Slovakia International Visegrad Fund (IVF) Scholarships & Grants 2025–2026

The International Visegrad Fund (IVF), founded in 2000 by the four Visegrad Group (V4) countries—Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia—supports education, research, culture, and innovation. Headquartered in Bratislava, Slovakia, the Fund plays a central role in strengthening academic and cultural cooperation in Europe.

Degree Levels

• Master’s Degree (1–4 semesters)

• Post-Master / PhD Research (1–2 semesters)

• Independent Research & Fellowships (short-term, up to 2 months for OSA Fellowship)

Fields of Study

The scholarships cover a wide range of academic disciplines, including:

• Arts & Humanities

• Social Sciences

• Natural Sciences & Engineering

• Education & Youth Development

• Media, Culture & Performing Arts

• Innovation and Research

Programmes Offered by the Visegrad Fund

1. Visegrad Grants – For NGOs, municipalities, universities, and research centers in V4 countries.

2. Visegrad+ Grants – For projects with V4 countries and non-EU states in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership.

3. Strategic Grants – For initiatives focused on V4’s annual strategic priorities.

4. Visegrad Scholarship Programme (VSP) – For Master’s, PhD, and Post-Master students.

5. OSA Fellowships – For scholars, journalists, and artists researching at the Open Society Archives in Budapest.

6. Visegrad Artist Residency Programme (VARP) – For visual artists, writers, musicians, and performers.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full or partial tuition coverage (depending on host institution and program)

• Monthly scholarship allowance (varies by country)

• Travel and accommodation support for OSA Fellows and Artists-in-Residence

• €2,000 fellowship grant for OSA research (including travel and stay in Budapest)

• Opportunities for academic networking and cross-cultural collaboration

Eligible Nationalities

Applicants must be citizens of:

• V4 Countries: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia

• Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo

• Eastern Partnership Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Visegrad Scholarship Programme (VSP):

• Applicants must be citizens of eligible V4, Western Balkans, or Eastern Partnership countries.

• Must apply to accredited universities or research institutions in V4 countries.

• Must submit a strong academic or research proposal aligned with IVF’s goals of cooperation and development.

• Required documents include: transcripts, CV, research/study proposal, recommendation letters, and proof of admission (if available).

Application Process & Deadlines

• Step 1: Submit an online application via the official IVF portal.

• Step 2: Upload required documents (proposal, transcripts, CV, recommendations, admission letter).

• Step 3: Await evaluation by expert committees. Final results are approved by the Council of Ambassadors.

Deadlines:

• Grants: February 1, June 1, October 1

• Scholarships: April 15 (11:59 CET)

• OSA Fellowship: Twice annually (check official website for exact dates)

Final Thoughts

The Slovakia International Visegrad Fund Scholarships 2025–2026 provide outstanding opportunities for students, researchers, and artists to advance their careers in Central Europe. With generous funding, cultural exchange, and access to top institutions in V4 countries, the program helps build stronger regional partnerships while supporting individual academic and professional growth.

For official guidelines and applications, visit: www.visegradfund.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Visegrad Fund Scholarship Programme (VSP)?
It is a funding program for Master’s, PhD, and Post-Master students from V4, Western Balkans, and Eastern Partnership countries.

2. Who can apply for IVF Scholarships 2025–26?
Eligible applicants include students and researchers from V4 countries, Western Balkans, and Eastern Partnership nations.

3. Which fields of study are supported?
All major academic fields are supported, including humanities, sciences, engineering, and the arts.

4. Are the scholarships fully funded?
Yes, the program offers both fully funded and partially funded opportunities depending on the host institution and program.

5. How much financial support is provided?
Support includes tuition coverage, monthly stipends, travel assistance, and fellowship grants (e.g., €2,000 for OSA).

6. Where can I apply for the scholarship?
Applications must be submitted online via the Visegrad Fund Application Portal.

7. When is the deadline for applications?
The scholarship deadline is April 15, 2025, while grants have deadlines on February 1, June 1, and October 1.

8. What documents are required?
Applicants must provide a research/study proposal, transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, and proof of admission.

9. Can artists apply for IVF funding?
Yes, artists can apply under the Visegrad Artist Residency Programme (VARP).

10. How are applicants selected?
Applications are reviewed by expert committees, and final approvals are made by the Council of Ambassadors.