Portugal Government Higher Education International Scholarship 2025
The Portugal Higher Education Scholarship program supports low-income students enrolled in public or private higher education institutions. Managed by the General Directorate of Higher Education (DGES), these scholarships help cover tuition fees and living expenses for an entire academic year.
What is the Portugal Higher Education Scholarship?
The DGES higher education scholarship provides financial assistance for 10 monthly installments per academic year. It aims to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent students from completing their studies.
Note: Doctoral scholarships are separately awarded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
Degree Level
- Higher Professional Technical Courses (CTESP)
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Integrated Master’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral Degree (through the Foundation for Science and Technology – FCT)
Available Subjects
All fields of study offered by public or private higher education institutions in Portugal, including:
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Science & Technology
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Social Sciences & Humanities
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Arts & Humanities
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Engineering & Architecture
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Health & Biomedical Sciences
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Economics, Management & Law
Benefits
Financial support for higher education students with low household income.
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Paid monthly in 10 installments throughout the academic year.
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Maximum scholarship amount: €5,981.73 (for humanitarian emergencies, refugees, and temporary protection cases).
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Free to apply – no application fee.
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If applying during the academic year, the amount is calculated proportionally to the remaining study period.
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is open to:
Portuguese nationals
EU nationals with residence in Portugal
Non-EU nationals with legal residence in Portugal
Humanitarian cases, including:
Students from Syria
Afghan refugees
Students under temporary protection from Ukraine
Eligibility Criteria
You may apply if you are:
A student at a public or private higher education institution in Portugal.
Enrolled in one of the following degree levels:
Higher Professional Technical Course (CTESP)
Bachelor’s degree (Licenciatura)
Integrated Master’s degree
Master’s degree (Mestrado)
Studying in a recognized academic subject area, such as:
Engineering and Technology
Sciences and Mathematics
Social Sciences and Law
Arts and Humanities
Health and Medical Sciences
Education and Teacher Training
Application Procedure
Required Documents
NIF (Taxpayer ID) and NISS (Social Security Number) for all household members
Bank balances and asset values as of December 31 of the prior year
IRS tax return (if applicable)
Proof of housing status (IMI declaration or rental contract)
IBAN for scholarship payments
How to Apply for the DGES Scholarship
Log in to DGES Student Area
Use existing credentials or request them from your institution’s Social Action Services (SAS).
Complete the Online Form
Enter personal, academic, and household financial details.
Upload all supporting documents.
Submit Before the Deadline
Regular applications: June 25 – September 30.
Late registration: within 20 business days after enrollment.
Application Deadlines for 2025–2026
Regular: June 25 – September 30, 2025
After September 30 enrollment: 20 working days after registration
During academic year: October 1 – May 31 (proportional amount)
