Best Scholarships in Portugal For International Students

A mesmerizing mix of historical beauty and contemporary creativity, Portugal, is excessively becoming a top destination for students worldwide. Home to a range of scholarships in Portugal known for their rich culture, low cost of living, and outstanding academic institutions, the country opens doors for students all over the world. At all levels including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD, top colleges like the University of Lisbon, University of Porto, and NOVA University Lisbon give substantial financial assistance and merit based chances.

The mix of government support, university funded assistance, and European Union initiatives such as Erasmus+ makes scholarships in Portugal really attractive to international students. Living costs, lodging, meals, and sometimes even travel expenses are frequently covered under these grants. This blog will discuss the major scholarships for international students in Portugal in 2025, including eligibility requirements, coverage, and application instructions for studies in this lovely southern European country.

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1. Portuguese Government Scholarships (DGES Scholarships)

Offered by the Directorate General for Higher Education (DGES), these bursaries are meant to help those in financial difficulty who also keep excellent grades. This program is advantageous for international undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral students admitted at well known Portuguese schools. Financial restrictions should not impede smart individuals from getting excellent education in Portugal, and the awards help to address this.

Eligibility:

• Open to international students enrolled in Portuguese universities
• Must demonstrate financial need and academic performance
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral level applicants

What it Covers:

• Partial or full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend for living costs

2. University of Porto Scholarships

One of Portugal’s top universities, the University of Porto offers many international students scholarships depending on merit and financial need. Seeking to draw worldwide talent and promote academic greatness, these scholarships help students enrolled in both undergrad and postsecondary degrees. In addition to free of charge tuition, students gain from extra help for housing and daily expenses.

Eligibility:

• Must be enrolled at U.Porto
• Both merit-based and need-based options
• Open to non-EU/EEA students

What it Covers:

• Tuition fee waivers
• Monthly allowance
• Housing support for some recipients

3. NOVA University Lisbon Scholarships

International students who show academic excellence and leadership ability can get a range of financial assistance from NOVA University Lisbon. Students enrolled in fulltime master’s or doctoral programs are eligible for these awards, which cover from full financial assistance to tuition fee refunds. Erasmus+ and research based funding initiatives in which the university also takes part help to defray research and living costs.

Eligibility:

• Open to non-EU students
• Strong academic background required
• Must apply for full-time master’s or PhD programs

What it Covers:

• Tuition discounts or waivers
• Monthly living stipends
• Additional research funding

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4. University of Lisbon Scholarships

As one of Portugal’s largest and most prestigious universities, the University of Lisbon offers a wide range of scholarships to support international students. These scholarships cater to both academically outstanding students and those facing financial hardship. Whether you are applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program, there are several funding options that provide tuition exemptions and monthly stipends to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad.

Eligibility:

• Available to international students across faculties
• Must demonstrate high academic performance or financial need

What it Covers:

• Tuition exemption
• Monthly stipend
• Accommodation support (in some cases)

5. Erasmus+ Scholarships in Portugal

Portugal enthusiastically engages in the Erasmus+ initiative of the European Union, which promotes student exchanges and mobility across European and partner nations. International students attending Erasmus+ partner institutions may benefit from financial help as they spend a semester or academic year at a Portuguese institution. Apart from covering living costs and tuition, this initiative offers a unique chance to experience Portugal’s academic setting and culture.

Eligibility:

• Must be enrolled in an Erasmus+ partner university
• Open to EU and selected non-EU students
• For short-term (semester/year) study periods

What it Covers:

• Monthly allowance
• Travel costs
• Health insurance (sometimes included)

6. Camões Institute Scholarships

The Institute Camões awards scholarships for international students wishing to study Portuguese language, culture, and literature. They are mostly for students from Portuguese-speaking countries, though some mature students coming from other backgrounds who are willing to maintain a valid academic interest in Lusophone studies may apply as well. Funding for language training, cultural immersion, and vocational development has been channelled to several universities throughout Portugal.

Eligibility:

• Open to students studying Portuguese language, culture, or literature
• Preference for students from Portuguese-speaking countries

What it Covers:

• Monthly stipend
• Language training expenses
• Tuition fee coverage

7. Gulbenkian Foundation Scholarships

The Gulbenkian Foundation supports education and research through scholarships primarily offered to students from Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP) and East Timor. These scholarships are ideal for those pursuing higher education or conducting academic research in Portugal. They promote academic inclusion and international cooperation, helping underrepresented communities access world-class education and professional development.

Eligibility:

• Citizens of PALOP countries or East Timor
• Applying for studies or research in Portugal
• Proven academic excellence

What it Covers:

• Tuition fees
• Monthly grants
• Travel support

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As much as Portugal is a destination of sunshine, history, and music, it is evolving into a serious academic contender. With numerous scholarships to be offered in Portugal in 2025, opportunities for international students to acquire a world class education and travel across Europe at an affordable level are available. The scholarships range from government-funded grants to awards seen at specific universities and programs supported by the European Union, thus creating wonderful chances for students at every level of education, whether Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD. So, explore the official websites, check your eligibility, and start preparing your application now!

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