Portugal is one of Europe’s fastest-growing study destinations for international students — combining affordable living costs, world-class universities, a safe and welcoming environment, and a growing English-medium program landscape.
For international students from developing countries, particularly from Portuguese-speaking African nations (PALOP countries), Brazil, and Asia, Portugal offers specific scholarship pathways and fee reductions that make it one of Europe’s most accessible study destinations.
This guide covers every major pathway to studying in Portugal for free in 2026.
Why Study in Portugal?
Affordable tuition and living. Portuguese public universities charge non-EU students approximately €950–€7,000 per year and outside Lisbon, monthly living costs of €700–€1,000 are comfortable. Far cheaper than northern or western Europe.
Growing English-medium programs. Portuguese universities, particularly University of Lisbon, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, and University of Porto — have significantly expanded English-taught Master’s and PhD programs.
PALOP advantage. Portugal has specific bilateral scholarship agreements and fee reductions for students from Portuguese-speaking African countries (Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe), making Portugal uniquely accessible for these nationalities.
EU membership + Schengen zone. A Portuguese degree provides EU qualification recognition and a Schengen Zone base for European mobility.
Post-study work. Non-EU graduates with a Portuguese degree can apply for a job-seeking residency permit, one of the most accessible post-study work pathways in Europe.
Quality of life. Portugal consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable countries, safe, culturally rich, and increasingly international.
Top Scholarships to Study in Portugal for Free 2026
1. FCT Scholarships — Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia 🇵🇹
The FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) is Portugal’s national science foundation and the primary source of fully funded PhD scholarships for international researchers in Portugal.
FCT PhD Scholarships:
What’s Covered:
- Monthly stipend €1,686 (~$1,880 USD) — above Portuguese national minimum wage
- Tuition fees at Portuguese university
- Research expenses
Eligibility:
- Applying for PhD at a Portuguese university
- Strong academic record — typically top 20% of graduating class
- Research proposal required
- English or Portuguese proficiency depending on program
FCT International Doctoral Programme: Specific PhD programs co-supervised by Portuguese and international universities — fully funded.
How to Apply: Apply through fct.pt — FCT opens PhD scholarship calls annually
Deadline: Varies — typically March–June annually
2. University of Lisbon Scholarships 🇵🇹
University of Lisbon (ULisboa), Portugal’s largest and highest-ranked university, formed by the merger of Technical University of Lisbon and University of Lisbon, offers several scholarship pathways for international students.
ULisboa Merit Scholarships:
- Partial tuition reduction for outstanding international Master’s applicants
- Available across most faculties
ULisboa PhD Research Positions:
- Full funding through FCT or European research grants
- Contact supervisors directly for PhD funding
Strongest Programs: Engineering, sciences, medicine, architecture, economics, law, humanities, and social sciences.
Deadline: February–May 2027
3. Universidade Nova de Lisboa Scholarships 🇵🇹
Nova University Lisbon (NOVA), particularly strong in economics, management, sciences, and social sciences, offers the NOVA Scholarship for international students.
NOVA Excellence Scholarship:
- Partial tuition waiver for outstanding international applicants
- Full funding for PhD students through research contracts
Strongest Programs: Economics, management, medicine, sciences, social sciences, and law.
Deadline: February–April 2027
4. University of Porto Scholarships 🇵🇹
University of Porto, Portugal’s second-largest university, strong in engineering, sciences, and arts offers scholarships and research funding for international students.
U.Porto Research Positions:
- Fully funded PhD positions through FCT and European research grants
- Monthly stipend €1,686
U.Porto International Scholarships:
- Partial tuition waivers for selected international Master’s applicants
Deadline: February–May 2027
5. University of Coimbra Scholarships 🇵🇹
University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, one of the world’s oldest universities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers scholarships for international students, particularly from Portuguese-speaking countries.
UC Scholarships:
- Fee reductions for PALOP country students
- Merit scholarships for outstanding international applicants
- PhD research contracts through FCT
PALOP Student Advantage: Coimbra has historically been the primary destination for students from Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and other Portuguese-speaking African countries — with specific bilateral scholarship programs.
Deadline: February–April 2027
6. Erasmus Mundus Programs at Portuguese Universities 🇪🇺
Several Erasmus Mundus programs include Portuguese universities as partners.
Programs With Portuguese Partners:
- EMJMD in Mediterranean Forestry (MEDfOR) — University of Lisbon lead
- EMJMD in Water and Coastal Management — Portuguese university partner
- EMJMD in Environmental Sciences — Portuguese partner
- EMJMD in Agricultural Innovation — Portuguese partner
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition + €1,400/month + travel + health insurance
Deadline: January–March 2026
7. Aga Khan Foundation — Portugal 🇵🇹
Aga Khan Foundation Portugal, the Aga Khan Development Network has a significant presence in Portugal (and strong connections to Lusophone African countries) and offers scholarships for students from eligible AKDN countries who study in Portugal or Portuguese-medium programs.
Eligibility:
- Citizens of AKDN countries including Mozambique ✅, Tanzania ✅, Kenya ✅
- Financial need mandatory
- Strong academic record
How to Apply: Contact Aga Khan Foundation Portugal — akf-portugal@akdn.org
8. PALOP Bilateral Scholarships 🌍
Portugal has specific bilateral scholarship agreements with Portuguese-speaking African countries:
- Angola
- Cape Verde
- Guinea-Bissau
- Mozambique
- São Tomé and Príncipe
Students from these countries receive:
- Fee waivers or significant reductions at Portuguese public universities
- Priority access to Portuguese government scholarships
- Specific bilateral programs through the Institute Camões
How to Access: Contact your country’s Ministry of Education or the Portuguese Embassy, bilateral agreement scholarships are administered through government channels.
Portuguese University Tuition
| University | Annual Tuition (Non-EU) |
|---|---|
| University of Lisbon | €950–€7,000 |
| Universidade Nova de Lisboa | €1,000–€6,000 |
| University of Porto | €950–€6,000 |
| University of Coimbra | €950–€5,000 |
| University of Minho | €950–€4,500 |
PhD programs with FCT scholarships are fully funded, stipend covers both tuition and living costs.
How to Apply — Step by Step
1: Choose target university and program Apply directly through the university’s admissions portal. Most Portuguese universities accept online applications from international students.
2: Apply for FCT scholarship (PhD) Apply at fct.pt — FCT PhD calls open annually, typically spring.
3: Contact PhD supervisors Email potential supervisors at Portuguese universities. Portuguese academics are generally responsive and internationally collaborative.
4: Apply for university merit scholarship Most universities consider admitted international students for merit scholarships automatically, indicate your need during admission.
5: Apply for Erasmus Mundus (if applicable) Separate application through consortium portal.
Language Requirements
English-medium programs: IELTS 6.0–6.5 for most programs.
Portuguese-medium programs: CIPLE B2 or DIPLE C1, Portuguese language certificates.
For PALOP students: Portuguese is your native or national language, this is a significant structural advantage for Portuguese-medium programs.
Free Tools for Your Portuguese Scholarship Application
- 📄 Free SOP Generator
- 🔬 Free Research Proposal Generator
- 💌 Free Motivation Letter Generator
- 📑 Free CV Builder
- 📜 Free Reference Letter Generator
- 📖 Free IELTS & TOEFL Practice
FAQ — Study in Portugal Free 2026
Q: Can African students study in Portugal for free?
Students from PALOP countries (Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe) receive significant fee reductions and priority scholarship access. FCT PhD scholarships are open to all nationalities.
Q: What is FCT scholarship Portugal?
Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal’s national research funder. FCT PhD scholarships provide €1,686/month + full tuition for PhD students at Portuguese universities.
Q: Do I need to speak Portuguese to study in Portugal?
Not for English-medium programs. Many Portuguese universities now offer English-taught Master’s and PhD programs. Portuguese is required for Portuguese-medium programs.
Q: Is Portugal good for international students?
Yes, safe, affordable, internationally welcoming, and with a growing English-medium program landscape. Post-study work pathway is accessible for non-EU graduates.
Q: How competitive are FCT PhD scholarships?
Moderately competitive, less so than DAAD or Erasmus. A strong research proposal and potential supervisor are the key factors.