Slovakia International Visegrad Fund (IVF) Scholarships & Grants 2025-2026
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
- 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)
Available Subjects
The Visegrad Fund scholarships are open to all academic fields including:
Arts & HumanitiesSocial SciencesNatural Sciences & EngineeringEducation & Youth DevelopmentCulture, Media, and Performing ArtsResearch and Innovation
Programmes Offered by the International Visegrad Fund
The IVF supports three major programmes:
- Visegrad Grants – For NGOs, civil society organizations, municipalities, universities, and research centers from V4 countries.
- Visegrad+ Grants – For collaborative projects involving V4 countries and non-EU states in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership.
- Strategic Grants – For projects focusing on annual V4 strategic priorities.
- Visegrad Scholarship Programme (VSP) – For Master’s and Post-Master (PhD & Research) students.
- OSA Fellowships – For scholars, journalists, and artists researching at the Open Society Archives in Budapest.
- Visegrad Artist Residency Programme (VARP) – For visual artists, performers, writers, and musicians across V4 and the USA.
Benefits
- Full or partial tuition support (depending on program and institution)
- Monthly scholarship allowance (varies by host country)
- Travel and accommodation support (for OSA Fellowships & Artist Residencies)
- €2,000 fellowship grant for OSA research (including travel and stay in Budapest)
- Opportunities for networking, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants must be citizens of:
- V4 Countries – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia
- Western Balkans – Albania, Bosnia and 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 a citizen of V4 countries, Western Balkans, or Eastern Partnership countries.
- Apply for a Master’s, PhD, or independent research program at an accredited institution in V4 countries (or eligible partner countries).
- Have a strong academic and research background.
- Submit a study/research proposal aligned with the Fund’s objectives of cooperation, cultural exchange, or regional development.
Application Procedure
- Online Application Submission – Applications must be submitted via the Visegrad Fund Application Portal.
- Required Documents:
- Research/Study Proposal
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates
- CV/Resume
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of Admission/Acceptance (if available)
- Deadlines:
- Grants –  February 1, June 1, October 1
- Scholarships – April 15 (11:59 CET)
- OSA Fellowship – Twice a year (see website for exact dates)
- Selection Process – Applications reviewed by expert committees; results approved by the Council of Ambassadors by May 31 each year.
Final Thoughts
The International Visegrad Fund Scholarships 2025-26 are an excellent opportunity for students, researchers, and artists from Central Europe, Eastern Partnership, and the Western Balkans to pursue higher education, research, and cultural collaborations in V4 countries. With funding support, international exposure, and academic mobility, this program is a gateway to building strong regional cooperation and advancing your academic and professional journey.