Established in 2000 by the nations that make up the Visegrad Group (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia), the International Visegrad Fund (IVF) provides grants, scholarships, and artist residencies to promote education, research, culture, and innovation. The fund, which has its headquarters in Bratislava, Slovakia, is crucial to promoting regional cooperation and tying Europe into its surrounding areas.
Short-term independent research or fellowships, like the OSA fellowship, which lasts up to two months; post-master’s and PhD research for one to two semesters; and master’s degree studies lasting up to four semesters are all possible with the Visegrad Fund Scholarships 2025–26. All academic fields are eligible for the scholarships, including research and innovation, education and youth development, culture, media and performing arts, social sciences, engineering, and the arts and humanities.
Students, researchers, and artists from Central Europe, the Eastern Partnership, and the Western Balkans have a great platform thanks to this program, which provides money, international exposure, and academic mobility among the V4 nations. It enhances regional alliances and cross-border cooperation in addition to fostering personal, academic, and professional development.
Host Country: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia
University: Czech Republic Universities, Hungary Universities, Poland Universities, Slovakia Universities
Opportunity Type: Fellowship, PhD, Masters
Subjects: All Subjects
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded, Partial Funding
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality-Based Eligibility: Candidates must be citizens of the Eastern Partnership, Western Balkan, or V4 countries.
- Program Enrollment: Applicants must apply to an approved university or institution in a V4 country (or other qualified partner countries) for a master’s, PhD, or independent research program.
- Academic Background: It is necessary to have a strong academic record and related research experience.
- Proposal Requirement: In order to be considered, applicants must submit a study or research proposal that aligns with the Fund’s objectives of promoting regional development, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Programs Offered by the International Visegrad Fund (IVF):
- Visegrad Grants: Designed for NGOs, civil society organizations, municipalities, universities, and research centers from V4 countries to support collaborative initiatives.
- Visegrad+ Grants: Aimed at joint projects between V4 countries and non-EU states in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions.
- Strategic Grants: Focused on projects aligned with the annual strategic priorities of the Visegrad Group.
- Visegrad Scholarship Programme (VSP): Provides funding for Master’s, PhD, and post-master’s research students.
- OSA Fellowships: Supports scholars, journalists, and artists conducting research at the Open Society Archives in Budapest.
- Visegrad Artist Residency Programme (VARP): Offers residencies for visual artists, performers, writers, and musicians from V4 countries and the USA.
Benefits:
- Tuition Support: Depending on the program and host institution, tuition expenses may be fully or partially covered.
- Monthly Allowance: The amount of a scholarship stipend given each month varies depending on the host nation.
- Travel & Accommodation: Assistance with travel and accommodation expenses, specifically for Artist Residencies and OSA Fellowships.
- The OSA Fellowship Grant is a special €2,000 award intended to pay for travel and lodging costs in Budapest as well as other research-related costs.
- Other Possibilities: Academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and networking opportunities both inside and outside of the Visegrad group.
Deadline:
Grants: Applications are accepted three times a year, with deadlines on February 1, June 1, and October 1.
Scholarships: The application deadline is April 15 (11:59 CET).
OSA Fellowship: Offered twice annually, with specific dates published on the official website.
