All Disciplines (Community College Faculty and Professionals)
Slovak Republic
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The Fulbright Award to Slovakia offers scholars the opportunity to teach or pursue a professional project in the heart of Europe. This award welcomes community college faculty and professionals who wish to contribute their expertise while gaining enriching experiences.
The J. William Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange in the Slovak Republic administers the Fulbright Program in Slovakia, with financial support from both the Slovak and U.S. governments.
Two categories of awards are available:
Teaching Award: Teach a minimum of two undergraduate or graduate courses and contribute to student mentoring, curriculum development, or program enhancement.
Professional Project Award: Designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers through international experience. Projects should focus on education, training, or capacity-building and demonstrate clear benefits for the applicant’s professional growth, field, home institution, or community.
Any accredited HEI or research institution. For professional projects, options may also include non-profits, libraries, archives, museums, cultural centers, government agencies, or similar institutions. For guidance, contact dasa@fulbright.sk.
For additional insights, please refer to the Fulbright Slovakia brochure, which includes a spotlight on innovation and highlights key academic and professional fields that are particularly vibrant within the Slovak educational and research environment. The brochure showcases these fields and provides examples of institutions across Slovakia that are well-suited for work in these areas.
One semester (3 to 5 months). For Teaching Awards, the maximum length is 4 months, reflecting the typical 15-week semester. The academic year in Slovakia is divided into two semesters: Fall Semester runs from Mid-September through December (exams continue through January); Spring Semester runs from February through May (exams continue through June).
Award Dates: Teaching Awards: Must start in September 2027 or January/February 2028.
Professional Projects: Flexible start dates between August 2027 and May 2028, with an extendable end date to August 2028 upon host institution confirmation.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
A letter of invitation is highly recommended. Applicants who do not have an established contact with a potential host institution are encouraged to reach out to dasa@fulbright.sk for assistance.
What the invitation letter should include:
- Confirmation of the proposed grant dates
- A brief outline of planned activities (e.g., teaching responsibilities, research objectives, collaborations)
If you apply without an invitation letter, you may list one or more preferred affiliations.
The Commission will work closely with the nominated candidate to secure a suitable placement in consultation with both the candidate and prospective host institution.
Important Timing Note
Slovak institutions typically operate on a reduced schedule during July and August, which may slow communication.
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Initiate contact early,
- Allow extra time for responses, and
- Plan ahead to obtain the invitation letter.
All teaching is conducted in English. For research involving Slovak archives or resources, Slovak language proficiency may be necessary. We recommend that you consult the Commission in such case.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
Online interviews for all recommended candidates may be conducted via Zoom in January or February 2027.
Finding a Host Institution
Useful information on potential host universities is available on the Fulbright Slovakia website, and the Portal of Universities. For research-focused applicants, The Slovak Academy of Sciences website is an excellent starting point for exploring institutes, ongoing projects, and potential collaborators.
To discover existing U.S.–Slovak academic and research partnerships, applicants are encouraged to explore the U.S.-Slovak Cooperation Map, which highlights active collaborations across institutions and disciplines.
For additional insights, please refer to the Fulbright Slovakia brochure, which includes a spotlight on innovation and highlights key academic and professional fields that are particularly vibrant within the Slovak higher education and research environment. The brochure also provides examples of institutions across Slovakia that are especially well-suited for work in these areas.
If you would like assistance identifying a suitable host institution, the Fulbright Commission is available to help. Please contact dasa@fulbright.sk for personalized support.
Base Stipend
All grant categories receive a base stipend of $2,800 per month.
Housing Allowance
Grantees are responsible for arranging their own housing.
Monthly housing allowance:
- $900/month for placements in Bratislava or Košice
- $700/month for placements in other locations
Travel Allowance
Grantees receive a $1,500 travel allowance.
Visa-Related Expenses*
An additional allowance is provided to help cover costs associated with obtaining a Slovak National Visa:
- Up to $1,000 for an individual grantee
- Up to $1,500 for a grantee accompanied by dependent(s)
*Slovak National Visa
Grantees coming to Slovakia for more than 90 days are required to obtain a Slovak National Visa.This process includes a mandatory in-person visa appointment at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate General of the Slovak Republic in New York. Dependents accompanying the grantee must also obtain a Slovak National Visa.
Although this requirement may initially seem demanding, the process is straightforward and consistently efficient. Both the Embassy and the Consulate General have a strong record of smooth cooperation with Fulbright applicants.
The Fulbright Commission provides comprehensive support throughout the entire visa process. The Commission prepares the required documentation package, offers detailed instructions, and guides grantees step-by-step—from scheduling the appointment to submission of materials.
Obtaining the Slovak National Visa ensures hassle-free entry into Slovakia and the broader Schengen Area. Upon arrival, the only remaining step is to mail a simple notification of stay to the Slovak Foreign Police Department. No additional immigration-related obligations are required, allowing grantees to focus fully on their Fulbright experience—without administrative stress or uncertainty.
Monthly Dependent Allowance
Grantees may receive a monthly allowance for accompanying dependents:
- $200/month for one dependent ($300/month if placed in Bratislava or Košice)
- $400/month for two or more accompanying dependents
Dependent Travel Allowance
- $500 for one dependent
- $1,000 for two or more dependents
Eligibility Requirement
To qualify for these allowances, dependents must reside in Slovakia for at least 80% of the grant period.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Slovakia offers an affordable lifestyle for Fulbright visitors. According to Numbeo website, the overall cost of living is about 28% lower than in the United States, and rent is approximately 60% lower.
For context, the average gross monthly salary in Slovakia is about €1,654/US $1,930 (as of 2025)
The Fulbright Commission in Slovakia provides several benefits to support grantees throughout their time in the country:
Pre-Arrival Support
All grantees are invited to a virtual pre-arrival orientation to address questions related to housing, visa procedures, schools, cultural adaptation, and other practical matters.
For grantees arriving in January or February—who will attend the Mid-Year Conference but miss the Fall In-Country Orientation—the Commission provides additional virtual sessions before or upon arrival. These meetings cover essential information on Slovak education, academic expectations, culture, and daily life.
In-Country Orientation
Incoming U.S. grantees who begin in the Fall participate in an orientation first week of September, offering cultural, logistical, and professional preparation.
Mid-Year Conference
A mid-year conference is held in late January or early February to connect spring-arriving scholars with the full cohort, provide essential administrative and cultural guidance, and support preparation for the remainder of the grant period.
Inter-Country Travel Grant
U.S. grantees in Slovakia are eligible for the Inter-Country Travel Grant, enabling them to guest lecture, present research, or participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences at institutions across Europe. Scholars are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity during their grant period.
Additional details are available on the Fulbright Slovakia website or can be provided upon request.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Slovak Republic
Discover Slovakia: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Europe
Slovakia, a welcoming and captivating country nestled in the heart of Central Europe, offers U.S. Fulbright Scholars a unique blend of academic opportunity, cultural depth, and natural beauty. Comparable in size to New Hampshire, Slovakia combines vibrant urban life, spectacular landscapes, and a rich historical heritage, making it an ideal destination for both scholarly work and personal exploration.
Cultural and Natural Riches
From the well-preserved medieval towns such as Banská Štiavnica, Levoča, and Bardejov to the dramatic peaks of the High Tatras, Slovakia presents endless opportunities for discovery. Scholars can explore centuries-old castles, experience traditional folk festivals, wander through picturesque villages, or relax in the country’s renowned thermal spas.
U.S. grantees also enjoy Slovakia’s coffee culture - delightful blend of tradition and modernity, where cozy cafés and modern espresso bars serve as social and intellectual hubs—perfect for writing, conversation, and connecting with the local community.
A Hub of Academic and Research Opportunity
Slovakia’s higher education and research landscape include 30+ universities, colleges, and research institutes, offering a broad range of disciplines—from humanities and social sciences to engineering, natural sciences, arts, agriculture, and medicine. The system is fully integrated into the European Education and Research Area, ensuring strong alignment with European academic standards and facilitating international collaboration.
While Slovak remains the primary language of instruction at many institutions, an increasing number of universities offer English-taught programmes and courses—especially at the graduate level or for international students—facilitating collaboration with Slovak colleagues and participation in research without requiring Slovak fluency.
For scholars, Slovakia presents strong potential in fields such as Central European politics, sociology, economics, history, as well as in STEM disciplines—particularly at technical and research-oriented universities (e.g., faculties of engineering, natural sciences, technology). The presence of globally active Slovak tech companies such as ESET and Sygic underscores the country’s dynamic environment for applied research and collaboration between academia and industry.
Affordable, Safe, and Highly Accessible
A modern, stable, and safe country, Slovakia is a member of the EU, NATO, Schengen Area, and the Eurozone. Slovakia is easily accessible for international visitors. Vienna International Airport—one of Central Europe’s major hubs—is only a 45-minute drive from Bratislava, ensuring convenient travel to and from the United States.
The cost of living is significantly lower than in the United States—about 28% lower, according to current data—allowing scholars to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. As a point of reference, the average gross monthly salary is approximately €1,654 (about USD $1,930).
A Compelling Blend of East and West
Since the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, Slovakia has developed into a modern nation at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe. This unique position offers scholars rich perspectives on regional politics, cultural identity, and contemporary social issues.
The influx of Ukrainian students and professionals following the Russian invasion of Ukraine has added another important dimension to the academic landscape, offering additional opportunities for research and engagement.
The Fulbright Experience in Slovakia
Applications are welcome across all disciplines, with opportunities to teach, conduct research or a professional project, or combine teaching and research. Scholars are encouraged to engage deeply with their host institutions, offering lectures, participating in seminars, and fostering academic collaborations. Teaching requirements include leading or co-teaching at least one course, and assisting in thesis supervision is highly appreciated.
Double affiliations and collaborations beyond academia, such as with public officials or professional organizations, are also supported. While an invitation letter is advantageous, the Fulbright Commission can assist in arranging placements tailored to your expertise and interests.
Immerse yourself in life and culture of beautiful Slovakia where academic excellence meets cultural richness, affordability, and warm community.
To learn more about programs and life in Slovakia, visit the Fulbright Slovakia website or explore the EU Portal.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.