Slovakia Scholarships for Talented Students 2026-2027: Study in Europe

The Slovakia Scholarships for Talented Students 2026-2027 offer a significant opportunity for international students seeking higher education in Europe. This program, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic and the European Union, provides substantial financial assistance. Scholars can receive up to €15,000, disbursed as €5,000 per academic year, for full-time studies at selected public universities in Slovakia. The scholarship supports Bachelor's, combined Bachelor's and Master's, and Master's degree programs in fields vital for national development. A key advantage is the potential for tuition fee waivers for foreign language programs, subject to the host university's decision. This initiative aims to attract global talent, providing internationally recognized diplomas, enhanced career prospects within the EU and beyond, and an affordable cost of living. Scholars may also participate in international mobility programs like Erasmus+, enriching their academic and cultural experience.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be non-Slovak citizens, with no upper age limit; however, those under 18 require a legal guardian's hand-signed approval. Candidates must not have held permanent residence in Slovakia from January 1, 2021, until the application submission date. Prior secondary education in Slovakia is generally not permitted. For Bachelor's scholarship applicants, previous higher education in Slovakia (excluding academic mobility) is also a disqualifier. Academic prerequisites include completing secondary education for Bachelor's or combined Bachelor's/Master's programs, and holding a Bachelor's degree for Master's level applications. All studies must be full-time and in-person. The application process requires submitting specific documents via the official website, including a national ID/passport, CV, motivation letter, legal guardian consent (if applicable), SAT or SCIO test results, an acceptance letter from a Slovak institution (if available), and applicable solemn declarations with hand signatures, all adhering to specified templates.

Benefits

• Financial Grant: Up to €15,000 over the study period (€5,000 annually). This covers up to three years for Bachelor's, three years for combined Bachelor's/Master's (initial phase), and two years for Master's degrees.

• Tuition Fee Exemption: Potential waiver of tuition fees for foreign language programs, based on university discretion.

• Public Health Insurance: Access to public health insurance for eligible students, adhering to Slovak legal conditions.

• International Diploma Recognition: Degrees are recognized across the EU and globally, enhancing career mobility.

• Enhanced Career Opportunities: Improved prospects both domestically and internationally post-graduation.

• Affordable Living: Enjoy a lower cost of living in Slovakia compared to many other European countries.

• Mobility Programs: Eligibility for participation in programs like Erasmus+, subject to university rules.

• Slovaks Abroad Eligibility: Citizens residing abroad are also welcome to apply, provided they meet all other criteria.