Global Fellowships

About Global Fellowships:

ASEF Global Fellowships program is a two-year program. The purpose of the fellowship is to strengthen research and study exchange between Slovenia and other countries to give talented Slovenian students the ability to realize their potential to the fullest.

In the first year of the program, junior fellows do a 10-week research visit at a world-leading institution, collaborating directly with distinguished slovenian mentors in their field of expertise. Additionally, in the second year, Junior Fellows engage in activities organized by ASEF, including the tutorial program, research projects and collaborations with other Fellows, leadership, and career development workshops, and attend regular public lectures and other events. Further, Junior Fellows are expected to contribute to ASEF and serve the Slovenian community under the guidance and mentorship of ASEF.

DETAILS

In the first year

Junior Fellows will work with Slovenian professors at the world’s top universities on a research project and interact with other members of the professor’s research group as well as other students at the university. At the same time, the student will also interact with the Slovenians and Slovenian communities abroad. Junior Fellows will also regularly attend the tutorial program and all events (lectures, workshops, etc.) organized by ASEF.

In the second year

Junior Fellows will attend all events organized by ASEF, serve the Slovenian community, participate in ASEF promotional activities, help advertise ASEF Fellowship programs, and act as peer mentors to incoming fellows by helping them learn about the culture of their host country and institution. Junior Fellows are highly encouraged to engage in activities, including research projects and collaborations with other Junior Fellows, professors, and research groups in the ASEF network, leadership and career development workshops, communication training, and coaching.

Eligibility

Applications are open to students at an accredited institution of higher education. Applications are open to Slovenian students as well as other students of Slovenian heritage (for example, living in Italy, Austria, Argentina, USA, Canada, Australia, …). A typical applicant is a senior undergraduate, masters, or PhD student.

Costs

The ASEF Junior Fellows program provides fellows with comprehensive support, allowing them to focus on their research at the world’s top universities. ASEF will work with the Junior Fellow to obtain funding so that all expenses of research visit (airfare, food, lodging, etc.) in the first year will be covered.

Participating Institutions

The list of professors and research groups that are members of the ASEF network can be accessed here. Each of the professors has open positions to accept one or two students into their research group. We strongly encourage applicants to read about professors and study their research and publications.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are selected based on exceptional ability, originality, and resourcefulness, and should be of the highest caliber of intellectual achievement. Applicants will perform an interview with previous and current ASEF Fellows, and ASEF Professors will review the research plan, mission statement, and recommendation letters presented in each application. Finally, ASEF Scientific Advisory Committee will also give weight to the many intangibles involved, including interpretation of the Foundation’s objectives. Applicants will perform an interview with previous and current ASEF Fellows, and ASEF Professors will review the research plan, mission statement, and recommendation letters presented in each application. Those selected receive two-year fellowships.

2026

Aljoša Škorjanc

2026

Eva ivić

2026

Gal Zmazek

2026

Helena Godina

2026

Ivana Vukšinić

2026

Jakob Bratkovič

2026

Jakob Fir

2026

Lana Prijon

2026

Maja Kalin

2026

Maks Koncilja

2026

Mark David Longar

2026

Matej Jelenc

2026

Matija Kiker

2026

Oliver Majer

2026

Sebastian Korenič Tratnik

2026

Tom Kitak

2026

Urša Zevnik

2026

Žiga Koren

How to Apply

Application should include:

Application form (filled during the online submission of application)
Curriculum Vitae with a focus on your research
Transcripts of your courses
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Research Statement (no longer than 2 pages)

The Research Statement is your chance to personalize your application. When composing the Statement it is important to address the impact that your visit will have on your academic, professional, and personal goals. You should also address the impact that receiving ASEF Junior Fellowship would have on your achievement of these goals. Some key points to keep in mind are:
- Motivation: Why do you wish to do research abroad, and what factors led you to this decision? What do you hope to gain from, and what do you anticipate will be the impact of your experience abroad? What initially inspired you to do research in this particular area/research group?
- Previous work/research experience: List and describe your project/research work for courses, participation in research projects, lab work at your department, your independent research, relevant summer internship experience, etc. The goal here is that you describe your experience that makes you the best possible candidate for the professor’s research lab that will allow you to have a fruitful and productive research visit.
- General project/area you would like to work on: A general proposal for a project or an idea for your thesis/dissertation that you want to work on during your visit and how it relates to the research of the professor you are applying to. Describe the project or the idea and argue why you find it interesting. Include a list of scientific references related to your field of research.
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[accordion title=”Mission Statement”]

Mission Statement (1 page)

Your Mission Statement is a key component of your application. It should provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of your current and proposed contributions to the ASEF Society of Fellows. These contributions should reflect ASEF’s core values: academic excellence, character formation, and dedication to service. What to include:
- Current Contributions: Highlight any past or ongoing activities where you have demonstrated a commitment to societal growth and progress. Examples include volunteering for non-profit organizations, participating in outreach activities, leading academic or engineering clubs, organizing summer schools, or tutoring young students. Focus on how these experiences align with ASEF’s mission.
- Future Contributions: Describe how you plan to contribute to ASEF as a Junior Fellow. Consider initiatives such as: 1) Organizing events in collaboration with ASEF, including public lectures, art exhibitions, music events, literary events, or round-table discussions on topics related to society, science, research, and technology. 2) Leading a reading or study group within ASEF that focuses on your field of study or research. 3) Engaging in community service activities like fundraising or crowdfunding for causes that align with ASEF’s mission and values.
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[accordion title=”Two reference letters”]

Reference letter

The letters should clearly describe the applicant’s contribution to the research projects that they participated in. The letters should be written by the supervisors/advisors/teachers of past research projects, summer internships, or diploma/MSc thesis. Letters of reference should be submitted by the reference letter writer at the reference submission.

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All submitted documents must be written in English

If you have questions about the program or the application process, please contact ASEF at info@asef.net.

Apply now Details

How can you support the fellowship program?

The fellowship program operates with the support of kind donations from generous individuals.

We invite you to read more about the possibility of donating at the following link.

our mentors

Our mentors are leading experts who guide fellows with knowledge, experience, and global perspective throughout their journey.

Become a mentor View mentors

Frequently Asked Questions

To be announced.
In case of complications, ASEF will work with Junior Fellows individually to try to make the 10-week research visit possible.
The research visits must be completed in the first year of the fellowship program.

The exact time of the research visit is flexible and will be discussed with the particular research group and the professor. Generally, most visits tend to take place during the summer (June to September) with some exceptions.

Importantly, visits must end in calendar year 2026.
In case of complications, ASEF will work with Junior Fellows individually to try to make the 10-week research visit possible.
ASEF will work with Junior Fellows to identify funding sources to help cover all expenses of the research visit: airfare, housing, and living expenses. Whenever possible, students will stay with a Slovenian family and then work with the professor at a university.
Junior Fellows are appointed to the ASEF Society of Fellows for two years. During that time they are expected to regularly attend the tutorial, public lectures, and other events organized by ASEF. Further, fellows participate in ASEF promotional activities, help advertise ASEF Fellowship programs, and act as peer mentors to incoming fellows by helping them learn about the culture of their host country. Junior Fellows are highly encouraged to engage in activities, including research projects and collaborations with other Junior Fellows, professors and research groups in the ASEF network, leadership and career development workshops, communication training, and coaching.
Yes, also Slovenian students studying abroad are eligible to apply. Participation in the Erasmus+ exchange program or other programs of study visits or internships abroad does not affect eligibility for the ASEF Junior Fellows program. ASEF will work with Junior Fellows individually to find a solution if they will not be able to attend all the events organized by ASEF because of staying abroad.
Yes, also employed students are eligible to apply.
Students need health insurance. In some cases, your host/professor/university will provide health insurance, or in other cases, you will be responsible for it. Please check with your ASEF professor.

What our Fellows say

The ASEF Research Abroad Fellowship was a life-changing experience for me, both professionally and personally. Educational systems worldwide differ greatly from one another, so the opportunity to learn about the American approach to research under the mentorship of a Slovenian professor opened up a completely new perspective for my future career.

Domen Škerlep, ASEF Junior Fellow, Generation 2024

You will return from the fellowship with a clearer vision for your future career, numerous professional and personal connections, and experiences that will help you contribute to professional development and the co-creation of the ASEF community.

Zala Perko, ASEF Junior Fellow, Generation 2024

ASEF is a truly wonderful academic Slovenian community. What is the real and longterm value of the ASEF Institute is definitely the new acquaintances and friends I have and maintain to this day.