Doctoral studies / Funding & Support

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Žilina is committed to providing its students and researchers with strong financial and academic support throughout their studies. Doctoral candidates can benefit from full scholarships, extra research grants, travel and mobility programs, and project-based funding, enabling them to focus on their scientific work and professional development towards academia and industry.

In addition to financial assistance, the faculty offers a wide range of support services, including access to modern laboratories, mentoring by experienced supervisors, opportunities for participation in international projects, and guidance in preparing research proposals. Collaboration with industrial partners further opens possibilities for applied research funding and career development.

Our goal is to ensure that every student has the resources, opportunities, and support needed to succeed in their studies and to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science and technology.

Pursuing a PhD. study or a research stay at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT), part of the University of Žilina, combines strong research infrastructure with an affordable and high-quality living environment. Žilina is an ideal location for early-career researchers who seek academic focus without the financial pressure typical of large metropolitan areas.

Accommodation options

PhD candidates and visiting researchers in Žilina benefit from flexible and reasonably priced housing:

• University accommodation (subject to availability) offers a cost-effective and convenient option close to campus
• Private apartments or shared flats are widely available in walking or short commuting distance
• Rental prices remain significantly lower than in Bratislava, Prague, or Vienna, allowing researchers to live independently on standard PhD. or project-based funding

For additional information, please visit:

https://www.uniza.sk/index.php/en/study/practical-informations/accommodation

Daily living and food

Everyday expenses in Žilina are well aligned with doctoral stipends and research salaries:

• University canteens provide affordable, balanced meals
• Numerous restaurants and cafés offer good-quality food at moderate prices
• Groceries and basic services are easily accessible and reasonably priced

For additional information, please visit:

https://www.uniza.sk/index.php/en/employees/general-information/dining-system

Transportation and accessibility

Žilina is a compact and researcher-friendly city, allowing efficient mobility across Central Europe:

• Most FEIT buildings are reachable by public transport, bicycle, or on foot from main bus/train stations
• Public transport is inexpensive and reliable
• Excellent rail connections provide easy access to Bratislava, Prague, Vienna, and other European cities

For additional information, please visit:

https://www.uniza.sk/index.php/en/study/practical-informations/transport or https://zilina.sk/,

Healthcare and administrative support

International PhD. students and researchers have access to:

• Public healthcare services under Slovak and EU regulations
• Affordable private healthcare options if preferred
• University and faculty-level administrative support for residence permits, insurance, and onboarding

Many practical information can be found at:

https://www.uniza.sk/document/WELCOME-GUIDE.pdf

Research-life balance

Living in Žilina offers more than affordability:

• Immediate access to nature, mountains, and outdoor activities supports work-life balance
• A calm environment conducive to focused research and writing
• Active academic and international community at FEIT UNIZA

The city provides a quiet yet intellectually stimulating atmosphere, with many leisure options

To find more, please visit: https://www.uniza.sk/index.php/studenti/studentsky-zivot/studentske-organizacie and https://zilinskyturistickykraj.sk/en/homepage/

Overall cost of living advantage

Žilina consistently ranks among the most affordable university cities in Slovakia, making FEIT UNIZA an attractive destination for:

• PhD candidates on national or international funding schemes
• Visiting researchers and postdoctoral fellows
• Long-term international research staff

The combination of reasonable living costs, strong research groups, and access to funding opportunities makes FEIT UNIZA a strategic choice for doctoral studies and international research collaboration.

Welcome to the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Žilina! We are committed to making your arrival and stay in Slovakia as smooth as possible. Through our support services, including guidance, we help international students navigate key administrative steps such as visas, residence permits, health insurance, and more.

EU Visa, Entry and Residence

For EU/EEA/Swiss nationals

• If you plan to stay in Slovakia for less than 3 months, you may only need to declare your stay at the foreign police office
• For stays longer than 3 months, you can register your residence with the Foreign Police within 10 working days of arrival

For non-EU (third-country) nationals

• If your stay will be longer than 90 days (e.g., for a degree programme), you must apply for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of study
• Required documents often include: a completed application form, a valid passport, confirmation of study (admission letter), proof of financial resources, and a criminal record extract
• After arrival, you report your stay to the Foreign Police and submit any required documents to receive your residence card

Helpful resources on entry conditions:

🌐 https://www.euraxess.sk/slovakia/information-assistance/visa-entry-conditions-residence-permit

🌐 https://www.euraxess.sk/slovakia/information-assistance/entry-conditions-residence-permit/third-country-nationals

🌐 https://www.researchinslovakia.saia.sk/en/main/welcome/visa-and-entry-conditions/sprievodca-pobytom-cudzincov/

Taxes and income taxation

International students and researchers may be subject to Slovak income tax, depending on the source and type of income. There several key principles that need to be followed:

• Tax residency is generally determined by length of stay and centre of economic interests
• Income earned in Slovakia (employment, research contracts) is typically taxable in Slovakia
• Scholarships may be tax-exempt, depending on the funding source and legal framework
• Slovakia has double taxation treaties with many countries to avoid being taxed twice on the same income

Practical support:

• UNIZA provides guidance on tax registration and annual tax obligations where applicable
• Payroll taxes for employees are handled automatically by the university
• For more complex cases, students and researchers are advised to consult a tax office or professional advisor

Information on tax rules are available in:

🌐 https://www.euraxess.sk/slovakia/information-assistance/taxation

Important: Tax obligations vary individually. FEIT UNIZA provides guidance, but final responsibility lies with the individual taxpayer in accordance with Slovak law.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all students staying in Slovakia, and you normally need proof of coverage when applying for a residence permit. There are two main types of health insurance:

• Public health insurance (for those eligible, e.g., scholarship holders under certain programs)
• Private (commercial) health insurance before or after arrival

For many scholarship holders (including national or EU-funded schemes), public health insurance may be available for the duration of the scholarship without extra cost.

More details are available at:

🌐 https://www.euraxess.sk/slovakia/information-assistance/health-insurance

Social security and welfare

For non-EU nationals planning longer stays or employment, social security coverage (sickness, pension) may be determined by bilateral agreements between Slovakia and your home country.

Note: this varies by nationality, so check whether an agreement applies to you to understand your entitlements and obligations.

Information can be found at:

🌐 https://www.euraxess.sk/slovakia/information-assistance/social-security/social-security-third-country-nationals

Travelling to Slovakia

Travel to Slovakia is convenient and accessible by rail, road, air, and river transport. As a developed Central European country, Slovakia offers a modern and reliable transportation infrastructure that supports both domestic and international mobility.

The country has a well-developed railway network spanning approximately 3,600 km, providing efficient connections between major cities and neighbouring European countries. The highway and expressway system, extending over 480 km, ensures comfortable road access for private and public transport.

The main international gateway is M. R. Štefánik Airport in the capital city of Bratislava, offering regular connections to key European hubs. Additional international and regional airports further support air travel within the country.

Slovakia is also connected to European inland waterways. The Danube River represents the most important waterway, serving both passenger transport and cargo freight, and linking Slovakia with major European river ports.

Travelling information are available:

🌐 https://www.researchinslovakia.saia.sk/en/main/welcome/travelling-to-slovakia-transport/

On-Campus support & practical help

The University of Žilina, through our international/administrative support teams, also provides tailored assistance to help you:

• Understand visa and residence permit applications
• Prepare and check your documentation
• Navigate health insurance arrangements
• Learn about tax obligations and social security
• Settle into Žilina and access local support services

We can also direct you to relevant external partners - including our local EURAXESS service points - which offer free guidance to researchers, scholars, and students on mobility and legal requirements.

General information:

🌐 https://www.euraxess.sk/

and/or

🌐 https://www.uniza.sk/index.php/zamestnanci/rast-zamestnancov/euraxess-centrum

Keep in Mind

• Always start your residence permit processes well in advance of your planned arrival
• Maintain valid health insurance coverage from the first day of your stay
• EU/EEA/Swiss nationals have simplified procedures but still need to register longer stays with authorities
• Non-EU nationals should consult their nearest Slovak embassy or consulate for pre-arrival residence permits

For personalized guidance, contact the International Office or visit the EURAXESS portal - the official one-stop resource for researchers and international students in Europe:

🌐 https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/

🌐 https://www.researchinslovakia.saia.sk/

For further information, please contact silvia.pirnikova@uniza.sk .