Are you looking for an excellent chance to study in Europe? Slovakia offers an incredible opportunity for talented international students. The Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic runs a special financial support scheme. This programme provides up to €15,000 to successful applicants. You can use this money to fund your full-time Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree studies.
Slovakia sits right in the heart of Europe. The country provides a safe environment, rich culture, and top-tier academic institutions. This scholarship aims to attract bright minds from all over the world. By moving to Slovakia, you can boost your future career and experience a high standard of living. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the Slovakia €15,000 Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year.
Key Highlights of the Scholarship
This table displays the main details of the scholarship programme. It helps you understand the core features at a single glance.
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Slovakia (European Union member state) |
| Funding Authority | Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic |
| Total Reward Value | Up to €15,000 per student |
| Monthly Payment | €500 per eligible month |
| Study Levels | Full-time Bachelor’s, combined Bachelor’s and Master’s, or full-time Master’s degrees |
| Application Deadline | July 31, 2026 at 23:59 CEST |
| Target Audience | International students worldwide and Slovaks living abroad |
Complete Financial Benefits
The financial package provides strong stability during your higher education journey. The programme grants up to €15,000 in total. However, the exact amount depends on your degree level.
The university pays out this money in monthly chunks of €500. The academic year in Slovakia begins on September 1 and ends on August 31 of the next year. You will receive the monthly payment from September through June, which means ten months per academic year.
- Bachelor’s Degree Students: You get support for three consecutive academic years. This totals €15,000.
- Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Students: You get support for the first three years of your combined study programme. This also totals €15,000.
- Master’s Degree Students: You receive support for two consecutive academic years. This totals €10,000.
The school sends the money directly to your personal bank account. If any administrative delays occur at the start of the term, the university will send your first batch of payments retroactively. Additionally, public higher education institutions might waive your tuition fees if you enrol in a programme taught in a foreign language. The individual university makes the final decision about waiving these fees.
One Young World Leading Scholarship
Allocation of Available Slots
The state budget and the European Strategic and Investment Funds (ESIF) share the funding responsibilities. The authorities distribute the scholarship slots based on the location of your chosen university.
First Level Studies (Bachelor’s or Combined Programmes)
The ministry grants 170 total slots for this level every year:
- 110 scholarships: For students at public universities outside the Bratislava region. ESIF finances these slots.
- 60 scholarships: For students at public universities within the Bratislava region. The Slovak state budget funds these slots.
Second Level Studies (Master’s Programmes)
The ministry grants 55 total slots for this level every year:
- 35 scholarships: For students at public universities outside the Bratislava region. ESIF finances these slots.
- 20 scholarships: For students at public universities within the Bratislava region. The state budget funds these slots.
If the application pool grows diverse, the selectors might divide applicants into five geographic regions. These regions include Europe, Asia, Central America and Africa, South America, and a final group containing the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
You must satisfy specific rules to win this award. The selection committee rejects incomplete profiles or applicants who do not meet these core terms.
- Citizenship Status: You must hold citizenship in a country other than Slovakia. You can upload a notarised copy of your passport to prove this status. European Union citizens can use their national ID cards. The system allows dual citizenship if one of your citizenships belongs to another country. Slovaks living abroad can also apply if they submit their official Certificate of a Slovak Living Abroad.
- Residence Record: You must not hold a permanent residence permit in Slovakia from January 1, 2021, until your application date. You will sign a solemn declaration form to verify this fact.
- Prior Education: You must have completed your secondary education outside Slovakia if you want the Bachelor’s scholarship. Furthermore, you cannot have previous study experience at a Slovak university, except for short academic exchange trips. Master’s applicants must enter the master’s level in Slovakia for the first time.
IMG Student Journey Scholarship
Academic Focus: Smart Specialisation Strategy
The government does not give these scholarships for every single subject. You must choose a full-time study programme that matches the Smart Specialisation Strategy of the Slovak Republic (known as SK RIS3 2021+). These fields drive economic development and innovation inside the country.
These fields generally include:
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
- Smart Manufacturing and Automotive Systems
- Biotechnology and Biomedicine
- Green Energy and Environmental Technologies
- Advanced Materials and Chemical Industries
You must view the official portal list to verify if your specific degree matches these requirements.
Required Standardised Tests
To rank applicants fairly, the selection system evaluates scores from international tests. You must take one of these tests to complete your academic profile:
- The SAT Test: You must take the SAT test through the College Board. Make sure you submit your score from a valid test date before June 2026.
- SCIO Tests: Alternatively, you can take the SCIO tests. You must sit for both the Mathematics module and the General Academic Prerequisites module.
The evaluation team scores all candidates based on these test results. High scores ensure a better position on the final ranking list.
Step-by-Step Application Process
You must follow these steps carefully to submit a successful application. Missing a step might cancel your chances.
1. Check the Target Programmes:
Visit the official Portal VS website. Look through the SK RIS3 list to find an approved smart specialisation study course.
2. Contact Your Preferred University:
Reach out to the admissions office of your chosen Slovak public university. Apply for your degree course and secure your admission offer.
3. Take the Required Entrance Test:
Register for and sit the SAT or SCIO exams. Ensure the test centre delivers your scores before the ministry’s final evaluation period.
4. Create an Account on the Portal:
Open the official registration page on scholarships.portalvs.sk. Fill out your basic personal details to activate your user profile.
5. Upload Your Supporting Documents:
Upload a notarised copy of your passport or ID card. Attach your school certificates, your exam scores, and your signed residence declaration form.
6. Submit the Final Form:
Review all entered data for accuracy. Click the submit button before the final deadline on July 31, 2026.
Visa and Temporary Residence Details
When you win the scholarship, you must manage your legal stay in the country. You must complete these tasks well before your classes start in September.
If you live outside the EU, you must apply for a National Visa (Type D) at a Slovak Embassy or an accredited external service provider in your home country. We recommend that you request a 120-day National D visa. This visa allows you to enter the Slovak territory smoothly.
Once you arrive in Slovakia, you have 120 days to visit the Foreign Police office. You must submit your official application for a Temporary Residence Permit for the purpose of study. The Migration Office provides Centres of Services for Foreigners (CSC) in cities like Bratislava, Žilina, and Košice. These units help you check your papers and fill out your residency forms correctly.
You can also contact the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Slovakia. The IOM provides free legal advice, administrative help, and language courses for international students.
Important Dates Table
Mark these dates in your calendar to track the entire scholarship timeline.
| Event | Date / Deadline |
| Latest SAT Exam Date | June 6, 2026 |
| Application Submission Deadline | July 31, 2026 (23:59 CEST) |
| Academic Year Commences | September 1, 2026 |
| Scholarship Payment Period | September 2026 to June 2027 (Annual cycle) |
Helpline Contacts
If you experience technical issues or have specific questions about your eligibility, you can contact these support desks.
| Agency / Unit | Contact Channel | Service Hours |
| Ministry of Education Support Desk | scholarships.esif@minedu.sk | Monday to Friday |
| Centres of Services for Foreigners (CSC) | +421 961 570 333 / csc@minv.sk | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Mon-Fri) |
| IOM Migration Information Centre | +421 2 5263 0023 / mic@iom.int | Workdays |
Government Official References
Always rely on official web portals to find verified information. These sources protect you from scams and outdated details.
| Institution | Official Link | Purpose |
| Main Scholarship Portal | https://scholarships.portalvs.sk/ | Application Submission & Rules |
| Ministry of Education | https://www.minedu.sk/ | Higher Education Regulations |
| SAIA Study in Slovakia | https://www.studyinslovakia.saia.sk/ | General International Student Guide |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs | https://www.mzv.sk/ | National D Visa Requirements |
| Ministry of the Interior | https://www.minv.sk/ | Temporary Residence Applications |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does this scholarship cover doctoral (PhD) studies?
No. The Ministry allocates this funding exclusively for full-time Bachelor’s degrees, joint Bachelor’s and Master’s courses, and full-time Master’s degree studies.
Can I apply if I already hold a temporary residence permit in Slovakia?
Yes. You can apply if you meet the specific terms and exceptions listed on the official portal. However, you must not have held a permanent residence permit since January 1, 2021.
Can I choose any field of study at a Slovak university?
No. You must pick a programme that belongs to the approved fields under the Smart Specialisation Strategy (SK RIS3 2021+). The official website hosts the complete list of valid programmes.
What happens if the university delays my contract at the beginning of the term?
You do not need to worry. As soon as the university processes your contract and confirms your active enrolment, they will pay your money. They will deliver any missed payments retroactively in your first scholarship batch.
Do I need to pay for health insurance myself?
If you receive this government-approved scholarship, Slovak law grants you public health insurance coverage. You must check the specific insurance registration lists on the Ministry of Education website to complete your enrollment.