The Fulbright Slovak Student Program offers grants to Slovak students who have completed their Master’s degree, and are interested in Ph.D. research at accredited universities all over the United States. A research stay in the U.S. may take 6 to 9 months. Applications are accepted in all fields of study, except for clinical medicine (direct patient contact).
The living expenses are calculated based on the living costs estimated for the specific location of the host institution
international economy class airfare via the most direct route from home of the grantee to the authorized destination in the U.S.
J-1 visa sponsorship for grantee and J-2 visa sponsorship for dependents
Book and supply allowance
Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges covering basic healthcare (supplemental private insurance highly recommended)
The Commission helps grantees prepare for their stay in the U.S. while the Institute of International Education (IIE) provides on-going support over the course of the grant
Candidates must submit an online application. At this point, there is no need to send any documents to the Commission. Selected candidates will be notified by the Commission and requested to provide original copies of the documents submitted online together with official English translations.
Application must include: CV, Research Objectives, Personal Statement, 3 Reference Letters, List of at least 3 institutions at which the candidate wishes to conduct research. TOEFL/IELTS score results may be emailed to the program coordinator after the application deadline but before the interviews which take place in the first half of September 2024. Please note that TOEFL scores will be sent to the candidate approximately 6-10 days after the testing date, IELTS score 3-15 dates after the testing date. Candidates who do not provide a TOEFL/IELTS score report to the Fulbright Commission before the interviews will be automatically removed from the selection process.
The application form is designed for the whole Fulbright Program worldwide. Please read carefully specific instructions for the Slovak Student Program to complete the application.
You can register for one of the two Q&A webinars about the Program - April 16 and May 7, 2024. You need to register in advance. See the registration form.
Fulbright Slovak Student Application Form AY 2025/26The application period is open from March to June. Candidates should bear in mind that they need to submit their application approximately one year prior to the start of their grant period. Deadline for submission of application for academic year 2025/2026 is June 30, 2024. Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Application cycle is open.
Deadline for application submissions. Approximately one week after the deadline, applications are reviewed by the Commission as to whether they are complete and meet all required formalities and eligibility criteria.
Research Objectives are sent for expert review. Score reports from language tests are delivered to the Fulbright Commission.
The most qualified candidates are invited for an in-person interview (interviews may not be rescheduled). Candidates are informed of the results of the selection process within five business days of the interview.
Initial administrative steps are taken. Standardized tests are re-taken, if needed.
Selected candidates are notified of official approval by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB).
Selected candidates are notified of their acceptance to the U.S. host institution. Grant documents are issued. Administrative steps to process visa applications and departure for the U.S. are taken, if grant starts in the fall semester.*
Pre-departure orientation for grantees is hosted by the Commission.
Visa interviews are conducted with grantees departing for the U.S. in the fall.
* If the grant starts in the spring semester, administrative steps to process visa applications and departure for the U.S. are taken between September and December, and visa interviews are conducted December-January.
I am a Slovak citizen studying abroad. Can I apply?
Yes, you can. However, preference may be given to candidates living and studying in Slovakia.
I am not a Slovak citizen but I study at a Slovak institution. Can I apply?
Foreign nationals are not eligible for Fulbright scholarship in Slovakia even though they study at Slovak institutions. If you wish to apply for Fulbright scholarship, contact the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country for more information.
Can family members travel to the U.S. with me?
Yes, if they qualify as a dependent - a spouse, or a child who is financially dependent upon a grantee and as long as any such child’s age does not exceed 21 years. Unfortunately, the Fulbright Commission does not provide any financial support to dependents within the student program, but it will assist dependents in obtaining the necessary visa to accompany the grantee (J-2 visa).
Do I need to include a TOEFL score or another English language certificate in my application?
Yes, candidates are required to include TOEFL or IELTS test scores in their application. Please contact the Fulbright Commission before you register for your TOEFL test.
My TOEFL/IELTS test score is lower than required. What should I do?
Applications with test scores lower than required are not automatically excluded, but those applications are evaluated individually with regard to their field of study or specific project. Candidates not satisfied with their test scores or whose test score is lower than required may re-take tests before they submit their application.
I took a language test but my test scores will be available after the application deadline. What should I do?
Sometimes it can take longer than expected to get test results. If this is the case, indicate the date you were registered for the test in your application. Candidates are required to send copies of test scores to the Commission as soon as they receive official test results.
I wanted to register for the TOEFL test but test dates were available only after the application deadline. What should I do?
Candidates must take the TOEFL test as soon as possible. Therefore, they need to register for the earliest test date available. If you have not yet taken the test, enter the date you were registered for the test in your application.
I am in my final year of Ph.D. studies. Can I apply?
Candidates need to be enrolled in a Ph.D. program while conducting their research in the U.S. If you are interested in a Fulbright scholarship after you have received your Ph.D. degree, see the Fulbright Slovak Scholar Program on our website or contact our office for more information.
I have already been enrolled in the first year of my Master’s studies in the U.S. Can I apply for a Fulbright scholarship to cover tuition and fees of the second year of my studies?
Students already studying at a U.S. university are ineligible for a Fulbright scholarship. Fulbright scholarships can be awarded only to those degree-seeking candidates who have not started their studies in the U.S. yet.
Fulbright scholarships are not awarded for study programs to which degree-seeking candidates have already been admitted or for which they have already applied outside of the Fulbright Program. The opportunity to pursue a Master's degree in the USA under the Fulbright Slovak Student Program is suspended for the year 2025/26.
Is there a list of U.S. universities where I am required to study or conduct research with a Fulbright scholarship?
There is no such list. It is entirely the candidates’s choice to list 3 of any accredited universities that match their study or research objectives. Candidates who need advice on how to find the best fit for them may contact our office for assistance.
Is there any age limit for student program?
No, there is not. Candidates are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, status as a parent, protected genetic information, or sexual orientation.
Do I need to obtain an invitation letter from the U.S. host institution?
An invitation letter is not required for the student program. However, if you have any communication with a potential U.S. host institution(s), you should provide us with a copy of it.
What is a transcript of records?
It is a transcript of all courses taken during Bachelor and Master’s studies, including all grades and credits.
What is a Diploma Supplement?
It is an official document issued by the university together with a diploma that includes all courses taken, grades and credits. It should also include a description of the Slovak higher education system.
How do I upload my diploma and transcript of records into my application?
Please follow the instructions on how to upload documents to the online application after you log in to your account. If you experience any technical difficulties, contact our office for assistance.
Should I send a copy of the diploma and transcript of records to the Commission?
Please follow the country specific instructions and upload all required documents in the respective sections of your application online. Only selected candidates are notified by the Commission and requested to provide original copies and official English translations of their diplomas, diploma supplements and transcripts of records.
Can I be affiliated with more than one U.S institution?
Candidates may list at least 3 institutions at which they wish to conduct research, study or seek a Master’s degree and indicate preferences for affiliation in their application. The Institute of International Education (IIE), our partner agency in the U.S., submits applications on behalf of successful candidates. Admission results are shared with successful candidates. If the candidate gets more than one offer of admission, it is their responsibility to choose and accept only one placement. Once the candidate accepts and confirms an offer of admission, they are not allowed to change their placement.
Can I reapply for the student program should I not be successful?
Candidates who were not successful are welcome to reapply when the next application cycle opens as long as they meet all eligibility criteria.
Can I apply for other scholarships and combine it with a Fulbright award?
Candidates may receive financial support from other organizations but a Fulbright grant will not be awarded to persons who are concurrently recipients of benefits from other scholarships or fellowships designed to cover all expenses in connection with an educational project in the United States.
Can medical students apply for a Fulbright Award?
Candidates who wish to pursue studies as medical students are not eligible to apply. Candidates with medical degrees may receive grants for advanced academic study, but not for internships or residencies. Fulbright grants shall not authorize activity for which a license to practice medicine or nursing is required.
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2009-10, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA
Current position:
Co-Founder of Ové Pictures, artist, film director
Testimonial:
“I am a storyteller and I work with various narratives. If I were to tell my personal story, the Fulbright scholarship would be a very important moment in the plot - the crossroads at which my direction has taken a whole new course. I am very grateful for that.”
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2009-10
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2013-14, Columbia University
Current position:
President of the Matthias Bel Institute in Bratislava & former Government Plenipotentiary for Roma Communities
Testimonial:
“The Fulbright scholarship was the most intense year of my life: apart from the rigorous studies, I was also able to attend many, many events, visit exhibitions and museums, meet with incredible people & just wander in New York City in general. The scholarship kickstarted by career: I found a number of people that I still work with even today, completed my master's thesis and redesigned my career plans. As it happens, the Fulbright Scholarship played in a great role in achieving one of my dreams & becoming the plenipotentiary for Roma communities in Slovakia. It was a great experience that I would definitely recommend to all aspiring academics, young and old!”
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2013-14
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2019-20, Department of Sociology of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Sociology of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Current position:
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at PROMENTA Research Center, University of Oslo, Norway
Testimonial:
“At my host institution, I had the honor to work in close collaboration with professor Arne L. Kalleberg, a sociologist whose work and ideas have been an immense source of inspiration for my academic work ever since I remember. I cannot possibly describe the impact this experience had on my personal and professional growth. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with such a renowned scholar was not only a great lesson, but also a dream come true. During my stay in Chapel Hill, I met many amazing people and made some wonderful memories that I will cherish fondly for the rest of my life. None of this would be possible was it not for the program of J.W. Fulbright commission, a fantastic opportunity for all scholars to grow and advance their careers.”
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2019-20
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2018-19, Washington State University
Current position:
Assistant Professor, O.P. Jindal Global University, India
Testimonial:
“Fulbright štipendium mi otvorilo dvere do Spojených štátov v nespočetných ohľadoch. Naďalej získavam inšpiráciu a “The Fulbright scholarship opened the doors for me to the United States in so many ways. I continue to gain inspiration and motivation from the contacts, experiences and knowledge I obtained during my stay in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. At a time when international and intercultural education are keys to the advancement of democratic communities, I highly recommend the postgraduate program for anyone willing to push their boundaries and gain new insights in and well beyond their research or study interests.”
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2018-19
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2002-2003, Russian and East European Center, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Current position:
Assistant professor at Department of English and American Studies at the Faculty of Humanities of Matej Bel University
Testimonial:
“Applying for a Fulbright Program in the United States was one of the best decisions in my professional career. Perhaps the most transforming, for me as a teacher, was my encounter with the American system of higher education. Although I was a visiting scholar, I was allowed to enroll for several courses related to my area of expertise. I was amazed to see graduate students being treated as equals by their instructors. The emphasis on developing critical thinking skills was truly inspiring. It made me realize that in a democracy excellent teaching at an institution of higher education is equally important as its scholarly output.”
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2002-2003
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright Slovak Student Program, 2013-2014, Spitzer School of Architecture, The City College of New York, The City University of NY
Current position:
Head of Participatory Planning Office, Metropolitan institute of Bratislava, moderator and author of radio program Živé Mesto FM, Radio FM
Testimonial:
„Fulbright scholarship was one of the best opportunities in life to experience different education system, to meet the best brains in the field, to spend hours in discussion with professors who had curious and partnership approach to me. It showed me the streets of New York in the way that even NY citizens do not know it, I walked through it, observed the life and searched for urban development linkages. It showed me how perseverance, curiosity and the desire to keep personally growing are the real philosophy of life and how complaining, as a cultural phenomenon, will lead us nowhere“
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2013-2014
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright Slovak Student Program, 2016-2017, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University
Current position:
Researcher, European Space Policy Institute, Vienna
Testimonial:
Fulbright scholarship was an invaluable cultural and professional experience, and it opened for me many doors when seeking next career steps afterwards.
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2016-17
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright Slovak Student Program, 2012-2013, Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies at Columbia University
Current position:
Associate Professor of International Relations, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Testimonial:
“Fulbright Scholarship allowed me to conduct research under the mentorship of world’s leading experts. Thanks to the scholarship I could spend a year at Columbia University in New York, build new networks, and expand my research horizons. This was a unique opportunity to kick-start my research career.“
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2012-13
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright Slovak Scholar Program, 2017-2018, Department of Anthropology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Connecticut
Current position:
Analyst at the Slovak Accreditation Agency for Higher Education; Research staff at the Institute of Ethnology and Social Anthropology at the Slovak Academy of Sciences; Ph.D. student at the Department for the Study of Religions at FF MU in Brno
Testimonial:
“The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the most prestigious grant awards in academia, opening the door to the "big world". Thanks to Fulbright, I had the opportunity to do research at a top anthropological lab in the USA and become part of an amazing alumni community. This experience has had a major impact on my career, as well as my determination to support democracy in Slovakia and cooperation with the United States, in the spirit of the Fulbright mission.“
Fulbright Slovak Student, 2017-18