Masters, PhDFully Funded 217 days left

Visegrad Scholarship Program

Last verified 26 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Visegrad Scholarship Program supports Master’s and post-Master’s students and researchers for up to two semesters at institutions in Central and Eastern Europe.

Provider: International Visegrad Fund
Host country: Multiple
Deadline: Opens Jan 1, 2027
Region: Europe

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Visegrad Scholarship Program is open to African students applying to study in Multiple at the Masters, PhD level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters, PhD · applicants for Multiple
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters, PhD
Deadline: Opens Jan 1, 2027

Key eligibility criteria

Master’s and post-Master’s students and researchers from Visegrad countries (V4) and Western Balkan countries (WB6) are eligible to apply.

What the fully funded award covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

About the Visegrad Scholarship Program (2026)

## Overview The Visegrad Scholarship Program, administered by the International Visegrad Fund, is designed to foster academic mobility and collaboration within Central and Eastern Europe. This program offers financial support to Master’s and post-Master’s students and researchers for study or research stays of up to two semesters at accredited higher education institutions in participating countries. The scholarships aim to promote deeper understanding and cooperation among the Visegrad Group (V4) countries—the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia—and their neighbors, particularly the Western Balkan countries (WB6). ## Benefits The scholarship provides financial support for tuition and living expenses for up to two semesters. The exact amount of funding can vary, but it is generally considered a partial scholarship, contributing significantly to the costs associated with an academic stay abroad. Successful applicants will gain invaluable academic and cultural experience, expand their professional networks, and contribute to research and development in their chosen fields within the Visegrad region. ## Eligibility The Visegrad Scholarship Program is open to Master’s and post-Master’s students and researchers from the Visegrad Group (V4) countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia) and Western Balkan countries (WB6). Applicants must be planning to undertake study or research at an accredited higher education institution in a Visegrad or Western Balkan country other than their country of citizenship or residence. Specific academic requirements, such as a minimum GPA or prior research experience, may apply depending on the target institution and program of study. ## Required Documents While the official page does not list specific documents, typical requirements for similar academic mobility programs include: * **Application Form:** A completed online application form. * **Curriculum Vitae (CV):** A detailed CV outlining academic and professional experience. * **Letters of Recommendation:** One or two letters from academic mentors or employers. * **Academic Transcripts:** Official transcripts of previous academic studies. * **Letter of Acceptance:** Proof of acceptance or affiliation from a host institution in a Visegrad or Western Balkan country. * **Research Proposal (for researchers):** A detailed outline of the planned research project. * **Motivation Letter:** A personal statement explaining academic and career goals and how the scholarship will contribute to them. * **Proof of Citizenship/Residency:** Documentation proving eligibility based on country of origin. ## How to Apply The application process is typically conducted online through the International Visegrad Fund's dedicated application portal. Applicants should carefully review the guidelines available on the official website once the application period opens. It is crucial to prepare all required documents in advance and ensure they meet the specified criteria. The process generally involves submitting the online application form along with all supporting documents by the stated deadline. ## Key Dates The Visegrad Scholarship Program **opens on January 1, 2027**. Specific deadlines for application submission will be announced closer to this opening date on the official International Visegrad Fund website. Prospective applicants are advised to regularly check the official source for precise timelines and any updates. ## Selection Criteria Selection is based on a competitive process, considering several factors. These typically include: * **Academic Merit:** The applicant's academic record and achievements. * **Quality of Study/Research Plan:** The relevance, feasibility, and potential impact of the proposed study or research. * **Motivation:** The clarity and strength of the applicant's motivation to participate in the program and contribute to regional cooperation. * **Host Institution:** The reputation and suitability of the chosen host institution. * **Language Proficiency:** Proficiency in the language of instruction at the host institution. ## Tips * **Start Early:** Begin preparing your application well in advance of the opening date. * **Research Host Institutions:** Identify potential host institutions and programs that align with your academic and research interests. * **Secure Acceptance:** Obtain a clear letter of acceptance or affiliation from your chosen host institution before applying for the scholarship. * **Craft a Strong Proposal:** For researchers, develop a compelling and well-structured research proposal. * **Proofread:** Ensure all application materials are free of errors and presented professionally. * **Review Guidelines:** Carefully read all official program guidelines and FAQs on the International Visegrad Fund website. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Visegrad Scholarship Program, please refer to the official website of the International Visegrad Fund: * [International Visegrad Fund – Visegrad Scholarship Program](https://www.visegradfund.org/visegrad-scholarship-program-apply) This page will provide details on eligibility, application procedures, required documents, and exact deadlines once the application period commences.

What the Fully Funded Visegrad Scholarship Program covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

Visegrad Scholarship Program eligibility for Multiple applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Master’s and post-Master’s students and researchers from Visegrad countries (V4) and Western Balkan countries (WB6) are eligible to apply.

Documents required for the Visegrad Scholarship Program application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Visegrad Scholarship Program 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.visegradfund.org/apply/mobilities/visegrad-scholarship/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Master’s and post-Master’s students and researchers from Visegrad countries (V4) and Western Balkan countries (WB6) are eligible to apply.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many International Visegrad Fund awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.visegradfund.org/apply/mobilities/visegrad-scholarship/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Aim to have the full draft complete by 2 Nov 2026. Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Opens Jan 1, 2027 (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours before the 1 Jan 2027 deadline. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, International Visegrad Fund will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Visegrad Scholarship Program deadline & application timeline

Working backwards from the sponsor's stated deadline (Opens Jan 1, 2027). Dates assume a smooth, single-attempt timeline — start earlier where you can.

12 months out
6 Jan 2026
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
5 Jul 2026
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
3 Oct 2026
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
2 Dec 2026
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
1 Jan 2027
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Visegrad Scholarship Program?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters, PhD level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by International Visegrad Fund, and be able to relocate to the host country for the duration of the programme.

Is the Visegrad Scholarship Program fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Opens Jan 1, 2027. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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