Slovakia has launched one of Central Europe's most generous funding schemes for international students, a government scholarship worth up to €15,000, covering full-time bachelor's, combined bachelor's-master's, and master's degree study at selected public universities across the country, including in the city of Trnava. The scholarship is officially known as the Scholarship for Talented Students from Abroad, run by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development, and Youth of the Slovak Republic. It is co-financed by European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) and the Slovak state budget, and it forms part of a broader national project to attract talented students to study in fields the country considers strategically important.

Key Details About the Slovak Government Scholarship for Talented International Students

Run by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic

Funded byEU Structural Funds (ESIF) + Slovak state budget

Eligible levels: Bachelor's, combined Bachelor's+Master's, Master's (not PhD)

Monthly payment: €500 for 10 months/year (Sept–June)

Duration: 3 years (bachelor's/combined) or 2 years (master's)

Slots/year: 150 (bachelor's level) + 45 (master's level)

2026/27 status: Application window opening soon for 2026/2027

Moroccan Government International Scholarship 2026/2027

Who Can Apply? Eligibility for Scholarship for Talented

To be eligible, applicants generally must:

• Hold citizenship of a country other than Slovakia (dual citizens with Slovak citizenship may apply under a separate category for Slovaks living abroad)

• Have had no permanent or temporary residence in Slovakia .

• Have not previously studied at a secondary school or higher education institution in Slovakia, aside from academic mobility stays

• Apply to, or already be admitted to, a public Slovak university for a full-time, in-person bachelor's, combined bachelor's-master's, or master's programme listed under the SK RIS3 framework

• Submit a structured CV and a motivation letter in English

• Achieve a minimum SAT score of 1100

There is no upper age limit, though applicants under 18 need a hand-signed consent form from a legal guardian.

How Many Scholarships Are Available?

At the bachelor's/combined level, 150 scholarships are awarded annually:

• 100 funded by ESIF, for universities outside the Bratislava region

• 50 funded by the state budget, for universities within the Bratislava region

At the master's level, 45 scholarships are awarded annually:

• 30 funded by ESIF, for universities outside Bratislava

• 15 funded by the state budget, for universities in Bratislava

University of Sydney International Scholarship 2026–2027 Fully Funded

How Much Can You Receive? Financial Benefits

• Total scholarship value: up to €15,000

• Monthly payment: €500

• Duration: 10 months per academic year (September to June)

• Bachelor's or combined bachelor's-master's programmes: funded for the first 3 consecutive academic years

• Master's programmes: funded for the first 2 consecutive academic years

• Successful applicants may also be eligible for a tuition fee waiver at public universities, though this is ultimately the university's decision.

The scholarship is intended to help cover living costs such as accommodation, food, and other study-related expenses while you are enrolled full-time and in person.

Required Documents

• A valid passport or national ID

• Your official SAT score certificate (minimum 1100)

• A structured CV (English, using the official template)

• A motivation letter (English, using the official template)

• A solemn declaration confirming you have not held residence in Slovakia since January 1, 2021

• Proof of admission or application to your chosen Slovak university (if available at the time of applying)

• Additional declarations depending on your specific circumstances (e.g., prior Erasmus+ participation, Slovak heritage documentation, or guardian consent for minors)

How to Apply

1. Check the current list of eligible universities and RIS3-aligned study programs on the official scholarship portal before choosing where to apply.

2. Apply separately for admission to your chosen study program directly with the university; scholarship applications and study admissions are two completely separate processes.

3. Register and submit your scholarship application online through the official ministry scholarship portal once the application window opens.

4. Take the SAT test in advance if you haven't already, since results must be uploaded with your application and cannot be added later.

5. Wait for verification and ranking. Applications are checked for completeness, and successful candidates are ranked according to SAT performance within their category.

6. Enroll and confirm. Scholarship funds are only released once you are officially enrolled as a full-time student at the host university.

Fully Funded UK PhD Opportunity: Queen’s University Belfast FORESIGHTERS Program 2026

Important things you should have to keep in mind during application

• The scholarship cannot be transferred between universities once awarded.

• It applies only to full-time, in-person study; switching to part-time study ends your eligibility.

• Successful applicants may also be eligible for a tuition fee waiver at public universities, though this is ultimately the university's decision.

• Scholarship holders are generally entitled to public health insurance coverage in Slovakia for the duration of their studies.

• Non-EU applicants will still need to handle visa and residence permit procedures separately; the scholarship itself does not grant any visa exemptions.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Scholarship terms, eligible institutions, and deadlines are reviewed and updated periodically by the Slovak Ministry of Education. Always confirm current details on the official scholarship portal before applying.

Apply on the official website link provided below