Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ). If your question(s) has not been answered in this page, please email us.

Eligibility
I'm from country X, can I apply?
Anyone with any nationality currently studying in Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia can apply for the award. 

I do not have an academic background in astronomy, can I still apply?
Yes, but be clear in describing how your skills and knowledge match the projects you have selected.

I'm a PhD student already, can I apply?
No. The award is only open to Bachelor and Master students.

Do I need to be in partner country for the entire duration of the project?
Applicants should plan to be in the partner country the full time between the start of July and end-September. However, you are welcome to apply should you have restricted availability. Exceptions may be possible for exams and interviews. Indicate any restrictions to your availability in the motivation letter. If your availability changes after you submit your application, please let us know by email.

I will finish my Masters studies before the program starts/ends. Can I still apply?
Yes

Timeline
What are the precise start and end dates for Visegrad - IAU Award program 2023?
The program will run from July 1 to September 30. 

When will you make offers?
We expect to announce the outcome of the selection process and issue first offers by mid-May, 2023.

Applying & Application Materials
Are late applications accepted?
No, late applications will not be accepted. The online submission system will close and you will not be able to upload your application. We encourage everyone to start early to avoid last minute troubles with the system.

Can I apply by email?
No. We only accept submissions via our online applications system available here.

Applications are carried out through the application form.

Should my motivation letter describing my interests have a specific structure?
No specific structure is required. Be sure to highlight how your skills and interests apply to your chosen projects and list examples of other projects in which you have been involved.

What should I do if I have uploaded the wrong document?
You can submit another application until the deadline. 

Projects
Do you accept more than one student for a given project?
No. Each project is for one student only.

English Proficiency
Do I need an exam like TOEFL, GRE, or IELTS to prove my English proficiency?
No. If you have one, feel free to mention it in your Curriculum Vitae, but we do not require a paid test to judge your English skills. Your English will be assessed from your cover letter.

Accomodation & Travel
What is provided in terms of accommodation?
Each hosting institution will assist incoming students in finding accommodation. The institution will ensure that several people, in addition to the supervisor, are responsible for the student. This includes one support staff, one staff member, one junior researcher (PhD/PostDoc) and one student (applicable only to the institutions that have their own students). These people shall be the contact points of the visiting student during the visit.

If your question has not been answered in this FAQ, please email us with your question.