International researchers and students interested in pursuing a PhD in Europe can apply for the FCT Doctoral Scholarships 2026 offered by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).
These scholarships are designed to support doctoral research across all scientific disciplines and are part of Portugal’s strategy to strengthen advanced research and innovation. (fct.pt)
The program funds research leading to a PhD degree at academic institutions and research centers in Portugal or abroad.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
- Funding Organization: Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)
- Country: Portugal
- Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral Research)
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded doctoral research grant
- Fields of Study: All scientific disciplines
- Number of Scholarships: Around 1,600 awards expected in 2026. (fct.pt)
These scholarships support doctoral research conducted at universities, research units, and associated laboratories in Portugal or internationally. (fct.pt)
🎓 Scholarship Benefits
Selected candidates receive comprehensive financial support during their PhD studies.
Financial Coverage
- Monthly research stipend (maintenance allowance)
- Tuition fee coverage
- Research and training support
- Health and personal accident insurance
- Travel and relocation allowance (if applicable)
- Funding for scientific conferences and research activities. (fct.pt)
The scholarships are funded through Portugal’s national budget and may also receive support from European programs such as the European Social Fund. (fct.pt)
🎓 Types of Doctoral Scholarships
The FCT doctoral funding program includes two main application tracks:
General Application Line
- Research carried out at universities or academic research institutions.
Non-Academic Environment Line
- Research developed partly in industry or non-academic organizations.
Both tracks aim to support innovative doctoral research and strengthen collaboration between academia and society. (iseg.ulisboa.pt)
🎓 Eligible Research Fields
Applicants can conduct doctoral research in any scientific area, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Environmental Sciences
The program encourages interdisciplinary and socially impactful research projects.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be enrolled or eligible to enroll in a PhD program
- Not previously received an FCT doctoral scholarship
- Not already hold a PhD degree
- Be willing to conduct research leading to a doctoral degree. (fct.pt)
The call is open to Portuguese citizens, EU citizens, and international applicants, including refugees and stateless individuals. (fct.pt)
If research is conducted abroad, applicants must normally have permanent residence in Portugal. (fct.pt)
🎓 Required Documents
Typical application documents include:
- Updated academic CV
- Research proposal / work plan
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Identification documents
- Host institution confirmation
- Additional supporting materials depending on the research field.
Applicants must also submit their scientific CV through the CIÊNCIAVITAE platform.
🎓 Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Prepare your research proposal and select a host institution.
- Register and update your CV in the CIÊNCIAVITAE platform.
- Submit the scholarship application online through the myFCT portal.
- Upload all required documents and research plan.
- Wait for evaluation by scientific review panels. (fct.pt)
Applications are only accepted through the official online system.
🎓 Important Dates
- Call announcement: February 2026
- Applications open: 2 March 2026
- Application deadline: 31 March 2026 (17:00 Lisbon time)
- Provisional results: Around August 2026. (fct.pt)
Applicants should prepare their documents early due to the competitive nature of the program.
🎓 Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on three main criteria:
- Candidate Merit (30%)
- Quality of Research Plan (40%)
- Host Institution Conditions (30%). (fct.pt)
Projects scoring below 3.0 out of 5 are not eligible for funding.
🎓 Why Apply for FCT Doctoral Scholarships?
This scholarship offers several advantages for doctoral researchers:
- Fully funded PhD research in Europe
- Opportunities to collaborate with top Portuguese research institutions
- Access to international research networks
- Funding for conferences and research activities
- Support for innovative scientific research
Portugal has become an attractive destination for doctoral studies due to its strong academic institutions and growing research ecosystem.
Official Source
https://www.fct.pt/en/concursos/concurso-bolsas-de-doutoramento-2026-linha-de-candidatura-geral
