FCT PhD Studentship 2026

The FCT PhD Studentship is a doctoral funding scheme supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal's main public body for funding research. These studentships are awarded for research leading to a PhD degree at eligible host institutions in Portugal, sometimes with collaboration from international partner universities.

Based on the referenced posting, this programme can provide fully funded doctoral support for up to four years. Specific benefits vary by call, but FCT-funded PhD studentships generally support the student's research period while enrolled in a doctoral programme. Individual calls may be linked to a particular department, research centre, subject area, or supervisor, as in the referenced Linguistics opportunity hosted by Universidade Católica Portuguesa.

Eligibility depends on the call, but referenced requirements show that applicants may include Portuguese, European Union, and international citizens, including stateless persons and political refugees. Applicants are typically expected to hold a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, must not already hold a doctoral degree, and may be ineligible if they have previously benefited from the same type of FCT-funded PhD studentship. Some calls may also include residence conditions, particularly where part of the research plan is carried out abroad.

Applications are normally made directly to the host university or research unit running the specific call, rather than through a single universal application portal. Students should carefully read the call notice for required documents, language of submission, deadlines, and any topic-specific conditions. Because terms can differ across institutions and disciplines, applicants should always rely on the individual call announcement for the exact funding package and application process.