Are you dreaming of studying in Europe without the financial burden? The Portugal Government Scholarships 2025–2026 are now open to international students who wish to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees in Portugal. These prestigious, fully funded scholarships cover not only tuition fees but also living expenses, making Portugal an ideal destination for quality and affordable education.
In this post, we’ll give you a complete guide to the scholarship benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, deadlines and more.
About the Portugal Government Scholarships
The Portuguese government, through various public institutions and education ministries like the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES) and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), offers annual scholarships to support qualified international students.
This initiative promotes academic excellence, cultural exchange and research innovation by making higher education in Portugal more accessible to talented individuals worldwide.
✅ Scholarship Benefits
The Portugal Government Scholarships are fully funded, which means they cover most or all academic-related costs. Here’s what selected candidates can expect:
-
Full Tuition Coverage: No need to worry about expensive university fees.
-
Monthly Living Stipend: Around €1,250 per month to cover food, housing, transport, and other living expenses.
-
Health Insurance: Some programs include basic health coverage.
-
Additional Support for Refugees and Vulnerable Applicants:
-
Stipends up to €5,981/year
-
Work allowance of about €12,570/year
-
This makes it possible to focus entirely on your studies and research, without the stress of financial constraints.
Eligible Degree Programs
The Portugal Government Scholarships are available for a wide range of study programs across all academic levels:
1. Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)
Open to students with a high school diploma and interest in studying in Portuguese universities.
2. Master’s Degree
Applicants must hold a relevant undergraduate degree. Courses are available in sciences, arts, engineering, business and more.
3. Doctorate (PhD)
PhD candidates must have a Master’s degree and a strong research proposal. Funding is provided mainly by FCT with monthly stipends of around €1,145 to €1,200.
Additionally, scholarships are available for Portuguese language and culture studies through the Instituto Camões.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarships are open to international students from all countries, especially those who:
-
Are not Portuguese citizens and do not reside permanently in Portugal
-
Meet the academic requirements for their chosen program
-
Have not obtained a qualification equal to or higher than the one they’re applying for
-
Meet language requirements (proficiency in English or Portuguese, depending on the course)
-
Come from low-income backgrounds (annual household income below €11,049.89 and assets below €115,303.20)
️ Types of Scholarships
Several types of scholarship programs are available under the Portugal Government’s initiative:
1. DGES Scholarships
These are offered to undergraduate and master’s students based on merit and financial need.
2. FCT PhD Scholarships
Targeted at doctoral candidates, especially those involved in scientific and academic research. Includes research grants and stipends.
3. Instituto Camões Scholarships
Focused on the promotion of Portuguese language and culture for international learners.
4. University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities in Portugal (e.g., University of Porto, University of Lisbon, University of Coimbra, NOVA SBE) offer their own fully or partially funded scholarships to international students.
️ Application Timeline for 2025–26
The general application period for the Portugal Government Scholarships is as follows:
-
Application Opens: June 25, 2025
-
Deadline to Apply: September 30, 2025
-
Scholarship Results: Announced by April 2026
-
Enrollment & Visa Processing: Completed by June 2026
-
Classes Begin: August–September 2026
How to Apply
The application process is relatively straightforward, but you’ll need to be prepared with the right documents.
Step-by-Step Guide:
-
Choose Your Program: Identify a degree program and a Portuguese university that suits your goals.
-
Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the academic, financial, and language requirements.
-
Register on the DGES Portal: Visit the DGES Website to create your account.
-
Prepare Required Documents:
-
Academic transcripts
-
CV/Resume
-
Motivation letter
-
Two letters of recommendation
-
Proof of income (for need-based scholarships)
-
Passport copy
-
Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or Portuguese test)
-
-
Submit the Application: Complete the online form and pay the application fee (usually around €20).
-
Wait for Results: If successful, you’ll receive an official acceptance letter and instructions for visa application.
Why Study in Portugal?
-
High-quality universities with English-taught programs
-
Affordable cost of living compared to other European countries
-
A safe, vibrant, and multicultural environment
-
Rich cultural and historical experiences
-
Gateway to Europe with post-study work opportunities
Useful Links
✍️ Final Thoughts
The Portugal Government Scholarships 2025–26 present a golden opportunity for international students who want to pursue world-class education in a friendly and affordable European country. Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD degree, these scholarships can cover your academic journey from start to finish.
Start preparing your documents now, choose your desired university and program, and don’t miss the application window!