Postdoctoral Award in All Disciplines (Research or Teaching/ Research)
Slovak Republic
Number of recipients
In Research category, awardees may conduct research in any field of specialization.
Awardees interested in Teaching/Research category are strongly recommended to discuss the time allotment of proposed activities with the host institution. They are expected to teach at least one course in addition to their research activities.
Any accredited HEI or research institution.
A potential host institution can be consulted directly with the Commission at: dasa@fulbright.sk.
One semester (three to five months). The academic year is divided into two semesters – Fall and Spring. Fall semester runs from mid-September through December (exams start in late December and continue throughout January); Spring semester runs from February through May (exams start in late May and continue throughout June).
Grants in teaching/research category must begin in September 2025, or in January/February 2026. Research and professional projects may be conducted from August 2025 to June 2026 (or August 2026 when availability confirmed by the potential host institution in the invitation letter).
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
It is highly recommended that applicants contact the Commission if they do not have established any contact with potential host institution or if they are seeking help to obtain the invitation letter. Please, contact the Commission at dasa@fulbright.sk.
The invitation letter should indicate proposed dates and activities for which the scholar is being invited by the host institution. Applicants in Teaching/Research category should discuss details of their teaching/research proposal with the host institution, i.e. number and level of courses, modules or lectures taught etc.
Applicants without the invitation letter may indicate preferred affiliations. The Commission will follow up with the nominated candidate to finalize the affiliation in consultation with the nominee and the potential host institution.
Please, be aware that during summer months (July and August), Slovak institutions are not operating as usual, and so, it may be more difficult to communicate with the Slovak institutions. Be patient and plan ahead of time to obtain the invitation letter.
All teaching will be in English. Proficiency in Slovak language to complete the research project may be required for specific projects, e.g. studying documents in archives where knowledge of the Slovak language is necessary.
Useful links and information on potential host universities can be found on the Fulbright Slovakia website, or on the Portal of Universities website. The Slovak Academy of Sciences - website may be a suitable choice for scholars interested in research only.
To help you find connections and see existing academic and research collaboration between the U.S. and Slovakia, please visit the U.S.-Slovak Cooperation Map website.
The Commission will provide necessary help to identify appropriate host institution, if requested. Please, contact the Slovak Fulbright Commission at dasa@fulbright.sk.
Slovakia country information can be found on the EU Portal. Additional information such as cost of labor and cost of living in Slovakia and other relevant statistic figures can be found on AmCham’s “Slovakia in Figures”.
Base stipend
- All grant categories: $ 2,800/month
Housing allowance (grantee is responsible for arranging their own housing)
- $700 - $900/month. The actual housing allowance provided is determined based on the location of grantee’s placement.
Travel allowance of $ 1,500.
Allowance of up to $1,000 for a grantee or up to $1,500 if accompanied by dependent(s) is provided to help cover expenses to obtain a Slovak National Visa.
Dependent allowance of $200/month for one accompanying dependent, ($300/month if placed in Bratislava or Košice), or $400/month for two or more accompanying dependents.
Dependent travel allowance of $ 500 for one dependent and $ 1,000 for two or more dependents.
Dependents must remain in the country for 80% of the grant period to qualify for the allowances.
"Cost of living in Slovakia is, on average, 37.9% lower than in the U.S.” states the Numbeo website, where you can also compare average prices of rent, activities etc. in Slovakia to prices of your home city. Average monthly salary in Slovakia is € 1,343 ($1,450).
The Commission hosts an in-country orientation seminar for incoming US grantees in September and mid-year conference in late January/February. U.S. Scholars coming to Slovakia are also eligible for Inter-Country Travel Grant that gives them the opportunity to give lectures, or participate on seminars/workshops/conferences across Europe. Scholars are encouraged to use this opportunity while on Fulbright grant in Slovakia (details available on the Commission’s website or to be provided by the Commission upon request).
Slovak Republic
Choosing Slovakia as the host country for your Fulbright grant might be one of your most exciting professional and personal experiences. Slovakia is double the size of the state of New Hampshire and is located in the heart of Central Eastern Europe with its capital Bratislava. Known for its national parks, scenic hiking trails, hundreds of caves, rich folk culture, thermal and mineral waters springs, and modern entertainment in bigger cities, Slovakia has a lot to offer to outdoor addicts, history enthusiasts, and food lovers. Slovakia has gone through a very interesting political development over the last 30 years. The country itself was founded by the division of former Czechoslovakia in 1993. With its convenient geographical location at the intersection of East and West and a unique Central European vibe and tradition, it is a great place to explore Central European history and culture. Human sciences researchers can find Slovakia extremely interesting to conduct sociological, political, historical or economic research. Historically, Slovakia is also strong in hard sciences. It is home to companies such as ESET and Sygic.
Slovakia is fully integrated European country – member of the EU and NATO since 2004, the Schengen zone since 2007, and Euro Zone since 2009. Its stable economy attracts foreign investors. Being a member of the Schengen zone, it is easily accessible. Slovakia is considered a very safe country. Living here is safe and comfortable.
Foreigners can not only enter the country through Bratislava or Košice airport but they can also fly to Vienna, a major international airport, just 45 min drive from Bratislava. Some basic figures include (year 2023): average monthly salary € 1,343; average labor cost of € 1,804; unemployment rate of 6.8%; population of 5.4 mil.; GDP of 91.6 billion euros; literacy is 99% and life expectancy is 80 years for females and 72 years for males. “Cost of living in Slovakia is, on average, 37.9% lower than in the U.S.” states the Numbeo website, where you can also compare average prices of rent, activities etc. in Slovakia to prices of your home city in the U.S.
The higher education and research system is integrated into the European Education and Research Area. There are over 23 public and 10 private universities and colleges. The academic year starts September 1 and runs through end of August, divided into two semesters (summer and winter). Winter courses run from mid-September/end of September through Christmas break, with exam period in January–mid-February. Summer courses start in mid-February through May with exam period in June.
Applications are welcome in all disciplines. Scholars may teach independently or co-teach with Slovak colleagues and they are strongly invited to give lectures or participate in seminars. If a scholar is interested in combining teaching with research, the ratio between the two should be agreed upon with the host institution in advance. In any case, scholars are expected to teach or co-teach at least one full course.
Assistance with supervising undergraduate or graduate student theses is highly welcome. Language of instruction is English. Scholars are invited to build potential linkages for future cooperation on both a student and faculty level. Applicants who do not have previous extensive academic or professional experience in Slovakia will be given preference. Affiliations are possible at a variety of academic and research institutions. Opportunities also exist for collaboration with public officials and professionals at other institutions. Double affiliations may be requested. An invitation letter is desirable, but the Commission can help arrange appropriate placement.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Ukrainians fled to Slovakia. As a result, many of them study at Slovak universities, at the undergraduate or graduate level or as exchange students. Overall in 2022, Ukrainian students represented almost half of all foreign students currently studying in Slovakia (48 percent).
Applicants are encouraged to follow the Fulbright Commission’s website for up-to-date information on programs and on living in Slovakia. Slovakia country information can be found on the EU Portal website.