Are you a talented student dreaming of studying abroad in Europe? Slovakia offers an incredible opportunity through its Scholarships for Talented Students from all over the world. This fully detailed guide explains everything you need to know to apply successfully for the academic year 2026/2027. Whether you are planning a Bachelor’s, combined Bachelor’s and Master’s, or Master’s degree, this scholarship can make your dream a reality.
Slovakia, located in the heart of Europe, combines high-quality education, safety, affordability, and excellent career prospects. With this scholarship, you can receive substantial financial support while experiencing rich culture, modern universities, and a welcoming environment.
Why Choose Slovakia for Your Studies?
Slovakia stands out as a top study destination for international students. It boasts respected public higher education institutions (HEIs) with programs taught in English. The country provides a safe, student-friendly atmosphere with low living costs compared to Western Europe. Students enjoy beautiful landscapes, historic cities like Bratislava, Košice, and Žilina, and strong connections to industries aligned with Slovakia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy.
The scholarship programme specifically supports fields that drive Slovakia’s development, giving you access to cutting-edge education in priority areas. Graduates often find strong career opportunities both in Slovakia and across the European Union.
This scholarship rewards talent and ambition. It offers up to €15,000 in total support, making quality higher education accessible to outstanding students worldwide, including Slovaks living abroad.
Scholarship Overview and Benefits
The Scholarships for Talented Students from All Over the World provide financial support for full-time studies at selected public Slovak higher education institutions.
Key benefits include:
- Monthly stipend of €500 for 10 months per academic year (September to June).
- Up to 3 years of support for Bachelor’s or combined Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.
- Up to 2 years of support for Master’s programmes.
- Potential tuition fee waiver at public HEIs (subject to the institution’s decision).
- Public health insurance coverage for eligible non-permanent residents.
The total value can reach €15,000 depending on the study level and duration. Payments are handled through your chosen HEI after enrollment and contract signing. Even if there is a short delay, eligible months are paid retroactively in the first batch.
This support helps cover living expenses, accommodation, and other study-related costs, allowing you to focus fully on academic success.
Also Check: Undergraduate Ellison Scholars Programme at the University of Oxford
Scholarship Slots Available:
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the programme offers:
- 170 scholarships at Bachelor’s / combined level:
- 110 funded by ESIF for HEIs outside the Bratislava region.
- 60 funded by the state budget for HEIs in the Bratislava region.
- 55 scholarships at Master’s level:
- 35 funded by ESIF for HEIs outside the Bratislava region.
- 20 funded by the state budget for HEIs in the Bratislava region.
Applicants are grouped into five geographical categories during evaluation:
- Europe
- USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania
- South America
- Central America and Africa
- Asia
The ministry may adjust numbers based on demand. Your chances improve with a strong standardized test score.
Also Check: McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University 2027, Canada
Financial Support Details:
Successful applicants receive €500 per month for ten months each academic year.
For Bachelor’s or combined programmes: support covers the first three academic years. For Master’s programmes: support covers two academic years.
The academic year runs from September 1 to August 31. Scholarship payments align with this period. Funds are disbursed by your HEI after verification of enrollment and compliance.
Selection Criteria: Standardized Testing
Selection is based solely on standardized test results. There is no upper age limit, though applicants under 18 need guardian approval.
You must achieve:
- SAT Test: Minimum total score of 1100 points (around 63rd percentile).
- SCIO Tests: Minimum average percentile of 63 across Mathematics (MAT) and General Academic Prerequisites (VŠP).
Results from January 1, 2021 onward are accepted for SAT. SCIO requires an official certificate. You may submit only one test type per application.
About the SAT Test The Scholastic Aptitude Test, administered by the College Board, assesses math, reading, and writing skills. It is offered multiple times yearly. The June 6, 2026 date is particularly relevant. Register at the official College Board website.
About the SCIO Tests These are popular in Slovakia and Czechia. The Mathematics test evaluates problem-solving. The General Academic Prerequisites test measures analytical, verbal, and quantitative reasoning. Percentiles are calculated automatically for the average.
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify, you must meet these conditions:
- Hold citizenship of a country other than Slovakia (dual citizenship including Slovak is allowed). Slovaks living abroad can use the special certificate under relevant law.
- Have had no permanent residence in Slovakia since January 1, 2021 (confirmed by solemn declaration).
- For Bachelor’s applicants: no prior secondary or higher education studies in Slovakia (except mobilities). Exceptions apply for eligible Slovaks living abroad.
- Secure admission (or apply) to an approved full-time programme at a public Slovak HEI.
- Submit a structured CV in English and a motivation letter in English explaining your talent and reasons for choosing Slovakia.
- Provide all required solemn declarations (hand-signed).
No exceptions are granted for core eligibility rules.
Also Check: FAPESP Masters Scholarship in Brazil
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Applications open soon and close on 31 July 2026 at 23:59 CEST. Submit everything online through the official scholarship portal.
How to Apply:
- Register and create an account on the application website.
- Prepare and upload all required documents.
- Complete the application form, including CV and motivation letter.
- Submit before the deadline.
Note: Scholarship approval does not equal university admission. You must apply separately to your chosen HEI.
Required Documents:
- Certified copy of passport or valid ID.
- Solemn declaration regarding permanent residence.
- Certificate for Slovaks living abroad (if applicable).
- Guardian consent (if under 18).
- SAT or SCIO test certificate.
- University acceptance letter (if already received).
- Structured CV (use official template).
- Motivation letter (use official template).
All documents must be genuine. False information leads to disqualification and repayment of any awarded funds.
Also Check: KAPSARC Graduate Development Program 2026
Target Applicants:
This programme welcomes applications from talented students worldwide. It targets:
- International students from any country.
- Slovaks living abroad.
Bachelor’s Level (or Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s):
- Applicants who completed secondary education outside Slovakia.
- Students applying for the first time to higher education in Slovakia (except short academic mobilities).
Master’s Level:
- Applicants who completed their Bachelor’s degree abroad and are starting a Master’s in Slovakia.
- Students who finished their Bachelor’s at a Slovak HEI and are progressing continuously to Master’s (without prior scholarship support under certain schemes).
- Previous scholarship holders at Bachelor’s level under the Recovery and Resilience Plan who continue seamlessly to Master’s.
The programme does not support doctoral studies. All studies must be full-time, in-person, at selected public HEIs, and in programmes aligned with Slovakia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (SK RIS3 2021+).
You must choose from approved study programmes. Check the official list on the relevant ministry website and contact your preferred HEI early to discuss admission requirements.
Tuition Fees, Health Insurance, and Visa Information:
Tuition Fees: Scholarship recipients in foreign-language programmes at public HEIs may receive tuition waivers under relevant law, but this depends on the HEI’s decision.
Health Insurance: Eligible scholarship holders without permanent residence in Slovakia can access public health insurance if not covered elsewhere in the EU/EEA/Switzerland.
Visa and Residence Permit:
- From abroad: Apply for a national Type D visa (recommended 120-day) and then temporary residence for study purposes.
- In Slovakia: Apply at Foreign Police offices or Centres of Services for Foreigners.
Key contacts:
- Centres of Services for Foreigners (CSC) in Bratislava, Žilina, and Košice.
- International Organization for Migration (IOM) Slovakia for additional support.
Always verify latest requirements directly with official sources and start the process early.
Also Check: University of Basilicata Scholarships for Masters 2026/2027
Maintaining Your Scholarship:
Once awarded, you must:
- Remain enrolled full-time in the approved programme.
- Maintain continuous studies without repeating years or unnecessary interruptions.
- Not transfer to another HEI (changes within the same HEI are limited).
The scholarship may cease if you:
- Switch to part-time studies.
- Interrupt studies beyond allowed limits.
- Terminate studies without seamless continuation in an approved programme at the same HEI.
Tips for a Strong Application:
Start preparing documents now. The registration window is limited. Take your standardized test as soon as possible. Contact your target HEI early to understand programme requirements and admission deadlines.
Write a compelling motivation letter that highlights your academic achievements, talents, and genuine interest in studying in Slovakia. Use the provided templates for CV and declarations.
Monitor the official page for updates. Reach out to scholarships.esif@minedu.sk for questions.
Additional Resources
- Study in Slovakia official information: https://www.minedu.sk/7507-en/study-in-slovakia/
- SAIA portal: https://www.studyinslovakia.saia.sk/
- Individual HEI websites for programme details.
- SAT registration: College Board website.
- SCIO tests: https://www.scio.cz/
- Visa and migration: Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Ministry of Interior websites.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to apply separately for admission to a Slovak university?
Yes. This scholarship application is entirely separate from your university admission application. You’ll need to apply directly to your chosen HEI in addition to applying for this funding.
Can I apply if I’m already living in Slovakia?
It depends on your residency history and status. You must not have held permanent residence in Slovakia since 1 January 2021, though the 2026/2027 cycle has opened some new allowances for temporary residence permit holders.
Is doctoral study covered under this scholarship?
No. This programme funds bachelor’s, combined bachelor’s-master’s, and master’s studies only.
What if my SAT or SCIO score falls just below the minimum threshold?
Applicants below the 1100 SAT score or 63rd percentile SCIO average will not be considered, and there is no exception process for near misses.
Is there an age limit to apply?
No upper age limit exists, but applicants under 18 must submit a hand-signed consent form from a legal guardian.
