Since its founding in 1951, the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY), being the National Scholarships Body, has been awarding scholarships, and has been ever since contributing to the strengthening of the Greek scientific community.

At undergraduate level, IKY is awarding scholarships to Vulnerable Social Groups. These scholarships, which are co-funded by the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF 2021 – 2027), aim at reinforcing and supporting on time completion of the studies of diligent low-income students and at ensuring equal participation in higher education of students from vulnerable social groups.

In terms of postgraduate studies, IKY is implementing a multitude of innovative programmes through its regular budget, through the NSRF  but also in cooperation with private bodies established in Greece (e.g. programmes rewarding excellence in international competitions, Greek-French partnership programmes, Greek-British partnership programmes, etc.)

In terms of research studies, to date IKY has been strongly supporting research and innovation activities by awarding doctoral scholarships and scholarships for postdoctoral research in Greece through the Operational Programme “Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning” (NSRF 2014-20) but also in cooperation with private bodies established in Greece, such as Fulbright, EYDAP, the HUBERT CURIEN Partnership Programme, etc.

Moreover, in partnership with major European organisations and institutions, such as the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), IKY is developing programmes aimed at strengthening research mobility.

Due to its prestige, IKY is honoured to have been entrusted with administering the bequests from renowned donors. It is with great responsibility that IKY has been managing the relevant bequests by awarding scholarships for studies in Greece and abroad.