FCT PhD Studentships 2026 offer a fully funded opportunity for international graduates and researchers who wish to pursue doctoral studies in Portugal. This prestigious program supports talented candidates interested in conducting advanced research and earning a PhD degree at leading universities and research institutions.
The FCT PhD Studentships 2026 initiative is part of Portugal’s national effort to promote research, innovation, and high-level academic training. Selected applicants will carry out their research in universities, laboratories, and recognized research centers in Portugal or, in some cases, abroad while receiving financial support for tuition, research activities, and living expenses.
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
Note: The program is funded by the Portuguese government and European funding initiatives, including the European Social Fund under the PESSOAS 2030 Program.
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
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.
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.
How to Apply?
- Ensure you meet eligibility requirements; you must be enrolled in or eligible for a PhD program and not already hold a doctoral degree.
- Identify a suitable academic host institution or non-academic organization for your research project.
- Prepare your research proposal and all required supporting documents according to the official guidelines.
- Log in to your myFCT account to submit your application online.
- Select the correct application line and complete the online form carefully.
- Upload all required documents and review your application thoroughly before submission.
- Submit your application before the deadline, which is March 31, 2026, 5:00 PM Lisbon time.
- Ensure your chosen contracting institution validates your application; unvalidated applications will not proceed to evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FCT PhD Studentships 2026 are fully funded scholarships in Portugal for international and national candidates. They fund doctoral research in academic and non-academic settings, offering stipends, tuition, and career development opportunities.
What are FCT PhD Studentships 2026?
FCT PhD Studentships 2026 are fully funded doctoral scholarships in Portugal. They support research in academic and non-academic environments, enabling candidates to develop advanced projects while earning a PhD degree with financial support for tuition and living expenses.
Who is eligible for FCT PhD Studentships 2026?
Applicants must be enrolled in or eligible for a PhD program, not already hold a doctoral degree, and must not have received a previous FCT PhD studentship. Both Portuguese and international candidates living in Portugal can apply under the program’s requirements.
Where can FCT PhD Studentships 2026 projects be conducted?
Research projects can take place in academic institutions and non-academic organizations such as businesses, cultural, social, health, or public entities. At least 12 months of the studentship must occur in the same non-academic host within Portugal.
What is the application period for FCT PhD Studentships 2026?
Applications open on March 2, 2026, and close at 5:00 PM Lisbon time on March 31, 2026. All applications must be submitted online through the official platform and any submissions via other methods will not be accepted.
How should I submit my FCT PhD Studentships 2026 application?
Applications must be submitted exclusively online using the myFCT platform. Candidates select the specific line of application in a non-academic environment, complete the required forms, and upload supporting documents according to the call guidelines.
Can international candidates apply for FCT PhD Studentships 2026?
Yes, citizens of EU member states, third-party countries, stateless persons, and political refugees can apply. International applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and have a connection with a Portuguese academic or non-academic host.
Are there additional requirements for non-academic host studentships?
Yes, candidates must ensure their research plan is connected with both a non-academic host and a national or foreign academic institution. This maintains the link between academic training and practical non-academic research activities.
How are applications evaluated for FCT PhD Studentships 2026?
Applications are assessed by five thematic evaluation panels. They consider the quality of the research proposal, feasibility, relevance of the non-academic host, candidate qualifications, and potential impact of the research activities.
What areas of research are supported by FCT PhD Studentships 2026?
All scientific disciplines are eligible, including Engineering Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Candidates can propose projects in both academic and non-academic environments that demonstrate societal impact and innovation.
What funding and benefits do FCT PhD Studentships 2026 offer?
The studentships provide full funding for doctoral research, including a monthly stipend, support for research activities, and tuition coverage. Candidates also benefit from mentoring, training, and the opportunity to work in high-quality academic and non-academic environments.
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