Scholarships in Portugal for International Students 2026
Portugal has become an increasingly popular destination for international students who want high-quality education, affordable living, and a welcoming cultural environment. With top-ranked universities, a safe lifestyle, and growing research opportunities, Portugal offers a variety of scholarships for international students at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels.
Why Study in Portugal?
- Affordable Education: Tuition fees are much lower compared to other Western European countries.
- World-Class Universities: Institutions like the University of Lisbon, University of Porto, and University of Coimbra rank among Europe’s best.
- Diverse Programs: Many courses are taught in English, especially at the postgraduate level.
- Cultural Experience: Portugal offers a vibrant student life, rich traditions, and international recognition of degrees across the EU.
Top Scholarships in Portugal for International Students
1. Portugal Government Scholarships (DGES Scholarships)
- Offered by the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES).
- Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students.
- Covers tuition fees, living costs (approx. €1,200/month), health insurance, and in some cases, travel allowance.
- Open to both EU and non-EU students.
👉 Apply via the DGES BeOn Portal.
2. University of Porto Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students.
- Special support for students with financial needs.
- Covers partial or full tuition fees, with additional monthly stipends for research students.
👉 Learn more at the University of Porto Scholarships Page.
3. University of Coimbra Scholarships
- One of the oldest universities in Europe.
- Scholarships available for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Includes tuition reduction and living allowance.
- Also offers Santander Mobility Scholarships for exchange students.
👉 Details at the University of Coimbra Scholarships Page.
4. Erasmus+ Scholarships in Portugal
- Funded by the European Union.
- Provides opportunities for students to study in Portugal as part of an exchange program.
- Covers tuition, travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Available for both short-term exchanges and full master’s degrees (Erasmus Mundus).
👉 Explore Erasmus+ at the European Commission Website.
5. Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Scholarships
- Prestigious foundation offering scholarships to international students, especially from developing countries.
- Supports master’s and doctoral studies in Portugal.
- Provides financial assistance for tuition, research, and living costs.
👉 Visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
Eligibility Requirements
While eligibility depends on the scholarship, most programs require:
- Strong academic records.
- Proof of English or Portuguese language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Portuguese exams).
- Admission or application to a Portuguese university.
- For some scholarships, demonstration of financial need.
Required Documents
- Completed application form.
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- CV / Resume.
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose.
- Two recommendation letters.
- Proof of language proficiency.
- Copy of passport.
Application Deadlines
- Portugal Government Scholarships: Usually open mid-year and close by September.
- University Scholarships: Vary by institution (check university websites).
- Erasmus+: Typically starts in October and ends by January/February.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Portugal offers international students not only excellent academic opportunities but also a rich cultural experience. With the support of fully funded and partially funded scholarships, you can achieve your academic goals in one of Europe’s most beautiful and affordable destinations.
👉 Start exploring your options today and prepare your documents in advance to increase your chances of winning a scholarship in Portugal.
👉 For more details about the Xiontie Scholarship 2025-2026, please contact us at xiontiescholarshipuniversties@gmail.com
