Are you considering to apply for National Scholarship Programme? In the following article, our scholarship recipient shares his experience with the National Scholarship Programme in Slovakia. He provides practical advice, useful tips, and insights to help future applicants navigate the process smoothly. From visa applications to settling in, his journey offers valuable guidance for those planning to study or research in Slovakia.

in front of Slovak Academy of SciencesCan you introduce yourself? Where are you from, and what is your academic background?
I am Rohit Sharma, a PhD scholar in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. My research focuses on the development of automated geospatial tools for river morphology analysis and mapping intricate riverine features. I use open-source platforms such as Quantum-GIS (QGIS), Python, and Google Earth Engine (GEE) to analyze river dynamics and water resource management.

I hold a B.Tech in Civil Engineering and a Master's degree in Remote Sensing and GIS. My research interests revolve around spatial data analysis, hydrological modeling, and applying geospatial techniques to sustainable water resource management.

How did you find out about the National Scholarship Programme that brought you to Slovakia?
I learned about the National Scholarship Programme (NSP) through my seniors in the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Roorkee. Two of my seniors had previously received this scholarship, and they introduced me to this opportunity. 

They also guided me through the application process, helping me understand eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and best practices for a successful application.

What was the process of applying for the scholarship like? Any key steps or challenges?
The first step in applying for the scholarship was finding a professor or researcher in Slovakia whose work aligned with my research interests. It took me a few weeks to create a list of potential researchers from various institutions. I then reached out via email, introducing myself and explaining my research. Many responded positively, and even if they couldn’t host me, they suggested other researchers who might be available. A key challenge was ensuring that my emails didn’t end up in spam. I recommend sending follow-up emails if you don’t receive a response. It’s also important to introduce yourself clearly and attach a well-structured research proposal. Since SAIA follows a strict application calendar, I advise future applicants to connect with researchers well in advance to avoid a last-minute rush.

Devín castleDid you need a visa to come to Slovakia? If so, what was the process like and what challenges did you face?
Yes, if you are traveling from India to Slovakia for a long-term stay, you need a Type D (National) Schengen Visa. The comprehensive details about the required documents and application process are available on the Slovak Embassy website (https://www.mzv.sk/en/web/dilli-en/services/national-visa) . The process starts with gathering the necessary documents, and once you have them, you can submit a visa application to the Slovak Embassy. The first step is to send an email to the embassy requesting an appointment. Since the embassy receives a high volume of applications, it is important to be patient and follow up on the same email thread instead of sending multiple separate emails. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the requirement for hard copies of all key documents. While SAIA directly sends the scholarship confirmation documents to the embassy, applicants must ensure that their host university couriers a hard copy of the invitation letter to avoid delays. Initially, I struggled to understand this requirement, but once I received the letter and informed the embassy, they scheduled my visa appointment for the very next day. After the appointment, the process went smoothly, and to my surprise, my visa was approved the very next day—a big appreciation to the embassy for their efficiency!

What documents were required for the visa application? Was there anything unexpected or particularly difficult?
As mentioned earlier, the comprehensive list of required documents is available on the Slovak Embassy website. In my case, my host university arranged my accommodation, so this was explicitly mentioned in my invitation letter, which simplified the process. For financial proof, I submitted my bank account statement for the last three months. The visa application form must be filled out online using the E-ZOV Application Form (https://ezov.mzv.sk/e-zov/ ). One challenge was understanding that "original documents" meant physical hard copies. The embassy does not accept digital copies of the invitation letter, even if sent from the host university’s official email. A big cheers to my host university, the Institute of Geography of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, for arranging a faster delivery of the document, which helped me get my appointment without delays.

How long did it take to get the visa approved? Any tips for future applicants to make the process smoother?
My visa was approved in just one day after my appointment. Since my stay was supposed to start from February 1st, and I only got my visa appointment in the last week of January, I was short on time. I appreciate the Slovak Embassy for processing my visa quickly. However, I highly recommend future applicants apply at least a month in advance to avoid last-minute delays. An early visa approval also allows you to book flight tickets in advance at a better fare.

How did you arrange your accommodation in Slovakia? Was it easy to find housing?
I requested my supervisor at the university, and they arranged accommodation for me in the university dormitory. This made the process very easy, as I did not have to search for housing on my own.

National Slovak TheatreHow did you travel to Slovakia? Were there any issues with booking flights or arranging transportation?
I travelled via Etihad Airways. There are limited direct flights to Bratislava from India, so the best option is to fly to Vienna and then take a bus or train to Bratislava. Vienna Airport has direct buses to Bratislava at regular intervals, making the journey easy. For those looking for a direct flight from New Delhi to Vienna, Air India operates this route, but it is not available daily, so checking the schedule in advance is recommended.

What were the biggest challenges you faced before arriving in Slovakia?
The biggest challenge was getting the visa on time, but once it was approved, everything else went smoothly. Since I arrived in winter, I also had to prepare for the cold weather. Additionally, as a vegetarian, I brought necessary food items with me to make cooking easier.

Once you arrived, was there anything that surprised you about the administrative process?
Since my accommodation was pre-arranged, registering for it was easy. I chose Union Health Insurance, which took two weeks to be approved, so I highly recommend arriving with at least one month of travel insurance. For my bank account, I initially went to Tatra Banka, where I had to wait a week for an appointment, plus another week for approval. Later, I went to Fio Banka, where my account was opened the next day.

What do you wish you had known before coming to Slovakia?
There wasn’t anything in particular that I felt unprepared for, but a few things could have made the transition smoother.
• Weather Preparation: Arriving in winter can be challenging, especially for someone not used to cold temperatures. Having proper winter clothing and essentials beforehand would have helped.
• Banking Process: Knowing that different banks have different processing times would have been useful. If I had known earlier that Fio Banka offers quicker account setup, I could have saved time.
• Health Insurance Approval Time: Since Union Health Insurance takes around two weeks to be approved, I would have arranged for longer travel insurance in advance instead of realizing it upon arrival.
• Grocery and Food Availability: While vegetarian food options are available, bringing some essential food items from home is helpful, especially for those with dietary preferences.

in front of Slovak Academy of SciencesDo you have any advice for future scholarship recipients?
Here are a few key pieces of advice for future scholarship recipients to ensure a smooth transition and stay in Slovakia:
• Start the Visa Process Early: The visa process can take time, and unexpected delays may arise. Try to secure your appointment at least a month in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Ensure Hard Copies of Required Documents: If the embassy requests an "original document," it means a physical hard copy, not a digital copy. Make sure your host university sends the invitation letter via courier well in advance.
• Be Prepared for the Weather: If you are arriving in winter, pack appropriate winter clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly.
• Plan Your Banking Wisely: Opening a bank account may take time, depending on the bank. Tatra Banka required an appointment and took over a week for approval, whereas Fio Banka opened my account the next day. Consider checking multiple branches to find the one with the earliest available appointment.
• Health Insurance Approval Takes Time: Union Health Insurance, recommended by SAIA, usually takes about two weeks for approval. It’s advisable to have travel insurance for at least a month upon arrival to ensure continuous coverage.
• Google Translate is Your Best Friend: The local language is Slovak, and while many people speak English in academic settings, you may often need Google Translate for daily tasks like shopping, banking, and administrative work. Keeping it handy will save you a lot of time.
• Grocery Shopping and Food Preferences: If you follow a vegetarian diet, bring some essential food items from home, as options may be limited in certain areas.
• Be Patient and Follow Up on Emails: Whether it’s with the embassy, banks, or administrative offices, responses may take time. Always follow up on the same email thread instead of sending multiple separate emails to keep communication clear and efficient. By preparing in advance and keeping these tips in mind, future scholarship recipients can avoid common hurdles and focus more on their research and experience in Slovakia.

in front of SlavínLooking back, what was the most difficult part of the entire process?
The most difficult part of the entire process was navigating the visa application and ensuring all required documents were in order. Understanding the requirement for original hard copies and coordinating with my host university to get the invitation letter couriered took some time. Since my visa appointment was scheduled at the last minute, I had very little room for delays, which made the process stressful. Another challenge was opening a bank account, as some banks required an appointment and had long processing times. While Tatra Banka took over a week for approval, switching to Fio Banka helped speed up the process, as my account was opened the very next day. Additionally, language barriers in day-to-day activities were sometimes challenging. While academic interactions were in English, handling local administrative processes, banking, and shopping required Google  frequently. Despite these challenges, once the visa was approved and the initial formalities were completed, everything else went smoothly. The overallexperience has been rewarding and enriching, and these initial difficulties were just part of the learning curve.

Would you recommend this scholarship program to others?
Yes, definitely! The National Scholarship Programme (NSP) of Slovakia is a great opportunity for PhD students and researchers to gain international exposure, collaborate with experts, and work in a well-equipped research environment. The program provides financial support, making it easier to focus on research without financial concerns. Despite the initial challenges with the visa process and administrative tasks, the overall experience has been highly rewarding. I would strongly recommend this scholarship to anyone looking for global research opportunities and academic collaboration in Slovakia.

Sandberg, BratislavaWhat advice would you give for adapting to life in Slovakia?
Adapting to life in Slovakia can be a smooth and enjoyable experience if you keep a few things in mind:
• Adjust to the Early Work Culture: Most activities start early, around 7 AM, and evenings, especially after 7 or 8 PM, tend to be quiet. Temperatures drop significantly after sunset, particularly in winter. It’s best to start your day early to make the most of your time.
• Cooking is a Great Skill to Have: Enjoying home-cooked meals is a great way to adapt, especially if you have specific dietary preferences. Vegetarian options are available but can be limited, so bringing essential ingredients from home can be helpful.
• Get a Long-Term Bus Pass: Public transport is well-organized, and getting a long-term bus pass is much cheaper than buying individual tickets for each trip. It will make traveling around the city much more convenient.
• Explore the City and Surroundings: Weekends are free, so make the most of them by exploring the beautiful locations Slovakia has to offer. The country has a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, making it perfect for short trips.
• Carry Coins for Initial Days: Digital payments may not be accepted everywhere, so having some cash, especially coins, is useful for small transactions, such as buying bus tickets. I was fortunate that a kind local helped me buy my very first bus ticket upon arrival. The people here are very helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed. With an open mindset and a bit of preparation, adapting to life in Slovakia can be a great experience, both professionally and personally.