Education Ministry: Students Can Apply for Martin Filko Scholarship Until 12 May

Bratislava, April 22 (TASR) - Slovak students who are applying to, have been accepted by, or are already studying at prestigious foreign universities can once again apply for the Martin Filko Scholarship, TASR has learnt from the Education Ministry's communications department. The scholarship takes the form of an interest-free loan that doesn't have to be repaid if the recipients fulfil the condition of working in public administration after graduating. "We want talented young people to return to Slovakia after finishing their studies at prestigious universities. The Martin Filko scholarship is a tool to motivate them to work for our state and bring new ideas and examples of good practice," said Education Minister Tomas Drucker (Voice-SD). The ministry noted that the level of the scholarship depends on the length of the commitment to work in public administration. Students can receive €25,000 for 24 months, up to €50,000 for 36 months, and more than €50,000 if they work in public administration for at least 48 months. "The aim of the scholarship is to attract graduates from the best foreign universities to work in public administration in order to enhance the creation of public policies," stated the Education Ministry. Meanwhile, the universities must be ranked within the top 200 in the Shanghai Ranking (ARWU 2024) or RePEc. "Preferred fields of study include economics, mathematics, statistics and public policy. Nine posts in public administration are available under the current call," the ministry added. lin/df