AQUA Research Scholarship 2026, Portugal
International and domestic students interested in marine sciences, biotechnology, and aquaculture research can now apply for the Portugal AQUA Research Scholarship. The scholarship is offered by S2AQUA Collaborative Laboratory (S2AQUAcoLAB) and provides a monthly stipend of €1,090.98 along with the opportunity to participate in a major European-funded marine research project.
The research scholarship is hosted in Portugal’s Algarve region and is designed for graduates who want to gain hands-on research experience while preparing for future Master's or PhD studies in marine and environmental sciences.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Portugal
- Organization: S2AQUA Collaborative Laboratory (S2AQUAcoLAB)
- Scholarship Type: Research Scholarship
- Degree Level: Research, Master's, Integrated Master's, PhD
- Monthly Stipend: €1,090.98
- Duration: 8 Months
- Eligible Nationalities: All Nationalities
- Research Fields: Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, Biotechnology
- Application Deadline: 22 June 2026
Degree Level
Applicants enrolled in the following academic pathways are eligible:
- Master's Programmes
- Integrated Master's Programmes
- Doctoral Programmes
- Recognized Non-Degree Academic Research Programmes
Available Subjects
The scholarship is open to students and graduates in:
- Marine Biology
- Marine Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Biological Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Related Scientific Fields
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Monthly maintenance allowance of €1,090.98
- Fully funded research position for 8 months
- Personal accident insurance coverage
- Social insurance reimbursement where applicable
- Participation in a European-funded research project
- Advanced laboratory and field research training
- Experience in scientific report preparation
- Opportunities to contribute to research publications
- Exposure to Portugal’s marine biotechnology and aquaculture sector
- Foundation for future Master's or PhD research projects
Research Project Overview
The scholarship is part of the MultiAlive Project, which focuses on:
- Detection of toxic algal blooms
- Monitoring marine contamination risks
- Offshore bivalve aquaculture research
- Sustainable food production systems
- Marine ecosystem protection
The project is funded through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) and Portugal’s Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
Research Activities
Selected scholars will participate in:
- Field sampling campaigns
- Water quality monitoring
- Phytoplankton analysis
- Identification of harmful algae species
- Marine biotoxin research
- Laboratory sample preparation
- Data collection and analysis
- Scientific article writing
- Research report preparation
- Project communication and dissemination activities
Eligible Nationalities
Applications are open to:
- Portuguese citizens
- European Union citizens
- International applicants from non-EU countries
However, candidates must be permanent and habitual residents of Portugal at the time of application.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor's degree (Level 6 Higher Education Qualification)
- Have an academic background in Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field
- Be enrolled in a Master's, Integrated Master's, Doctoral, or recognized research programme
- Meet residency requirements in Portugal
- Demonstrate strong motivation for scientific research
Preferred Qualifications
Preference may be given to applicants with experience in:
- Phytoplankton sampling and analysis
- Bivalve mollusk sampling
- Marine biotoxin research
- Experimental data analysis
- Scientific project implementation
- HPLC or LC-MS/MS laboratory techniques
- Scientific communication and publication
- Advanced English language skills
- Teamwork and research collaboration
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Proof of enrolment in an eligible programme
- Proof of residence in Portugal
- Motivation letter
- Any supporting research experience documents
Application Process
To apply for the Portugal AQUA Research Scholarship:
- Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Gather all required academic and supporting documents.
- Prepare an updated curriculum vitae and motivation letter.
- Submit the application through the official S2AQUAcoLAB recruitment process.
- Ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline.
- Await evaluation and selection results from the scholarship committee.
Why Apply for This Scholarship?
This scholarship offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring marine scientists to gain practical research experience in a European-funded project. Participants will work alongside experts in marine biology, biotechnology, and aquaculture while developing advanced laboratory and field research skills. The scholarship also provides valuable preparation for future postgraduate studies and scientific careers.
