FCT PhD Studentships 2026, Portugal (Fully Funded Doctoral Scholarships)
International researchers and graduates have an excellent opportunity to pursue fully funded doctoral studies in Portugal through the prestigious Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) PhD Studentships. The program aims to support talented researchers who wish to conduct advanced research leading to a PhD degree in top universities and research institutions.
The FCT PhD Studentships program is part of Portugal’s national strategy to strengthen research, innovation, and advanced academic training. Selected candidates will carry out their research in academic institutions, research centers, laboratories, and non-profit research organizations in Portugal or abroad.
This opportunity is ideal for students and researchers who want to pursue doctoral research in any scientific discipline while receiving financial support to cover tuition, research activities, and living expenses.
Degree Level
The FCT program supports PhD studentships, which fund research activities that lead to the Doctoral Degree.
The scholarship allows candidates to:
Conduct advanced research projects
Enroll in PhD programs at universities or research institutions
Collaborate with international academic and scientific organizations
Available Subjects
One of the major advantages of the FCT PhD Studentships program is that it is open to all scientific areas.
Applicants may conduct research in fields such as:
Science and Technology
Engineering
Health and Medical Sciences
Social Sciences
Natural Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Humanities
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Research projects can be carried out at public or private higher education institutions, research centers, associated laboratories, and other non-profit organizations focused on R&D activities.
Benefits
The FCT PhD Studentships provide comprehensive financial support for doctoral candidates.
Selected scholars will receive:
Monthly stipend for living expenses
Coverage of tuition fees
Funding for research activities
Support for attending scientific conferences
Personal accident insurance
Travel and relocation costs (if applicable)
Support for additional academic training
The program is funded by the Portuguese government and European funding initiatives, including the European Social Fund under the PESSOAS 2030 Program.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must be enrolled or eligible to enroll in a PhD program.
Must not hold a doctoral degree.
Must not have previously received an FCT-funded PhD studentship.
Must live in Portugal on a permanent and habitual basis if applying for research conducted partially or fully abroad.
Open to:
Portuguese citizens
Citizens of European Union member states
International students from third countries
Stateless applicants
Applicants with political refugee status
Evaluation Process
Applications are evaluated by expert panels with recognized scientific expertise.
Each application is assessed based on three main criteria:
1. Merit of the Applicant (30%)
Evaluation of academic performance and professional background.
2. Merit of the Research Work Plan (40%)
Assessment of the proposed research project and its potential impact.
3. Merit of the Hosting Conditions (30%)
Evaluation of the research environment and institutional support.
Applications receive a final score between 0 and 5, and those scoring below 3.0 are not eligible for funding.
Application Procedure
Applicants must submit their applications online through the official FCT portal.
Steps to Apply
Visit the official FCT application platform.
Create or log in to your myFCT account.
Select the PhD Studentships – Regular Line of Application.
Complete the online application form.
Upload required documents including CV, research proposal, and academic records.
Submit the application before the deadline.
Applications submitted through other methods or platforms will not be accepted.
Why Apply for the FCT PhD Studentships?
The FCT program is one of the most competitive doctoral scholarship opportunities in Europe. It allows students to:
Conduct high-impact research projects
Study at leading research institutions in Portugal
Receive financial support throughout their PhD journey
Build international research collaborations
Contribute to scientific and technological innovation
For students interested in pursuing fully funded PhD programs in Europe, this scholarship offers a strong pathway toward academic and professional success.
