USA Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 (Fully Funded)

If you’ve ever dreamed of pursuing a world-class Ph.D. that bridges innovation between Europe and the United States, the Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarships 2026/2027 are an incredible opportunity. This prestigious program allows talented students from around the world to study at both Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) — one of the top-ranked universities in the U.S. — and a leading Portuguese university, earning a dual doctoral degree that carries international recognition.

Since its inception in 2006, the CMU Portugal Program has become a model of academic collaboration, producing outstanding researchers and innovators in the fields of technology, engineering, and data science. Through this program, students not only gain access to CMU’s cutting-edge facilities and mentorship but also contribute to Portugal’s dynamic research ecosystem. With 174 scholarships awarded and 99 graduates so far, the program continues to empower scholars to shape the future of global innovation.

Degree Level

The CMU Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarships are offered for doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-related fields for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Selected students will spend:

2 years at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), USA
3 years at a Portuguese university

Upon completion, scholars receive two diplomas — one from CMU and one from their chosen Portuguese institution.

Available Subjects

The scholarships are available for 11 doctoral fields:

Computer Science
Human-Computer Interaction
Language Technologies
Machine Learning
Robotics
Societal Computing
Software Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Engineering and Public Policy
Cognitive Neuroscience
Neural Computation

Benefits

Successful candidates will receive a fully funded Ph.D. package, which includes:

Full tuition fee coverage at both CMU and the Portuguese university.
Monthly living stipend and research funding.
Travel support between Portugal and the U.S.
Access to world-class laboratories, supervision, and mentorship.
Integration into both CMU’s and Portugal’s academic ecosystems.
Opportunity to build a global professional and research network with top institutions and industry partners such as Google, IBM, Meta, and Amazon.

Eligible Nationalities

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the CMU Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarships 2026/27, applicants must:
Hold a relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field such as computer science, engineering, or cognitive sciences.
Demonstrate academic excellence and a strong research background.
Meet the admission requirements of both CMU and the selected Portuguese university.
Have proficiency in English (proof such as TOEFL/IELTS may be required).
Submit a research-oriented application showing motivation and alignment with program goals.

Application Procedure

The application period for the 2026/2027 academic year is open from October 1, 2025.
Applicants must submit their applications online directly to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).
Deadlines vary according to the program and school:

Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences:

Deadline: December 1, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST)
Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience (PCN)
Neural Computation (PNC)

School of Computer Science:

Deadline: December 10, 2025 (03:00 p.m. EST)
Computer Science
Human-Computer Interaction
Language Technologies
Machine Learning
Robotics
Societal Computing
Software Engineering

College of Engineering:

Deadline: December 15, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST)
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
Engineering and Public Policy (EPP)

Note: The EPP program opens on October 15, 2025.

Final Thoughts

The Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarships 2026/2027 provide an unparalleled opportunity to pursue a globally recognized doctoral degree with access to world-class research, mentorship, and innovation. If you aspire to make an impact in technology, science, or engineering — this dual program could be your gateway to excellence.

Learn more and apply at: https://cmuportugal.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the duration of the CMU Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Program?

The program lasts approximately five years — two years at CMU and three years at a Portuguese university, leading to a joint doctoral degree.

Who can apply for the CMU Portugal Dual Degree Scholarships?

The scholarships are open to international students with strong academic and research backgrounds in ICT-related fields who meet the admission criteria for both CMU and partner Portuguese institutions.

Do I need to apply separately to both CMU and the Portuguese university?

No. Applications are submitted directly through the CMU online portal, but candidates must specify their interest in the CMU Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. track.

Are there tuition fees or costs involved?

No. The scholarship fully covers tuition, research expenses, and living costs for the duration of the program.

What are the career opportunities after completing the program?

Graduates join a powerful international alumni network and often work with top global companies such as Google, Apple, IBM, Meta, Amazon, or pursue academic positions at leading universities like Carnegie Mellon University, UC Berkeley, or Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.