Table of Contents
Introduction
The Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026 are designed to be incredible, life-changing opportunities for students, researchers, and artists across Europe and beyond. From mobility scholarships for Master’s and PhD students, to fellowships in Taiwan, Western Balkans, and even archival research in Florence, the Visegrad Fund remains a beacon of hope for anyone dreaming of studying or researching abroad.
This guide explores the scholarships, benefits, deadlines, pain points, and strategies you need to secure funding successfully. If you’re ready to elevate your education, you’ll find every detail here.
Description
The International Visegrad Fund (IVF), established in 2000 by the four Visegrad Group countries—Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia (V4 countries)—offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and artist residencies to foster cooperation in education, research, culture, and innovation. Headquartered in Bratislava, Slovakia, the IVF plays a crucial role in connecting Europe and its neighboring regions through funding opportunities.
Degree Level
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Master’s Degree (1–4 semesters)
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Post-Master / PhD Research (1–2 semesters)
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Independent Research / Fellowships (short-term, up to 2 months for OSA fellowship)
Unveiling the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026
The Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026 cover a wide range of programs under one umbrella. Each one is unique, but all share the same mission: fostering academic excellence, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.
Main Programs Include:
- Visegrad Scholarship Programme (VSP) – Master’s and PhD mobility.
- Joint Degree Scholarships – International Relations: Europe from a Visegrad Perspective.
- OSA Research Fellowships – Budapest archival research.
- Historical Archives of the EU Grants (EUI, Florence).
- Visegrad–Taiwan Scholarships – Asia collaboration.
- Western Balkans–Visegrad Fellowships.
- Artist Residencies for cultural and creative projects.
Available Subjects
The Visegrad Fund scholarships are open to all academic fields including:
- Arts & Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences & Engineering
- Education & Youth Development
- Culture, Media, and Performing Arts
- Research and Innovation
The Visegrad Scholarship Programme (Focus Keyword)
The VSP is the core program of the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026.
Who can apply?
Master’s and PhD candidates from V4 countries, Eastern Partnership nations, and the Western Balkans.
Duration:
- Master’s: 1–4 semesters.
- Post-Master’s / PhD: 1–2 semesters.
Funding:
- Mobility stipend (~€3,500/semester).
- Support for tuition fees (depending on host institution).
Deadline: April 15, 2025 (11:59 CET).
Tip: Focus your proposal on cross-border cooperation and regional benefits to stand out.
👉 Official source: Visegrad Fund Scholarships
Joint Degree Scholarships – A Powerful Path
Among the highlights of the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026 is the Joint Degree MA in International Relations: Europe from a Visegrad Perspective.
Benefits:
- Full tuition waiver.
- €3,500 per semester mobility allowance.
- Highly competitive—only 6 scholarships available.
Application Window: May 15 – June 15, 2025.
This Joint Degree equips you with a world-class education, backed by prestigious partner universities across the V4.
👉 Learn more: UJ Visegrad Joint Degree Programme
OSA Research Fellowships – A Unique Experience
The OSA Fellowship Program is another gem within the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026.
- Based in Budapest at the Open Society Archives.
- Open to researchers, artists, and journalists.
- Fellowship value: €2,000 (includes travel + living).
- Duration: 2 months.
It’s ideal for those whose research intersects with history, media, politics, and archival studies.
👉 Info here: OSA Fellowships – Visegrad Fund
Historical Archives of the EU Research Grants (Florence)
If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in Italy, the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026 open that door.
- Hosted at European University Institute (EUI), Florence.
- Open to postgraduates, PhDs, and early-career researchers.
- Full access to EU Historical Archives.
- Application deadline: April 30, 2025.
This program is perfect for scholars in political science, EU law, history, and international relations.
👉 More info: EUI Grants – Visegrad Fund
Visegrad–Taiwan Scholarships & Western Balkans Fellowships
The Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026 also extend across Asia and the Balkans:
Visegrad–Taiwan Scholarships:
- For PhD & post-doc researchers.
- Support: €1,000/month + €1,000 travel allowance.
- Deadline: Aug 1 – Sep 30, 2025.
Western Balkans–Visegrad Fellowships:
- Duration: 2–10 weeks.
- Open to researchers, academics, artists.
- Encourages cooperation between V4 and Western Balkan institutions.
👉 See details: Visegrad–Taiwan Programmes
Eligibility for Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026
Eligible applicants include:
- Citizens of V4 nations (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland).
- Citizens of Western Balkans countries (Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, etc.).
- Citizens of Eastern Partnership countries (Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, etc.).
📌 Requirements:
- University admission (or proof of application).
- Strong academic transcripts.
- Clear research/study proposal.
- Recommendation letters.
👉 Tip: Even if your field seems niche, all disciplines are supported, from medicine to fine arts.
Deadlines You Must Not Miss
- VSP: April 15, 2025.
- Joint Degree: May 15 – June 15, 2025.
- Research Grants at EUI: April 30, 2025.
- Visegrad–Taiwan: August – September 2025.
👉 Always prepare early, since documents (acceptance letters, transcripts) take time to secure.
Benefits of Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026
Here’s why the program is called life-changing:
- €3,500/semester mobility support.
- Tuition fee waivers (Joint Degrees).
- Fully covered short-term fellowships (OSA, EUI).
- €1,000/month + €1,000 travel (Visegrad–Taiwan).
- Networking with researchers and policymakers across Europe.
- Access to world-class academic institutions.
👉 Beyond money, the cultural exposure and career prestige are priceless.
Pain Points & Solutions
Lack of admission letter.
✅ Submit conditional proof of application first.
Confusion about eligible countries.
✅ Check Fund’s eligibility list.
Tight deadlines.
✅ Solution: Use reminders and start document collection early.
Weak proposals.
✅ Solution: Highlight how your work strengthens regional cooperation.
Step-by-Step Application Strategy
- Choose the program that fits your career.
- Verify eligibility and deadlines.
- Draft a strong proposal (focus on V4 regional impact).
- Gather required documents (CV, transcripts, letters).
- Secure conditional admission.
- Submit via the My Visegrad Application Portal.
- Wait for results—usually released within 6–8 weeks.
Application Procedure
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Online Application Submission – Applications must be submitted via the Visegrad Fund Application Portal.
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Required Documents:
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Research/Study Proposal
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Academic Transcripts and Certificates
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CV/Resume
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Two Letters of Recommendation
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Proof of Admission/Acceptance (if available)
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Final Thoughts
The Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026 are not just about money—they’re gateways to global careers. Whether you want to study in Bratislava, research in Florence, or collaborate in Taiwan, the Fund makes it possible.
Take action today: prepare early, polish your proposal, and don’t miss the deadlines. With the right planning, your life-changing opportunity is just an application away.
👉 Apply here: Official Visegrad Fund Website
FAQs on Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026
1. What is the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026?
The Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026 is a funding initiative supporting Master’s, PhD, research, and artistic mobility within V4 countries (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland) and partner nations like the Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership countries, and Taiwan.
2. Who can apply for the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026?
Eligible applicants include citizens of V4 states, Western Balkans countries, and Eastern Partnership countries. Depending on the program, both Master’s students, doctoral researchers, post-docs, artists, and journalists can apply.
3. What benefits do the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026 provide?
Benefits include:
- €3,500 per semester mobility stipend (VSP).
- Tuition fee waivers for Joint Degree students.
- €2,000 OSA Fellowships.
- €1,000/month + €1,000 travel allowance for Taiwan programs.
- Full access to prestigious European institutions and archives.
4. What are the deadlines for Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026?
- VSP: April 15, 2025.
- Joint Degree Scholarships: May 15 – June 15, 2025.
- EUI Research Grants: April 30, 2025.
- Visegrad–Taiwan Scholarships: August 1 – September 30, 2025.
5. How competitive are the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026?
Yes, these scholarships are highly competitive. However, applicants with strong research proposals, a clear study plan, and an emphasis on cross-border cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe stand a much higher chance of selection.
6. Can I apply for the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026 without university admission?
Yes. For many programs, proof of application or a conditional acceptance letter is enough. However, a final admission letter significantly strengthens your application.
7. How do I apply for the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026?
Applications are submitted online through the My Visegrad Application Portal. You’ll need your transcripts, CV, research/study proposal, recommendation letters, and admission proof.
8. Why should I choose the Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026 over other scholarships?
Unlike many scholarships, this program offers regional focus, strong financial support, and multiple opportunities—from studying in Central Europe to researching in Taiwan or Italy. It combines funding with cultural exchange and global networking, making it truly life-changing.