Are you an international student dreaming of studying in Europe without worrying about tuition fees and living expenses? Then Slovakia might be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for! The Slovak Republic offers a range of fully funded scholarships to international students at various academic levels through its National Scholarship Programme, bilateral agreements, and individual university initiatives.
We’ll take a deep dive into the top scholarships in Slovakia for 2025, covering eligibility, benefits, application deadlines, and tips for a successful application. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s degree, PhD, or academic research, there’s something here for you.
Why Study in Slovakia?
Slovakia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, offering high-quality education, low cost of living and a rich cultural experience. Its universities are recognized across Europe and globally. International students in Slovakia benefit from:
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World-class research opportunities
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Affordable or free tuition options
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Access to EU-wide student exchange programs like Erasmus+
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Safe, vibrant, and student-friendly cities
1. National Scholarship Programme (NSP) of the Slovak Republic
This is the flagship scholarship for international students in Slovakia, fully funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport.
Who Can Apply?
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Master’s students (outside Slovakia)
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PhD students
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University teachers, researchers, and artists
Scholarship Duration:
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Master’s students: 1 – 2 semesters
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PhD students: 1 – 10 months
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Academic staff: 1 – 10 months
Scholarship Benefits:
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Master’s students: approx. €620–€650 per month
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PhD students: approx. €1,025 per month
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Researchers/teachers/artists: up to €1,470 per month depending on experience
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Travel allowance: Up to €1,500 based on distance
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Accommodation support, health insurance, visa assistance
Application Deadline:
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April 30, 2025 (Fall intake)
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Next call expected in October 2025 (for Spring 2026)
Important Note: You must not have lived in Slovakia for more than 12 consecutive months in the past 3 years.
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online via the official NSP portal:
www.scholarships.sk
2. Bilateral Government Scholarships
Slovakia also offers scholarships through bilateral agreements between governments. These are ideal for students from countries that have educational cooperation with Slovakia.
Who Can Apply?
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Undergraduate and postgraduate students
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PhD candidates
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Researchers and academic staff
Benefits:
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Monthly stipend (up to €1,420)
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Tuition fee waiver
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Accommodation assistance
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Travel grant (where applicable)
Deadline:
Varies by country. Applicants must check with their home country’s Ministry of Education or Slovak embassy for specific deadlines and nomination procedures.
3. Erasmus+ Exchange Programme
If you are already enrolled at a university in your home country that has a partnership with a Slovak university, you might be eligible for a fully-funded Erasmus+ mobility grant.
✅ What It Covers:
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Full tuition waiver
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Monthly stipend for living expenses
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Travel reimbursement
Erasmus+ is ideal for students who want to study for a semester or a full academic year in Slovakia while gaining European academic credits.
️ 4. University-Specific Scholarships in Slovakia
Several top universities in Slovakia offer their own scholarships and grants, particularly for talented and international students. Here are a few notable ones:
Comenius University in Bratislava
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Merit-based and need-based scholarships
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Research grants for postgraduate students
⚙️ Slovak University of Technology (STU)
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Scholarships for engineering, IT, and sciences
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Available to both undergraduate and graduate students
Matej Bel University
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Entrance scholarships for top international students
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Research and mobility grants
Each university may have its own criteria and deadlines, so it’s best to visit their websites or contact their international offices directly.
Documents Required (General)
Although requirements may differ slightly depending on the program, here are the standard documents you’ll likely need:
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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Motivation letter
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Research proposal (for PhD or research applicants)
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Proof of language proficiency (Slovak or English, depending on the program)
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Admission/Invitation letter from a Slovak institution (for some programs)
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Recommendation letters
Quick Comparison Table
| Scholarship Name | Who Can Apply | Monthly Stipend | Tuition Fee | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSP Slovakia | Master’s, PhD, Researchers | €620 – €1,470 | ✅ Waived | April 30, 2025 |
| Bilateral Government | UG, PG, PhD, Academics | €625 – €1,420 | ✅ Waived | Varies by country |
| Erasmus+ | UG, PG (via partner unis) | Varies | ✅ Waived | Depends on home uni |
| University Scholarships | Varies (STU, Comenius etc) | Varies | Partial/Full | Varies by university |
Final Thoughts
Slovakia offers outstanding opportunities for international students to study in a peaceful, welcoming, and affordable European country. With fully funded scholarships, generous stipends, and a wide range of academic programs, it’s no surprise that Slovakia is quickly becoming a top destination for international scholars.
If you’re considering studying abroad in 2025, take full advantage of these opportunities in Slovakia. Begin preparing now — start gathering your documents, researching programs, and setting alerts for deadlines.