U.S. Embassy Slovakia is currently accepting applications for its Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About U.S. Embassy - Slovakia Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship Program
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship Program is a prestigious, fully funded summer exchange program designed for high school students from the Slovak Republic.
Implemented by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava, the program brings together students from Europe and the United States to explore shared democratic values, leadership, and international cooperation
Benefits of U.S. Embassy - Slovakia Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship Program
- All program costs will be covered by the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava and the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs, including visa fees, round-trip international travel to the United States, lodging, educational materials, ground transportation expenses, and travel insurance.
- Participants will travel to the United States on J-1 visas and will have to be able to meet all visa and travel requirements applicable at the time of departure.
U.S. Embassy - Slovakia Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship Program Requirements
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered.
Eligible candidates must:
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Be Slovak citizens or legal permanent residents of the Slovak Republic
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Be born between June 23, 2008, and June 23, 2010
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Be enrolled in a high school in Slovakia in fall 2026
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Demonstrate strong English-language proficiency
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Show leadership potential and active involvement in school or community activities
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Have a clear interest in democracy, civic engagement, and transatlantic relations
Preference is given to students with little or no prior travel or study experience in the United States.
Application Date and Process
- Complete the application form in its entirety using this link , including the essay questions. Candidates may wish to write their essays separately first before filling out the application form to prevent any lost work in the event of connectivity issues while applying.
- OPTIONAL: Letter of Recommendation - Applicants may also identify one recent teacher or community leader who can speak about their qualifications, skills, and fit for the program. The Letter of Recommendation must be in English and submitted by end of day February 13, 2026 using this link .
- The U.S. Embassy in Bratislava will review the applications and invite finalists for a virtual interview in late February 2026. Students will be evaluated based on the merit of their application. We will prioritize students that have no experience in the United States.
- We will contact ONLY those students selected for a virtual interview. Please check your email regularly for updates.
- The U.S. Embassy in Bratislava will nominate one primary and one alternate candidate, whose application will move forward to Washington, D.C. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State will make a final decision on candidate selection later in the spring.
If you have trouble filling out the application form or have any questions, please email us at [email protected]
Please make sure that you submit your application by February 13, 2026! The application form will close after the deadline.
Application Deadline
13 February, 2026
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U.S. Embassy - Slovakia Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship Program
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