Slovenia
2 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodOctober StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Public Scholarship Fund of the Republic of Slovenia offers up to two grants for full-time research/study.
Proposals are welcomed from well-qualified candidates at all degree levels with established relations at the host institution. Proposals in all disciplines: arts, humanities, and social sciences, as well as in the fields of science and technology will be accepted.
Grantees will conduct independent research projects at Slovenian universities and/or research institutions.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants begin in October and end in June.
Orientation
All grantees are required to attend a pre-departure orientation in June or July as a condition of their grant. The event is organized by IIE, virtual or in-person.
Candidate Profile
Graduate-level students (Master's and above) who are able and willing to undertake very independent research projects in their degree field are preferred.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Slovenia, the land “on the sunny side of the Alps,” has something to offer everyone. Roughly the size of New Jersey and with more than 2 million people, Slovenia has a wealth of mountains, vineyards, caves, rolling hills, and waterfalls. The first former Yugoslav republic to become independent, Slovenia is a member of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and enjoys a high standard of living. With good infrastructure, a highly educated workforce, and a deep commitment to democratic values, Slovenia is an ancient land with a modern outlook.
Life for Fulbrighters in Slovenia can be quite varied and rich, depending on personal interests and professional engagements. Slovenia’s compact size allows for a diverse daily experience, from beach outings to mountain skiing within the same day and its central location in Europe is great for travel. The climate varies from Mediterranean on the coast to continental and Alpine, ensuring a wide range of weather patterns and outdoor activities throughout the year.
The country is known for its welcoming people, a strong economy, and a high quality of life, making it a secure and relatively affordable place to live. Housing is relatively affordable, especially outside city centers, and the country boasts a well-organized public transportation system that facilitates travel within and across its borders. The cost of living is generally lower than in major US cities. Healthcare services are generally accessible and of a high standard, however, it’s advisable to have travel or health insurance that covers medical expenses which are significantly lower than in the United States. The country’s educational system supports international families with good international schools, especially in Ljubljana, offering various international curricula.
As the capital city, Ljubljana offers a blend of cultural heritage, the city’s size makes it easy to navigate. The city is also known for its green spaces and café culture. English is widely spoken, especially among younger people and the academic community. This environment can provide a supportive and inspiring setting for research, study, and personal growth.
Slovenia is home to fifteen higher education institutions, which cover all fields of study, including three public universities (incorporating forty-one faculties, three art academies, and four professional colleges) and a number of private higher education institutions. The University of Ljubljana, the University of Maribor, the University of Primorska, and the University of Nova Gorica are the four major universities in Slovenia.
Academic Calendar:
Semester One: beginning of October - middle of January
Semester Two: middle of February - end of May
More information about Slovenia is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Eligibility
12 Months
Dual citizens of this country are eligible.
Residency in host country not permitted in year prior to grant.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
Visa Requirements
For periods exceeding 90 days and up to one year, the most appropriate visa for Fulbright participants is the “Visa D”. This visa is issued to persons entering the Republic of Slovenia for specific, legislatively prescribed purposes: education, family reunification, diplomatic accreditation, business people or academics because of the national interest, professional athletes and coaches, reporters and priests or humanitarian workers.
However, grantees coming to Slovenia with dependents do not fall under the above category, and must apply for a Residency permit.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information: Original, strong academic research by U.S. Fulbright students in Slovenia in the humanities and social sciences cannot be carried out without a strong working knowledge of the Slovenian language, as the availability of primary data in these fields in English is not generally available. Knowledge of Slovenian language is less of an issue for projects in the field of fine arts, music, and photography. For candidates in these fields, knowledge of the Slovenian language is not required.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter recommended but not required at deadline
Preliminary contacts and letters of affiliation from host institutions are desired, but not required, at the time of application. However, U.S. Fulbrighters must submit evidence of an affiliation at least three months before arriving in Slovenia.
Universities are organized according to the European system. Below are the websites of Slovenian public universities:
For information about research institutes or other independent/private institutions, contact the U.S. Embassy in Slovenia.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
- Local transportation allowance
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
The stipend covers daily expenses and housing expenses in Slovenia.
Dependents
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Grant Amounts & Housing Allowance
The Slovenian Government provides a local currency stipend toward the cost of housing.
Grant Amounts:
Full-Time Research or Study Grants for U.S. Students:
- Monthly stipend of €850 (starting in the 2023– 24 program) for nine months (October–June). This is a supplementary grant for housing allowance.