The Zois Scholarship supports high-achieving students in Slovenia with excellent academic, research, development or artistic results.
It is available to eligible secondary school students, university students and adult learners.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, applications opened on August 3, 2026.
- Secondary school deadline: September 30, 2026
- University student deadline: October 30, 2026
International students should note that third-country nationals generally need long-term resident status in Slovenia. Admission to a Slovenian university alone is not enough.
Zois Scholarship at a Glance
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Zois Scholarship |
| Country | Slovenia |
| Academic year | 2026/2027 |
| Study levels | Secondary school, university and eligible adult education |
| Main focus | Outstanding achievements and academic performance |
| New application opens | August 3, 2026 |
| Secondary school deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| University student deadline | October 30, 2026 |
| University scholarship amount | €176.12 per month |
| University study abroad amount | €352.25 per month |
| Secondary school amount | €150.96 per month |
| Secondary school abroad amount | €301.92 per month |
| Accommodation supplement | €100.64 |
| Special-needs supplement | €62.90 |
| Application | Online/eUprava and other accepted application routes |
| Official administrator | Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia |
What Is the Zois Scholarship?
The Zois Scholarship rewards students with outstanding results in:
- Knowledge
- Research
- Development
- The arts
It focuses on achievement and academic performance rather than financial need.
Applicants usually need:
- At least one qualifying achievement
- The required grades or ranking
- The correct student status
- Enrollment in an approved programme
- Any other required conditions
Students may apply when moving to a new education level or, in some cases, a higher year at the same level.
Who Can Apply for the Zois Scholarship?
The scholarship is available to eligible:
- Secondary school students
- University students
- Adult education participants
Applicants must also meet the citizenship or residence rules, academic requirements and achievement requirements.
Can International Students Apply?
Not all international students qualify.
A third-country national may qualify if they have long-term resident status in Slovenia.
The Fund also lists rules for:
- Slovenian citizens
- EU citizens
- Qualifying family members
- Migrant workers
- Cross-border workers
Can Nigerians Apply?
Nigerian students are third-country nationals.
They generally need long-term resident status in Slovenia to meet the citizenship requirement.
Without this status, they are not eligible.
A Nigerian student with the required status may qualify if they meet all other conditions.
Zois Scholarship Academic Requirements
The academic requirement depends on the student’s education level.
First-Year Secondary School Students
Students entering secondary school after primary school need a grade average of at least 4.70.
This is based on their final ninth-year primary school grades.
Second-Year and Higher Secondary School Students
These students generally need a grade average of at least 4.10 from the previous school year.
First-Year University Students
Applicants must meet one of these requirements:
- A final secondary school grade average of at least 4.10, or
- A Golden Matura
They must also show the required outstanding achievement.
University Students in Their Second Year or Higher
These students generally need:
- A grade average of at least 8.50, or
- A ranking in the top 5% of their generation
They must also meet the achievement requirement.
Outstanding Achievement Requirement
High grades alone are not enough.
Applicants must show at least one qualifying achievement in knowledge, research, development or the arts.
The Fund decides which achievements qualify.
Achievements may be individual or group achievements involving up to five members. Each achievement can be used only once.
How Much Is the Zois Scholarship?
The amount depends on the student’s education level and study location.
Zois Scholarship Amounts
| Student category | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Secondary school student in Slovenia | €150.96 |
| Secondary school student abroad | €301.92 |
| University student in Slovenia | €176.12 |
| University student abroad | €352.25 |
| Accommodation supplement | €100.64 |
| Special-needs supplement | €62.90 |
How to Apply for the Zois Scholarship
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the requirements for:
- Citizenship or residence
- Student status
- Academic performance
- Outstanding achievement
- Study programme
- Other conditions
Good grades alone are not enough.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare documents proving your:
- Academic results
- Outstanding achievements
- Citizenship or residence
- Enrollment
- Other required information
Check the public call for the exact document list.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Applications can be submitted through official channels, including Moja eUprava.
Electronic applications require an e-identity, such as:
- A qualified digital certificate
- smsPASS
- An electronic identity card
For minors, a legal representative must apply.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your application before the correct deadline:
- Secondary school students: September 30, 2026
- University students: October 30, 2026
What Happens After You Apply?
The Fund checks whether:
- The application is complete
- All documents are included
- The applicant meets the general conditions
- The academic and achievement requirements are met
The Fund may request missing documents.
A strong academic record cannot replace a missing eligibility requirement.
Can You Receive the Zois Scholarship With Another Scholarship?
The Zois Scholarship cannot be combined with:
- The Ad futura Scholarship for education
- The Scholarship for Slovenians Abroad and Worldwide
Since the 2024/2025 academic year, it can be combined with a state scholarship.
It may also be combined with:
- A company scholarship, if allowed
- A shortage-occupation scholarship
- Certain Ad futura support
Always check the rules of the other scholarship.
How to Continue Receiving the Zois Scholarship
You must apply for continuation each year.
You generally need to:
- Enroll in a higher year
- Meet the academic or achievement requirement
- Submit the continuation application on time
The Fund lists these minimum grade averages:
- Secondary school: 4.10
- University: 8.50
An approved outstanding achievement may also satisfy the continuation requirement.
Is the Zois Scholarship Fully Funded?
No.
The scholarship provides a monthly payment and possible supplements.
It does not automatically cover:
- Full tuition
- Accommodation
- Flights
- All living costs
- Every study expense
Calculate your total costs separately.
Is the Zois Scholarship Worth Applying For?
It can help students with strong grades and exceptional achievements.
However, international students must check the residence rules first.
Third-country nationals without long-term resident status in Slovenia generally do not qualify.
Where to Apply for the Zois Scholarship
Use the official Slovenian Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund and the eUprava system.
Official Zois Scholarship information: Zois Scholarships – Official SRIPS Website
Application information: Zois Scholarship Applications
Read the latest public call before applying. Requirements and amounts may change.
FAQs
What is the Zois Scholarship?
It supports eligible students with excellent academic results and outstanding achievements.
How much does it pay?
The amount is:
- €150.96 per month for secondary school students in Slovenia
- €176.12 per month for university students in Slovenia
Higher amounts apply to eligible students studying abroad.
What is the deadline?
The deadlines are:
- September 30, 2026: Secondary school students
- October 30, 2026: University students
Can Nigerians apply?
Only if they meet the third-country national rules, including the required long-term resident status in Slovenia.
Do I need an outstanding achievement?
Yes.nGood grades alone are not enough.
What GPA do university students need?
Students in their second year or higher generally need:
- A grade average of at least 8.50, or
- A top-5% ranking
They also need an outstanding achievement.
Can I receive the Zois Scholarship with a state scholarship?
Yes, since the 2024/2025 academic year, subject to the applicable rules.
Can I continue the scholarship next year?
Yes, if you apply for continuation and meet the academic or achievement requirements.
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