EDUCATION

Portugal Government Scholarships 2026: Fully Funded Study Opportunities for International Students

International students seeking to study in Europe now have an incredible chance to pursue their academic dreams in one of the continent’s most student-friendly destinations—Portugal. The Portugal Government Scholarships 2026 are fully funded and open to candidates worldwide for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.

Funded by the Government of Portugal under the NextGenerationEU initiative, this scholarship aims to promote global academic exchange, support world-class research, and provide access to top-tier Portuguese universities.

Scholarship Details

Host Country: Portugal
Sponsor: Government of Portugal
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs
Institutions: Accredited Portuguese higher education institutions
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
Eligibility: Open to international students from all nationalities

What the Scholarship Covers

Recipients of this scholarship enjoy a wide range of benefits designed to fully support their academic journey:

Full tuition waiver for the entire duration of the program
Monthly stipend of €1,250 to cover living expenses
Health insurance and visa support (subject to university policies)
Opportunity to study in English or Portuguese
Cultural exchange and immersion activities
Access to mentorship and academic support
Career development opportunities across Europe and internationally

These benefits ensure that students can focus entirely on their studies without financial pressure.

Eligibility Criteria

For Undergraduate Applicants:

Must have completed secondary/high school education
Outstanding academic records

For Master’s Applicants:

Possession of a recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Proof of language proficiency in English or Portuguese

For PhD Applicants:

Master’s degree in a related discipline
Strong research background or a well-developed research proposal
Excellent academic references

There are no age or nationality restrictions, making this scholarship truly inclusive.

Language Requirements

Applicants can choose programs taught in either English or Portuguese. Proof of language proficiency is required depending on the chosen language of instruction. Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent certificates issued by academic institutions.

Application Process

Interested candidates should follow these steps:

Visit the official scholarship application portal
Create an account and select the preferred academic level and institution
Upload required documents, including:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid passport or national ID
- Language proficiency test results
- Motivation letter (mandatory for Master’s and PhD)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Letters of recommendation
Submit the completed application by 23:59 Lisbon time on September 30, 2025

Applications will be assessed based on academic merit, research alignment (for graduate studies), and motivation to study in Portugal. Some institutions may invite shortlisted candidates for virtual interviews between October and November 2025.

Why Choose Portugal for Higher Education?

Portugal stands out as a top destination for international students due to:

High-quality education with global recognition
Affordable cost of living
Safe, inclusive, and welcoming society
Rich cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle
Strong industry links and employment prospects within the EU
Academic excellence in fields like engineering, health sciences, technology, sustainability, and the arts

Portuguese universities are well-integrated into the European Higher Education Area, ensuring their degrees are widely recognized across Europe and beyond. Additionally, many institutions offer personalized support for international students through active global engagement offices.