Portugal
3 Fulbright/FLAD Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length8 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright Program is designed to give U.S. citizens opportunities for personal development through educational and cultural exchange.
The Fulbright Commission Portugal offers the Fulbright/FLAD Open Study/Research Award each academic year, for students interested in enrolling in a graduate studies program, for independent research or a combination of study and research.
Two or three grants to award, depending on availability of funds.
All fields of study are considered.
We encourage candidates to explore other study and research awards offered to Portugal:
- Fulbright/Camões, I.P. Open Study/Research Award for projects in fields related to Portuguese language, literature and culture and/or Portuguese-U.S. cultural relations;
- Fulbright/Azores Regional Government Open Study/Research Award for projects related to, and to be carried out in, the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Portugal.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grant duration is of 8 months.
Grant dates should follow the academic year, either September 1- April 30 or October 1- May 31. Grantees should indicate what is their preferred starting month.
A grantee can travel to Portugal before the grant starting date, or extend their stay after the grant is completed, but must have means of support, a valid visa and insurance for any additional period of time.
Fulbright sponsorship is for 8 months only; no funds or other grant benefits can be extended or transferred to the following academic year.
Orientation
The Fulbright Commission in Portugal hosts a virtual pre-departure orientation in May and an in-country orientation in late September or early October, in Lisbon. Attendance is mandatory.
During the orientation, the Commission offers accommodation for grantees placed outside of the Lisbon metropolitan area.
Candidate Profile
Applications are welcome from well-qualified and motivated candidates, at all degree levels, who have completed a Bachelor's degree before the start of the grant.
Candidates who complete a Doctoral program before their Fulbright grant period in Portugal are not eligible to apply. They should seek opportunities to Portugal under the U.S. Scholar Program.
A successful candidate must be able to describe in their application the project's feasibility, objectives, timeline and methodology, the candidate's academic and/or professional excellence, personal motivation, leadership qualities and plans for community engagement while in Portugal.
The Commission seeks mature, responsible, independent, open-minded and confident individuals who are capable of working independently with little supervision and able to adjust to academic, cultural and social settings different from those of their home country.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Over the last decades, Portugal has seen remarkable progress in learning, science and innovation, reflected in the quality of education offered at Portuguese universities. Internationalization and academic mobility are one of the priorities of Portuguese higher education institutions, which are increasingly attractive to a growing number of international students and researchers.
The academic year starts in mid-September or October, depending on the higher education institution. The fall semester ends in December and the spring semester starts in February and ends in May or June. In general, Portuguese faculty and students have good proficiency of English language.
More information about Portugal, the Portuguese Higher Education System and Fulbright Portugal Alumni can be found on Additional Online Resources.
Applicants requiring additional information and support are encouraged to contact U.S. Program Manager, Dora Reis Arenga (darenga@fulbright.pt), prior to submitting an application. Additional information regarding host institutions and details of the individual openings are available from IIE and the Fulbright Commission Portugal (www.fulbright.pt), in Lisbon.
Eligibility
3 Months
Candidates residing in Portugal (with a valid visa or residency card) at the time of the application, or on the following academic year, are not eligible to apply.
Candidates attending study abroad programs in Portugal as part of their undergraduate studies are eligible, as it is not considered residency.
Dual U.S.-Portuguese citizens are eligible to apply but will only be considered if they don’t have extensive living experience in Portugal and they must not live in Portugal at the time of the application or on the following academic year.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
The Fulbright Commission in Portugal seeks accomplished candidates who have the potential for advancing their fields of study and for fostering research collaborations. Candidates should be able to clearly explain the reasons for pursuing a study/research project in Portugal and their choice of affiliation.
Additionally, candidates should have a demonstrated interest in the country and its culture and in engaging with the wider community while in Portugal.
As part of the selection process, some semi-finalists will be invited for an interview with the Portuguese selection committee, via zoom videocall, in late February or early March.
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Portuguese language proficiency is not mandatory and depends on the proposed study/research project. However, an intermmediate knowledge of Portuguese language and culture is particularly important to achieve a deeper engagement with the host community.
Candidates must include the Language Self-Evaluation Form with their applications.
Foreign Language Proficiency Level by Grant Start
If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Required, applicants must have the following proficiency level by the start of the grant period. If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Recommended, applicants are encouraged but not required to have the following level by the start of the grant period.
Portuguese language proficiency is not mandatory and depends on the proposed study/research project. However, an intermmediate knowledge of Portuguese language and culture is particularly important to achieve a deeper engagement with the host community.
Although the Fulbright Commission does not sponsor Portuguese language and culture classes, we offer resources and links to search Portuguese language study opportunities. We also encourage candidates to check with their proposed hosts if such possibility is available at the institution.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
Yes
Affiliation
Grant activity is flexible and projects may include university coursework, scientific research in a research center, independent library, museum or field research, classes in a music conservatory or art school, or a combination of graduate study with independent research.
Candidates are responsible for arranging their own host affiliation and are required to submit letters of affiliation with their applications.
Graduate study candidates must make proof that they've been accepted into a graduate study program at a Portuguese Higher Education Institution. Fulbright grant benefits only cover the first academic year and university fees are not covered by the grant.
A research candidate's letter of affiliation must identify (name and position) the research supervisor and express their interest in the project, describe the proposed activities and timeline. It must be written in English and printed on institutional letterhead, signed by the supervisor and/or head of the corresponding department.
Before beginning the online application, candidates should explore affiliation options, taking into consideration the faculty, programs and/or research groups in a wide range of institutions, but should also seek information about the proposed institutions' geographical location.
Information about the Portuguese System of Education, Higher Education Institutions and Research Centers in Portugal, as well as information about tuition fees for international students, can be found on the Study & Research in Portugal website.
Appropriate host institution can be any accredited higher education institution, research center, cultural institution or museum, governmental or non-governmental organization with educational or scientific purposes.
Other institutions not listed can still be considered suitable hosts. Candidates should confirm with the Fulbright Commission in Portugal before seeking a letter of affiliation.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Grantees receive a total stipend of €10.400 to cover for living expenses.
Grantees also receive a one-time travel allowance of €900, intended as a contribution to travel between the U.S.A. and Portugal. This travel allowance is paid before the beginning of the grant.
The Fulbright Commission may adjust grant amounts if benefits received from other sources duplicate benefits provided by the Fulbright grant.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Registration/Permitting fees
- Local transportation allowance
Grantees placed outside of Lisbon metropolitan area receive an in-country travel allowance for participation in the following Commission events: Orientation Meeting, Thanksgiving Dinner and Fulbright Portugal Forum.
Other one-time allowances (for example, for registration in conferences or other grant-related activities) may be awarded, depending on availability of funds.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
The Commission organizes the Fulbright Portugal Forum, a one-day conference in the Spring, where grantees present about their projects and experience in Portugal. Meals and travel between their host locations and Lisbon are covered.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Estimated monthly costs average $300 - $500 for one person, without rent.
Rents are higher in bigger cities such as Lisbon and Porto, ranging from $600 to $1300, depending on location and size.
Portugal offers a high-quality, reasonably priced National Health Care Service (SNS): an emergency appointment at a public hospital costs approximately $25, and a medical specialty at a private hospital costs approximately $100.
The public transport system in Lisbon and Porto is easy to use, safe, covers the entire metropolitan areas, and is affordable: a monthly public transport pass costs approximately $45.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Housing allowance is not available.
Grantees are required to live in the city, or larger metropolitan area, where the host institution is located.
Grantees are responsible for finding their own housing but are encouraged to contact their hosts/supervisors and/or the institution's international relations/mobility office for assistance in finding housing or for application to student's acommodation at the institution.
The Fulbright Commission provides a list of resources and websites for house searching in Portugal. The Commission can also provide informal advice concerning housing in Lisbon (average prices per location, safe neighborhoods, places outside city center).
Visas
Fulbright U.S. grantees must apply for a Temporary Stay Visa at the Portuguese Embassy in Washington, D.C., or at one of the Consulates in the United States, before travelling to Portugal.
For additional information about National Visas or the Portuguese Republic Consular Network in the U.S.A, visit the Diplomatic Portal.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
FLAD - Luso-American Development Foundation: https://www.flad.pt/
Study & Research in Portugal: https://www.study-research.pt
Portuguese Higher Education System: https://www.dges.gov.pt/en
Diplomatic Portal - About Portugal: https://portaldiplomatico.mne.gov.pt/en/about-portugal
Visit Portugal: https://www.visitportugal.com/en