Visegrad Scholarship Program

Overview

The Visegrad Scholarship Program is a mobility scholarship funded by the International Visegrad Fund — an intergovernmental organization created by Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia to foster regional cooperation and educational exchange. The scholarship supports Master's and post-Master's students and researchers who want to spend one or two semesters at a university or research institution in a Visegrad country (V4) other than their own. It is also open to students from Eastern Partnership and Western Balkans countries studying in any V4 country.

The funding structure is practical: the scholar receives EUR 3,500 per semester directly, and the host institution receives EUR 2,000 per semester to help cover the administrative and academic costs of hosting. The maximum stay is two semesters, giving eligible students up to EUR 7,000 for their own expenses over a full academic year. This is not a living-cost grant designed to cover everything — it is a mobility contribution intended to offset the cost of relocating and studying temporarily in another country. Participants are expected to have host institution acceptance in place and must have completed at least a Bachelor's degree before applying.

One of the more specific rules is the 150 km distance requirement: the distance between your current location (employer, university, or permanent residence) and the host institution must exceed 150 km. This rule is designed to ensure the scholarship supports genuine mobility rather than short cross-border arrangements. Applications are submitted through the My Visegrad online portal, and the annual deadline is April 15. If you are a student or early-career researcher in the Central and Eastern European region looking for a funded semester abroad within the region, this program is one of the most established routes available.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You must hold a Bachelor's degree (for Master's level study) or a Master's degree (for post-Master's, doctoral, or postdoctoral study) from a recognized institution. The scholarship is for full-time studies only — part-time or distance learning does not qualify.

Nationality and Host Country Requirements

Your citizenship or country of current study/residence must differ from the host institution's country. Concretely: V4 citizens (Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak) can apply to study in a different V4 country. Students from Eastern Partnership or Western Balkans countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) can apply to any V4 host country.

Distance Requirement

The distance between your current employer, university, or permanent residence and the host institution must exceed 150 km. This is checked as part of the application and applications that do not meet this threshold are disqualified.

Other Conditions

Previous studies must have been completed at an institution in a different country from the host institution. All application documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations into English.

What the Scholarship Covers

• EUR 3,500 per semester paid directly to you (up to EUR 7,000 for 2 semesters)
• EUR 2,000 per semester paid to the host institution to support your placement
• Maximum duration of 2 semesters (1 academic year)
• The scholarship is a contribution toward living and study costs — it does not automatically cover tuition; confirm tuition terms with the host institution separately

How to Apply

1. Identify a host institution: Find a university or research institute in a V4 country that is willing to host you for one or two semesters at Master's or post-Master's level.
2. Obtain a letter of acceptance: Secure a letter of acceptance (or proof of application) from the host institution. For post-Master's applicants, this letter should include a detailed working plan.
3. Verify the 150 km rule: Confirm that your current location is more than 150 km from the host institution.
4. Register on My Visegrad: Create an account on the My Visegrad online portal at visegradfund.org.
5. Complete the online application: Fill in all required fields including your academic background, proposed study plan, and host institution details.
6. Upload documents: Attach your ID document, transcript of records (minimum the last two completed semesters), and letter of acceptance. Documents must be in English or certified translation.
7. Submit by April 15: Submit your completed application by noon on April 15. No late applications are accepted.

Required Documents

• Valid ID document (scanned copy)
• Transcript of records from at least the last two completed semesters (Master's level applicants)
• Letter of acceptance from the host university or proof of application to that institution
• For post-Master's applicants: letter of acceptance including a detailed research working plan
• All documents in English or accompanied by certified translations

Key Dates & Deadlines

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Secure your host institution acceptance before starting the application — the letter of acceptance is required and finding a suitable host can take weeks
• Contact the host university's international office early and ask specifically whether they can host Visegrad scholarship students, as not all departments are set up for this
• For post-Master's applicants, prepare a detailed and specific research working plan with your supervisor at the host institution — vague plans are a common reason for rejection
• Choose a host institution genuinely different from where you have studied before — the scheme is designed for real academic mobility, not recycling familiar connections
• Double-check the 150 km rule before applying; mapping tools online will confirm the straight-line or road distance

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting documents in a language other than English without a certified translation
• Applying to study in the same country as your current citizenship without understanding the V4/EaP routing rules
• Missing the April 15 noon deadline — the portal closes precisely at that time
• Submitting a transcript covering fewer than two completed semesters
• Applying for part-time or distance learning — only full-time study is eligible

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Visegrad Scholarship Program?

It is a mobility scholarship funded by the International Visegrad Fund for Master's and post-Master's students to study one or two semesters at universities in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, or Slovakia. It is open to V4 citizens and students from Eastern Partnership and Western Balkans countries.

Is the Visegrad Scholarship Program fully funded?

It provides EUR 3,500 per semester to the scholar (up to EUR 7,000 for two semesters) plus EUR 2,000 per semester to the host institution. It is a substantial mobility contribution but may not cover all living and tuition costs depending on your host country and program.

What is the deadline for the Visegrad Scholarship Program?

The annual deadline is April 15 at 12:00 noon. Applications submitted after this time are not accepted.

Who is eligible for the Visegrad Scholarship Program?

V4 citizens (Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak) studying in a different V4 country; and citizens of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine studying in any V4 country. Your current location must be more than 150 km from the host institution.

What documents do I need for the Visegrad Scholarship Program?

A valid ID document, transcript of records (last two completed semesters minimum), and a letter of acceptance from the host institution. Post-Master's applicants also need a detailed research working plan. All documents must be in English or certified translation.

Can I apply for the Visegrad Scholarship without a host university acceptance?

You need at least proof of application to the host university. A confirmed acceptance letter strengthens your application significantly. Secure this before applying.

How many semesters does the Visegrad Scholarship cover?

A maximum of two semesters (one full academic year). You can apply for one or two semesters depending on your study plan.

Does the Visegrad Scholarship cover tuition fees?

The scholarship provides EUR 3,500/semester to the scholar and EUR 2,000/semester to the host institution. Whether tuition is separately charged depends on your host university's policy. Confirm tuition terms with the host institution before applying.

Where do I apply for the Visegrad Scholarship Program?

Through the My Visegrad online portal at visegradfund.org. You need to register and complete the application online.

What is the 150 km rule in the Visegrad Scholarship Program?

The distance between your current location (employer, university, or permanent residence) and the host institution must exceed 150 km. This ensures the scholarship supports genuine cross-border mobility and is checked as part of the application review.