Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic - Stipends for graduates

Slovak Government Scholarship for PhD studies

You will receive 1,100 EUR per month to complete a full PhD programme at a public university in Slovakia. The funding covers the entire duration of your studies, which usually lasts from 3 to 4 years. In addition to the monthly scholarship, you will receive a one-off payment of 100 EUR at the start and 200 EUR upon completion, as well as a further 80 EUR per month for studying at a public university. The scholarship is paid by the Slovak Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth as part of the country’s development cooperation programme.

Who can apply

• Degree: You already hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification and would like to commence a PhD programme (the third and highest level of higher education).
• Nationality: You are a national of an eligible developing country, including Ukraine, Serbia, Georgia, India, Vietnam, Kenya, Brazil and many other countries listed on the official list.
• Age: On 1 September of the application year, you will be between 23 and 35 years old.
• Admission: You study at a public university in Slovakia and must be accepted there before the scholarship is confirmed.
• Grades: Your average across your whole previous education is at least 80%.
• Field of study: You choose a subject area that is in line with your home country’s key development priorities, such as the natural sciences, engineering, medicine, agricultural sciences or social sciences.
• Language: You can study in Slovak, or in English on some degree programmes. If you do not yet speak Slovak, you can take a 10-month preparatory language course.

How to apply

Register and complete the online application form at vladnestipendia.sk. The portal opens every year approximately two months before the deadline on 25 May. A selection panel will review the applications and publish the results after 15 July. Please ensure you submit all documents by the deadline, as incomplete applications will be rejected before they are assessed.

How realistic are your chances?

Each eligible country is allocated a fixed number of places, meaning you will mainly be competing against applicants from your own country rather than applicants from all over the world. This keeps the field of applicants manageable. If you clearly meet the requirements regarding age, qualifications and your 80% mark, and choose a funded degree programme, your chances are good. It is crucial that your application is complete and submitted by the deadline.