Overview
The FCT program supports PhD studentships, which fund research activities that lead to the Doctoral Degree.
The scholarship allows candidates to:
Description
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
Eligibility
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
Portuguese citizens
Citizens of European Union member states
International students from third countries
Stateless applicants
Applicants with political refugee status
Additional Information
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
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:
Evaluation of academic performance and professional background.
Assessment of the proposed research project and its potential impact.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Is the FCT PhD Studentship fully funded? Yes, the FCT PhD Studentship is fully funded and provides a monthly stipend, tuition coverage, research funding, insurance, and travel support.
Can international students apply for the FCT PhD scholarship in Portugal? Yes, the program is open to international applicants, including students from EU countries, third countries, and stateless or refugee candidates.
What degree level does the FCT Studentship support? The program supports doctoral (PhD) degree programs, funding research activities that lead to the completion of a PhD.
Everything You Need To Study Abroad
Explore the universities, programs and support behind studying in Portugal — all in one place.
Never Miss A Scholarship
Get new Portugal scholarships & deadlines in your inbox.
Searching Scholarships For You
on the best scholarships platform
Card
Funding
Fully Funded
Organization
Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)
Degree
PhD
Subjects
All Subjects
Nationality
International Students
Country
Portugal
Source
Information provided by scholarships_ads.