Purpose and Scope
The Visegrad Fellowships aim to support short-term mobility of scholars, lecturers, and researchers (Fellows) within the Visegrad Group (V4) countries: Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Fellows can also include Ukrainian citizens. Fellows must conduct their research, teaching, or study activities in a V4 country that is different from their country of citizenship and residence. Eligible host institutions include accredited public or private higher education institutions, public archives, and research or development institutions.

Eligibility

• Fellowships are for 2–10 weeks. During this time, Fellows can:
  • Conduct or participate in in-person research projects
  • Give lectures or seminars at a higher education level
  • Study or review specific materials in public archives or libraries
• Applicants may submit only one application per deadline.
• Eligible candidates:
  • Full-time doctoral students, or
  • Independent researchers/lecturers holding a doctoral degree.

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted online via the My Visegrad portal and include scans of:
  1. Valid ID
  2. Doctoral degree or proof of enrollment in doctoral studies
  3. Letter of invitation from the host institution, detailing the fellowship period, research/lecture plans, and expected outcomes
  4. Letter of recommendation from the home institution or an expert (for unaffiliated applicants)

Selection and Approval

• Applications can be submitted between January 1–May 31 and September 1–November 30 each year, though the Fund may close the application periods early.
• The Fund reviews eligibility, evaluates academic credentials, the proposal’s clarity, justification, and added regional value.
• Selection considers disciplinary balance, budget constraints, and applicants’ citizenship countries.
• Decisions (approval, rejection, or recommendation for modification) are final and communicated in writing within 20 working days.

Contracting, Payment, and Reporting

• Approved Fellows confirm their personal and contract data online, after which they receive the contract to sign and return.
• Fellowship funding is disbursed in two tranches:
  1. First tranche upon submission of a host-confirmed arrival
  2. Second tranche after the Fund approves a Final Report, confirmed by the host
• Fellows must acknowledge the Fund’s support in all publications or outputs, clearly mentioning “Visegrad Fellowships” or “International Visegrad Fund”.
• Fellows who fail to fulfill their duties or voluntarily terminate the fellowship must return all received funding.

Legal and Administrative Notes

• These rules are effective upon approval by the Council of Ambassadors.