research stay |
PhD holder (postdoc) |
PhD holder (excellent researcher) with no more than 10 years of research experience since being awarded a PhD, and, at the same time, not an Associate Professor (no “habilitation” yet) |
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|
Short-term study/research visits (1 – 3 days) |
PhD student Postdoc Researcher HEI teacher |
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Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Belgium-French Community |
Ministry of French Community, General Department of Education and Scientific Research |
Specialisation and research stay (1 – 10 months) |
University graduate PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
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Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Belarus |
Ministry of Education |
Research stay |
PhD Student Researcher HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD Student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Bulgaria |
Ministry of Education and Science |
Post gradual/research stay (1 – 10 months) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
|
|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Croatia |
Ministry of Science, Education and Youth |
Study fellowship |
PhD student |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
Teaching stay (max. 30 days) |
HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Czech Republic |
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, www.msmt.cz |
Study/research stay (3 – 10 months; only at Slovak public universities) |
PhD student |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
Short-term research/lecture stay (max. 14 days) |
Researcher HEI teacher |
For PhD degree holders; application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
|
|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Egypt |
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research |
Research stay (3 - 5 months) |
PhD student |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
Short‑term research stay |
Researcher HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
Research stay |
Researcher HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
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|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers of Slavonic studies |
|
Finland |
Ministry of Education and Culture |
Short‑term research stay |
Education specialists |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
|
|
Long‑term research stay |
PhD student HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers of Slavonic studies |
|
Germany |
Federal Ministry of Education and Research www.bmbf.de |
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Greece |
Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports |
Study/research stay |
PhD student |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
Teaching/research stay (10 days) |
Researcher HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Hungary |
Ministry of Human Capacities Tempus Public Foundation https://tka.hu |
Research stay (1 – 10 months) |
PhD student |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
Short‑term research stay (1 – 3 months)/expert visit (5 – 20 days) |
Researcher HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
|
|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
China |
Ministry of Education |
Study stay (1 year) |
PhD student |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
|
Research stay |
Researcher HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
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|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Israel |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Study/research stay (max. 8 months) |
PhD student |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
|
|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Italy |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation |
Study/research stay (max. 9 months) |
University graduate PhD student Researcher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
|
|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher Slovak language teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Kazakhstan |
Ministry of Education and Science |
Study/research stay (3 – 10 months) |
PhD student |
Slovak or English language; application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
Macedonia |
Ministry of Education and Science www.mon.gov.mk |
Study/research stay (3 – 10 months) |
PhD student |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
Moldova |
Ministry of Education, Culture and Research |
Study/research stay (3 – 10 months) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
Poland |
Ministry of Science and Higher Education www.gov.pl Ministry of National Education Polish National Agency for academic Exchange https://nawa.gov.pl |
Research stay (1 – 10 months) |
Researcher HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
|
|
Post gradual research stay (1 – 3 months; at Slovak public universities only) |
PhD student |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
|
|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Romania |
Ministry of Education and Research www.edu.ro |
Research stay (3 – 10 months) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
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|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
|
|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Serbia |
Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development |
Study stay (3 – 9 months) |
PhD student |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
|
|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Slovenia |
Ministry of Education |
Study/research stay |
PhD student |
Application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
|
|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Basic knowledge of the Slovak language recommended; preferably students and researchers in Slavic languages |
|
Ukraine |
Ministry of Education and Science |
Study/research stay (1 – 10 months) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Slovak or English language; application form of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic with all required attachments |
|
|
|
Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture (SAS) |
PhD student Researcher HEI teacher |
Students and researchers of Slovak language studies |
|
USA |
Fulbright Commission www.fulbright.sk |
Lecturing/research stay (9 months); for more information consult: |
Researchers HEI teacher |
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|
|
|
Study/research stay (9 months); for more information consult: |
University graduate Researcher HEI teacher |
All fields of study; knowledge of the Slovak language at the level needed in fields: Slovak literature, political science, history, anthropology (by the begin. of the grant) |
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English Teaching Assistantship (9 months); for more information consult: www.iie.org |
Graduating seniors |
Degree in English, History, American literature, TEFL/Applied Linguistics and/or experience in teaching |
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|
|
Specialist Programme (2 – 6 weeks); for more information consult: |
Researchers HEI teacher Highly experienced professionals |
High level of expertise or professional experience in the respective field of study |
CEEPUS – Central European Exchange Program for University Studies
stimulates university cooperation within university networks in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe by supporting academic mobility, as well as by the development of joint programmes and joint diplomas, student excursions and summer schools.
The Slovak Republic is engaged in CEEPUS together with Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and universities in Kosovo.
CEEPUS supports PhD students of respective countries for semester stays (3 – 10 months), short term stays (1 – 3 months, min. 21 days) for elaborating their final thesis.
All fields of study are welcome and there are no priority areas.
Application deadline:
- Applicants within the CEEPUS network
- 1 June for the winter semester of the following academic year,
- 1 November for the summer semester of the current academic year. - Applicants within the category "freemover" (Should a home university, host university or both not participate in the network, its Bachelor students may still apply for a scholarship under the category “freemover”).
- 1 July for the winter semester of the following academic year,
- 1 November for the summer semester of the current academic year.
Applications are submitted online. The scholarships are paid out by the National CEEPUS Office in Slovakia. Travel costs can be reimbursed by the respective National CEEPUS Office of the scholarship holder’s home country.
Scholarship rates for PhD students in Slovakia: €1025,5 /month.
More information:
National CEEPUS Office in Slovakia
SAIA, n. o.
Sasinkova 10, 812 20 Bratislava 1, Slovak Republic
International Visegrad Fund
The International Visegrad Fund is an international organisation based in Bratislava founded by the governments of the Visegrad Group (V4) countries – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia – in 2000. The mission of the Fund is to facilitate and promote the development of closer cooperation among citizens and institutions of the V4 region, as well as between the V4 region and other countries, especially the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions.
Citizens of Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia can apply to study abroad at any accredited university or institute in another Visegrad country. In addition, citizens of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia (including Kosovo) and Ukraine are also eligible to apply for a scholarship to study in the Visegrad countries.
Visegrad Scholarship Program
Offers to post-master scholars (PhD students) and researchers study stays for 1 - 2 semesters at a host institution in V4 country;
Scholarship: €3,500/semester for the scholar and €2,000 /semester for the host institution;
Application deadline: 15 April
The application must be submitted online via My Visegrad.
More information is available at: www.visegradfund.org
Contact details:
International Visegrad Fund
Hviezdoslavovo námestie 9, 811 02 Bratislava
Slovak Republic
visegrandfund@visegradfund.org
Fulbright Program – J. W. Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange in the Slovak Republic
The J. W. Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange in the Slovak Republic is an autonomous, non-profit, non-partisan, binational organisation established by executive agreements between the United States and the Slovak Republic to promote educational, research and cultural exchanges between the United States and the Slovak Republic through the Fulbright Program. The Commission administers awards of grants, and provides information and advising on study possibilities for citizens of both countries.
General requirements for grants and awards are U.S. citizenship at the time of application and a high level of academic and professional achievements. In the Slovak Republic, the Program is administered by the J. W. Fulbright Commission in Bratislava.
The Fulbright Program Mechanisms:
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program - offers PhD candidates, artists and young professionals from all over the United States the opportunity to study or conduct research in Slovakia for one academic year (9 months) in all kinds of disciplines. U.S. students are responsible for arranging their own host affiliations and should seek affiliation with Slovak institutions that specialize in their specific fields of interest. The Commission can assist with identifying suitable institutions and establishing initial communication. For independent study or research, preliminary contacts with host institutions and an affiliation letter are necessary at the time of application.
- Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program – U. S. scholars with considerable academic experience can propose projects in cooperation with a Slovak institution (usually a university or post/secondary university level institution, research institution or other placement, if necessary). Grantees can lecture and conduct research in a wide variety of academic and professional fields, although preference is given to subjects related to the United States and economic and social issues important for the Slovak Republic. Grants are awarded for 3 to 5 months. The Scholar Program is open also for early career researchers (Post-Docs).
- Fulbright Specialists Program – The program pairs highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals with host institutions abroad to share their expertise, strengthen institutional linkages, hone their skills, gain international experience, and learn about other cultures while building capacity at their overseas host institutions providing short‑term opportunities of two to six weeks in length (including travel days, weekends and holidays).
- Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program – preference is given to candidates with degrees in English, History, American Literature, TEFL/Applied Linguistics and/or experience in teaching. Grantees will be placed in secondary schools that correspond with their background; they are required to teach at least 15 hours per week. Slovak language proficiency is not required.
- Fulbright Schuman Program - awards scholarships to U.S. citizens to study, lecture or conduct research in the EU on the development of the EU, EU affairs, or the U.S.- EU transatlantic agenda for a period between 3 months and one academic year. Grants are open to all academic fields of study, but must relate to U.S.- EU relations or EU affairs.
- The Inter-Country Travel Grant- is an opportunity for U.S. scholars currently on Fulbright programs in Europe to create connections with fellow Slovak scholars in their field upon invitation from a Slovak institution – university, cultural center, government or non-governmental organization for a maximum 5-day visit to Slovakia. The purpose of the visit can be lecturing, consulting, workshops, an evaluation/development project or other relevant outreach activity with wide impact.
Check application deadline and process.
Contact details:
J.W. Fulbright Commission
Panenská 23
811 03 Bratislava
Phone: +421 911 046 123
e-mail: office@fulbright.sk
This guide is produced as part of EURAXESS Slovakia programme managed by SAIA, n. o. and funded by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic. It reflects the views of the authors only, and the funding organisation cannot be held responsible for any use of the information contained here.
Contact us
Sasinkova 10, 812 20 Bratislava 1
Slovakia
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