The program is jointly funded by the International Visegrad Fund and the Western Balkans Fund to support short academic mobility between the V4 and WB6 regions. Citizens of V4 countries undertake stays at WB6 institutions, while citizens of WB6 countries go to V4 institutions.
Fellows spend 2 to 10 weeks conducting or joining research, teaching at higher-education level, or working with materials in public archives or libraries. The third call closed in May 2026, and its fellowships are implemented from September 2026 through June 2027.
Benefits & funding
- A lump-sum scholarship of €500 per week, paid in two instalments: about 80% after confirmed arrival and the remainder after the summary report.
- An optional travel grant based on estimated costs, capped at €500 and available only when requested.
- A 2–10-week stay at a relevant host such as a university, research body, archive, library, or laboratory.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be full-time doctoral students or holders of a doctoral degree, regardless of current affiliation.
- Citizens of Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia must select a host in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia.
- Citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia must select a host in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, or Slovakia.
- The host type is flexible but must be relevant to the proposed fellowship activity.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
Albania · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Czechia · Hungary · Kosovo · Montenegro · North Macedonia · Poland · Serbia · Slovakia
Education required
PhD Enrolled · PhD
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Application process
- 1Identify a relevant host institution in the eligible destination region and agree on the activity and exact 2–10-week period.
- 2Prepare a valid ID scan; a doctoral diploma with an English translation when needed or proof of doctoral enrollment; an English invitation signed or stamped by the host; and an English recommendation.
- 3Create and submit the application through My Visegrad during the call period, requesting the optional travel grant if needed.
Program timeline
Applications opened.
13 April 2026, 12:00 PM
Application deadline.
17 May 2026, 12:00 PM
The Western Balkans Fund announced 51 selected fellows.
12 June 2026
Fellowship implementation period.
September 2026–June 2027