In 2005, the government of the Slovak Republic approved the establishment of the National Scholarship Program of the Slovak Republic. This program aims to support the mobility of students, doctoral students, university teachers, researchers and artists. The National Scholarship Program is funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and sports of the Slovak Republic.
The primary objective of the National Scholarship Program of the Slovak Republic is to provide financial assistance to international students, doctoral students, university teachers, researchers and artists to pursue their studies, research or artistic endeavors in Slovakia. It offers fully funded scholarships for Master’s and doctoral studies, covering living expenses and education costs
Documents required to apply for the scholarship
To apply for the National Scholarship Program of the Slovak Republic, there are several important documents that must be submitted.
- Curriculum vitae: This document provides a detailed account of the applicant’s personal and educational background. It allows the selection committee to assess the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
- Letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation issued by advanced university professors are required. These recommendations should highlight the applicant’s academic abilities and potential. They add credibility to the application and provide insights into the applicant’s capabilities.
- Confirmation from the higher educational institution: The applicant must obtain an officially issued confirmation from their higher educational institution. This confirmation serves as proof of the applicant’s registration as a regular student in their home country.
- Detailed study program: It is essential to provide a comprehensive plan outlining the applicant’s intended course of study or research in Slovakia. This study program demonstrates the applicant’s commitment and readiness to pursue their academic or artistic goals.
- Bachelor’s diploma and diploma supplement with a certificate of State Examination: These documents serve as proof of the educational qualifications of the applicant. They validate the applicant’s previous academic achievements and showcase their readiness for further studies.
The submission of these essential documents is crucial to ensure eligibility for the National Scholarship Program of the Slovak Republic.
Scholarship funding
The National Scholarship Program of the Slovak Republic provides generous financial benefits to its recipients. The scholarship covers the living costs of international scholarship holders during their study or research stay in Slovakia. This includes expenses related to food, housing, and other necessities.
The amount of the monthly scholarship varies depending on the category of the scholarship holder:
A) For university students of the second level of Higher Education: These students will receive a monthly scholarship of 620 euros. This funding will help cover their living expenses during their studies in Slovakia.
B) For doctoral students: Doctoral students, who dedicate their time to advanced research, will receive a monthly scholarship of 1025.50 euros. This financial support enables them to focus on their research without worrying about their living costs.
C) For university teachers / researchers / artists: Scholarships are also available for university teachers, researchers, and artists. The scholarship amounts for this category vary based on the level of education and work experience.
- 1For individuals without a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and less than 4 years of work experience, the monthly scholarship is 1025.50 euros.
- 2For individuals with a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and less than 10 years of work experience, the monthly scholarship is 1370 euros.
- 3For individuals with a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and more than 10 years of work experience, the monthly scholarship is raised to 1470 euros.
These grants are designed to cover the living expenses of the beneficiaries and provide much-needed financial support during their stay in Slovakia.
Eligibility criteria for the National Scholarship Program of the Slovak Republic
The National Scholarship Program of the Slovak Republic is open to applicants from all over the world. However, to be eligible for the program, applicants must meet certain criteria:
- Language requirements: Applicants must have proficiency in the required language(s) which is English, as the program is conducted in English.
- Eligible countries: The National Scholarship Program welcomes applicants from all countries around the world. There are no restrictions based on nationality.
- Students who are eligible: There are three categories of students who can apply for the scholarship:
- Undergraduate students at universities outside Slovakia: Students who are currently pursuing their undergraduate studies at universities outside Slovakia can apply. This provides them with the opportunity to further their education in Slovakia.
- Master’s students or those who have completed at least 2.5 years of their university studies: Individuals who have completed their bachelor’s degree or have reached the equivalent of 2.5 years of university studies can apply. This allows them to pursue a Master’s degree in Slovakia.
- Doctoral students: Doctoral students who are conducting their higher education or scientific training outside Slovakia can also apply. They must have been accepted by a public, private, or state university or a research institution in Slovakia for a doctoral study program.
The National Scholarship Program aims to ensure equal access to educational opportunities in Slovakia, providing a diverse range of options for international students, doctoral students, university teachers, researchers, and artists.
The National Scholarship Program does not support
While the National Scholarship Program provides numerous opportunities, certain groups are not eligible for support:
- Admission of international students and doctoral students for a full degree of higher education in Slovakia: The program does not cover the entire duration of a full degree program in Slovakia. It is primarily focused on short-term study or research stays.
- University professors, researchers, artists without a doctoral degree and more than 4 years of work experience: Individuals falling under this category are not eligible for the National Scholarship Program unless they hold a doctoral degree equivalent and have less than 4 years of work experience.
- International applicants who have spent 15 months or more in the territory of the Slovak Republic within 36 months before the application deadline: Applicants who have already been residing in Slovakia for an extended period are not eligible for the National Scholarship Program.
- Recipients of other scholarships in Slovakia funded from public resources: Applicants who are already receiving scholarships in Slovakia through other programs funded by public resources cannot apply for the National Scholarship Program.
However, in exceptional cases where there are circumstances beyond the applicant’s control, certain considerations may be made.
How to apply for the scholarship
Applying for the National Scholarship Program of the Slovak Republic involves a straightforward process. The steps to follow are:
The first step:
- Applicants need to complete the online application form and upload all the required attachments in the specified format. The application and attachments can be submitted in either Slovak or English. However, any documents in other languages must be officially translated into Slovak or English.
If the attached documents, such as letters of recommendation or confirmations from educational institutions, were issued by someone other than the applicant, scanned copies of these documents must be uploaded. The original documents should be kept and saved in electronic form, as they may be requested by the program manager at a later stage.
The second step:
- Once the application form and all the required documents have been submitted, the applicant must click the “Submit” button to complete the application process.
Applicants should take note of the two application deadlines for the National Scholarship Program: April 30, 2024, at 16:00 CET for scholarship accommodation during the next academic year, and October 31, 2024, at 16:00 CET for scholarship accommodation during the summer semester of the current academic year.
Applicants who require a visa to enter Slovakia are advised to consider the additional time required for the visa application procedure and the collection of the necessary documents. It is crucial to account for the visa appointment and processing times to ensure a smooth transition for the scholarship stay in Slovakia.
By offering fully funded scholarships, the National Scholarship Program of the Slovak Republic provides international students, doctoral students, university teachers, researchers, and artists with an excellent opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals in Slovakia. The program’s wide range of eligibility criteria and comprehensive application process aim to ensure equal access to educational opportunities. Through supporting mobility and academic exchange, the National Scholarship Program contributes to the internationalization of the Slovak higher education system while promoting cultural understanding and cooperation.
FAQs:
1. How competitive is the scholarship application process?
The competition varies, but presenting a well-rounded application increases your chances significantly.
2. Can I work part-time while on a fully funded scholarship?
In most cases, scholars are allowed to work part-time, offering additional financial support.
3. Are there scholarships specifically for certain fields of study?
Yes, some scholarships are tailored to specific fields, reflecting the diverse academic landscape in Slovakia.
4. How long does the scholarship cover my expenses?
The duration of the scholarship varies, but most cover the entire duration of the chosen program.
5. Is learning Slovak necessary for international students?
While many programs are offered in English, learning Slovak can enhance your overall experience and interaction within the community.
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