🎓 Scholarships — Portugal

Portugal is often cheaper than many Western European countries, but full scholarships for taught degrees are limited. The best MENA strategies are doctoral funding through FCT or research projects, Erasmus Mundus programmes with a Portuguese partner, university scholarships and special pathways for refugees such as Syrian students when calls are available.

Scholarship map

Detailed guide

FCT Doctoral Studentships - FCT is the key Portuguese doctoral funding route. It is not a simple undergraduate or taught-master scholarship. Applicants need a doctoral plan, host institution and strong academic/research profile.

la Caixa INPhINIT - This is relevant for Portugal when the host centre is eligible under the call. It suits research-oriented applicants who can present a strong project and international mobility profile.

University research scholarships - Portuguese universities frequently advertise project-funded research scholarships. These are not always full-degree scholarships, but they can finance research work and support admission or progression, especially at master thesis or PhD level.

Erasmus Mundus - For master applicants who need full funding, Erasmus Mundus is often stronger than Portugal-only applications. Look for joint masters where a Portuguese university is one of the partners.

Syrian and refugee pathways - Portugal has been connected with initiatives supporting Syrian and refugee students. These are not always annual open calls, so applicants should monitor the Global Platform for Syrian Students, UNHCR education pathways and Portuguese university announcements.

Application strategy for this country

• For master applicants, combine Erasmus Mundus with affordable Portuguese public-university programmes and university-level tuition waivers.
• For PhD applicants, focus on FCT, research centres and paid project calls rather than generic scholarship lists.
• If you are Syrian or a refugee, track dedicated pathway projects separately from normal university scholarships.
• Check whether a master is taught in English or Portuguese; Portuguese-language programmes are often cheaper and more numerous.
• Confirm residence-permit financial proof because partial tuition support may not be enough for visa purposes.

Documents to prepare early

• Passport valid beyond the intended start date, plus scans of any second nationality if relevant.
• Bachelor or master diploma, transcripts and official grading scale. For Italy, Spain and Portugal, plan for legalisation or apostille and sworn translation if requested by the university or visa office.
• English test such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge, or proof that the previous degree was taught in English when the programme accepts it.
• CV, motivation letter or statement of purpose, recommendation letters and, for PhD routes, a research proposal and supervisor match.
• Financial and family income documents when applying for need-based regional or university support, especially in Italy and some public-university routes.

Official sources to verify before applying

• FCT 2026 PhD Studentships call: https://www.fct.pt/en/concursos/concurso-bolsas-de-doutoramento-2026-linha-de-candidatura-geral/
• FCT doctoral scholarships in all scientific domains: https://www.fct.pt/en/financiamento/programas-de-financiamento/bolsas/bolsas-de-doutoramento-em-todos-os-dominios-cientificos/
• University of Porto scholarships and funding: https://www.up.pt/portal/en/live/student-life/scholarships-and-funding/
• Global Platform for Syrian Students: https://www.globalplatformforsyrianstudents.org/
• UNHCR - complementary education pathways in Portugal: https://globalcompactrefugees.org/good-practices/complementary-education-pathways-portugal

This is starter guidance and changes often — always confirm on the official source before applying.