Portugal Opens PhD Studentships at Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)
International doctoral candidates looking for fully supported PhD research in Europe now have a new opportunity. The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) has officially opened its 2026 Call for PhD Studentships, welcoming applicants from Portugal, the European Union, and third countries worldwide.
This national funding program is designed to strengthen advanced research training with measurable social and scientific impact. The call covers all scientific areas under a regular application line and also includes a specific track for research plans conducted largely in non-academic institutions.
PhD research may be developed at:
- Public or private higher education institutions
- R&D units and Associated Laboratories
- Non-profit institutions focused primarily on research
- National or international host institutions
The studentships are governed under the FCT Regulation for Studentships and Fellowships and the Research Fellowship Holder Statute, ensuring a structured, transparent, and merit-based selection process.
While the official number of awards has not been publicly specified, this is a national-level competitive funding scheme, historically supporting a significant cohort of doctoral researchers each year.
Funding Blueprint: What Selected PhD Scholars Receive
The FCT PhD studentship is structured to provide stable financial support throughout doctoral research while enabling academic mobility and professional development.
Selected candidates will receive:
- Monthly maintenance allowance
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- Support for additional training activities
- Funding for participation in scientific meetings and conferences
- Personal accident insurance
- Travel and relocation costs (when applicable)
Funding is provided through the Portuguese State Budget and, when eligible, co-financed by the European Social Fund under Program PESSOAS 2030.
This structure ensures doctoral researchers can focus on high-quality research without financial instability.
Who Can Apply: Core Eligibility Requirements Explained
The call is open to highly motivated doctoral candidates who meet academic and regulatory requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled or eligible to enroll in a PhD program
- Not hold a doctoral degree
- Not have previously benefited from an FCT-funded PhD or PhD in Industry studentship
- Be Portuguese citizens, EU citizens, third-country nationals, stateless persons, or recognized political refugees
- Live in Portugal on a permanent and habitual basis if applying for a PhD to be conducted both in Portugal and abroad or fully abroad
All additional admissibility conditions are outlined in Section 4 of the official call notice.
How the Selection Works: Transparent Merit-Based Evaluation
All eligible applications are assessed by expert panels composed of researchers with recognized scientific merit.
Each application is scored from 0.000 to 5.000 under three weighted criteria:
- Criterion A – Merit of the Applicant (30%)
- Criterion B – Merit of the Work Plan (40%)
- Criterion C – Merit of the Hosting Conditions (30%)
Applications receiving a final score below 3.000 are not eligible for funding. In case of tie scores, priority is given in this order:
- Merit of the Work Plan
- Merit of the Applicant
- Merit of the Hosting Conditions
Provisional results are expected within 90 working days after the submission deadline, with final decisions released after the appeal phase.
Step-by-Step Application Guide: Apply Smart and On Time
The entire process is digital and centralized.
Here is how to apply:
First, access the official online platform at myfct.fct.pt.
Second, select the regular line of application https://www.fct.pt/en/concursos/concurso-bolsas-de-doutoramento-2026-linha-de-candidatura-geral.
Third, click “Start Application” and complete the digital form.
Fourth, upload all required supporting documents listed in the regulation and call notice.
Fifth, confirm that your selected contracting institution validates your application within the required timeframe.
Important: Applications submitted by any means other than the official online form will not be accepted. If the designated contracting institution fails to validate the application, it will be automatically excluded, making institutional coordination a critical step.
Official Deadline for 2026 Applications
The call for FCT PhD Studentships 2026 opens on March 2 and closes on March 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM Lisbon time.