Bakala Foundation Opens Applications for the 17th Edition of the Scholarship Program

The Bakala Foundation has opened applications for the 17th edition of its Scholarship program that helps talented students from the Czech Republic pursue their academic ambitions abroad. Since 2010, the foundation has supported 224 students through financial and organizational assistance within its Scholarship Program. Applications for the 2025/2026 academic year are open from November 12, 2025, to January 12, 2026.

The Bakala Foundation Scholarship Program is open to students of all disciplines — from the arts and humanities to mathematics, physics, and IT. Applicants can receive financial support to study full bachelor’s or master’s degree programs at prestigious universities around the world. The scholarship can cover tuition fees as well as associated living or study expenses. Applicants must submit an essay on a selected topic and a letter of recommendation, demonstrating their exceptional abilities and academic maturity.

“Every year we see an incredible number of talented young people in the Czech Republic who belong at the world’s top universities. Unfortunately, financial barriers often stand in their way. Our goal is to help them overcome those obstacles. In addition to financial aid, we also provide practical support — workshops, consultations, and guidance on selecting universities and preparing applications, as well as ongoing advice throughout their studies,” says Václav Pecha, Director of the Bakala Foundation.

Since 2010, the Foundation has supported 224 scholars studying at 67 universities in 12 countries. More than half of them have studied in the United Kingdom, about a quarter in the United States, and others in Germany, Switzerland, or the Netherlands. Among the universities attended by Bakala Foundation scholars are renowned institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, and Yale. Graduates of the program now work in science, research, education, culture, and business — both in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Among the successful alumni is Stanislav Fort, a leading Czech expert in artificial intelligence, who recently co-founded the cybersecurity company Aisle together with Ondřej Vlček. Another Bakala Foundation scholar, Adam Křivka, is also part of the team. Aisle brings a revolutionary approach to data and digital identity protection through cutting-edge AI technologies.

Thanks to the scholarship, Fort studied physics and AI at the University of Cambridge, an experience that laid the foundation for his distinguished career. After completing his studies, he chose to return to the Czech Republic, where he contributes to the growth of science, technology, and innovation.