Deadline: 15 January 2026
Fulbright Portugal, with the support of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), has opened applications for Fulbright Research Studentships and Fulbright PhD Studentships for the 2026/2027 academic cycle. With these grants, you will have the opportunity to carry out a period of research or to attend the first year of a doctoral program in the USA.
Types of studentships & Funding
Fulbright Research Studentship with FCT support in all areas of study is aimed at doctoral students directly funded by the FCT, who have planned or will plan, within the scope of their training plan, to carry out a period of research at a university or research center in the United States of America (USA). This Studentship will last between four and nine consecutive months and may not begin before September 15, 2026. There will be no extra funding in addition to the monthly stipend and other subsidies awarded by FCT as part of the funded doctoral scholarship. Nevertheless, other benefits exist (please read below).
Fulbright DoctoralStudentship is aimed at students who are going to attend the first year of a doctoral program at an accredited university in the USA on a full-time basis. This Studentship is funded up to a maximum of 40,000 US dollars for the first year of studies.
Eligibility
- Students of Portuguese nationality;
- Not hold dual Portuguese and American nationality;
- Not have previously received a Fulbright Programme scholarship;
- Have not resided in the United States for a period equal to or greater than five years in the six years prior to the competition date;
- Do not hold a residence permit (green card) in the United States;
- Do not hold a valid visa for the United States between the time of the scholarship competition and the start of the period of stay in the United States.
Preference is given to students whose academic career is developed at a Portuguese higher education institution.
Benefits
- Supplementary health and accident insurance (ASPE) during the scholarship period;
- Issuance of the necessary documents for the J-1 visa;
- Exemption from visa fees;
- Pre-departure orientation for the US;
- Support for the scholarship recipient during their stay in the US by the Fulbright Commission and the Institute of International Education;
- Opportunities to participate in seminars and other cultural and scientific activities organised by the Fulbright Programme during the scholar’s stay in the US, subject to availability of funds;
- Integration into the worldwide network of Fulbright scholars.
How to apply
Applications are done in English and through a dedicated form.
Supporting material
Additional information can be read here (Fulbright Research Studentship with FCT support) or here (Fullbright Doctoral Studentships).