FCT PhD Studentships (Portugal)

Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)

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Details checked on 18 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Applicants enrolled or eligible to enrol in a PhD; Portuguese, EU, non-EU and eligible other applicants may apply; specific residence and placement conditions apply, especially for research carried out abroad

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Annual competitive funding call supporting doctoral research in academic and research institutions across scientific fields. The 2026 call closed on 31 March; the official page reports provisional results published in July 2026 and final results expected in November 2026.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Applicants enrolled or eligible to enrol in a PhD; Portuguese, EU, non-EU and eligible other applicants may apply; specific residence and placement conditions apply, especially for research carried out abroad
2. Note the deadline. Mar – Apr (probable; the regular 2026 call closed on 31 Mar 2026 - watch the FCT site for the next call) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Online application; academic records; CV; research plan; supporting documents required by the call; host institution validation.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Expert-panel evaluation of applicant merit, research plan and host conditions

Profile of past winners

Up to the number of studentships awarded in the annual competition

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the current regulations carefully, confirm host-institution validation requirements, and monitor FCT for the next annual call.
2. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
3. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
7. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for FCT PhD Studentships (Portugal)?

Applicants enrolled or eligible to enrol in a PhD; Portuguese, EU, non-EU and eligible other applicants may apply; specific residence and placement conditions apply, especially for research carried out abroad

What does FCT PhD Studentships (Portugal) cover?

According to the official 2026 studentship rates and applicable regulations

When is the deadline for FCT PhD Studentships (Portugal)?

Mar – Apr (probable; the regular 2026 call closed on 31 Mar 2026 - watch the FCT site for the next call) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with FCT PhD Studentships (Portugal)?

Host countries: Portugal.

What documents do I need for FCT PhD Studentships (Portugal)?

Online application; academic records; CV; research plan; supporting documents required by the call; host institution validation.

How are applicants selected for FCT PhD Studentships (Portugal)?

Expert-panel evaluation of applicant merit, research plan and host conditions

How much work is the FCT PhD Studentships (Portugal) application?

High