Student Alek Barović, currently pursuing doctoral studies in human rights at the University of Padova, has been awarded a prestigious scholarship for excellence by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro. This announcement, made on November 24, 2025, marks a significant achievement as Barović is among 32 students selected for this scholarship from a pool of 58 applicants.
Barović, who has an impressive average of 9.67, expressed his surprise upon learning of the award, stating that the scholarship represents a vital support system for talented students. He described the initiative as one of the best ideas in the history of Montenegro, emphasizing its potential to foster academic excellence.
The criteria for this scholarship were stringent. Eligible candidates had to be enrolled in foreign higher education institutions ranked within the top 200 on the latest Shanghai Ranking. Additional requirements included being a first-time enrollee for the relevant academic year, maintaining a continuous educational path without any interruptions, and not receiving other state-funded scholarships. Applicants also needed to possess Montenegrin citizenship and residency in Montenegro.
The total budget for the scholarship program for the 2025/26 academic year is set at 500,000 EUR. The scholarship amount is determined based on tuition fees and living expenses, which typically cover accommodation, food, health insurance, and local transportation. For doctoral students, the scholarship also includes costs associated with research, minor equipment, publication of scientific papers, literature acquisition, and participation in scientific conferences.
Barović highlighted the scholarship as an exemplary means of supporting those with a passion for science and a desire to learn. He remarked, “Such a scholarship is not available even in many more developed countries. I hope we can all find ways to give back to our homeland and that most scholarship recipients will return to implement their education gained at the world’s top universities for a better and more advanced Montenegro.” He extended his gratitude to Minister Jakšić-Stojanović and her team for their vision in supporting students.
Other notable recipients of the scholarship include Lucija Stanković, a second-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley; Aleksandar Veljović, a second-year doctoral student at the University of Oxford; and Sofija Kaluđerović, a first-year master’s student at University College London.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation announced that the application period for the scholarship would remain open until December 5, 2025. Students have the right to appeal the decision regarding scholarship awards within eight days from the announcement date.
This initiative not only supports individual academic aspirations but also aims to enhance Montenegro’s educational landscape by encouraging students to study abroad and return with valuable knowledge and skills.
