Portugal
2 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.
Co-sponsored by the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), the Fulbright Commission Portugal offers the Fulbright/FLAD Open Study/Research Award each academic year for students interested in conducting independent research, enrolling in a graduate program or pursuing a combination of study and research.
Two or three grants available 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 dates follow the academic year, either September 1- April 30 or October 1- May 31.
Grantees may travel to Portugal before the official start date, or extend their stay after the grant period, but must have means of support, a valid visa and adequate insurance for any additional period of time.
Fulbright sponsorship covers only the eight-month grant period; 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.
Additionally, the Commission holds a mid-year conference, in March - Fulbright Portugal Forum - during which grantees present their study or research projects.
Candidate Profile
The Fulbright Commission in Portugal seeks accomplished candidates who have the potential for advancing their fields of study and for fostering research collaborations. Applications are welcome from well-qualified and motivated candidates at all degree levels who will have completed a Bachelor's degree before the start of the grant.
Successful applicants must clearly describe in their application the feasibility, objectives, timeline and methodology of their project, as well as demonstrate their 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 minimal supervision and able to adjust to academic, cultural and social settings different from those of their home country.
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.
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 education, science and innovation, reflected in the high quality of teaching and research offered at its universities. Internationalization and academic mobility are key priorities of Portuguese higher education institutions, which are increasingly attracting a growing number of international students and researchers.
Renowned for its warm hospitality, pleasant climate, stunning landscapes and its centuries-old cultural heritage, Portugal offers a vibrant environment for academic and cultural exchange. Its excellent food, rich language and literature, its dance and music traditions, and a more relaxed pace of life that values work-life balance, create the ideal setting for a rewarding and memorable experience.
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 June. In general, Portuguese faculty and students have a good working knowledge of English.
Eligibility
4 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 participating in 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 do not have extensive prior residence in Portugal and are not living in Portugal at the time of application or during the following academic year.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
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 intermediate 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.
Candidates must include the Language Self-Evaluation Form and the Foreign Language Evaluation 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.
For candidates applying to degree programs taught in English or conducting research in an English-speaking environment, Portuguese language proficiency can be at a novice level.
Candidates applying to degree programs taught in Portuguese or conducting research in a Portuguese-speaking environment should have, at least, an intermediate level of Portuguese.
Candidates should confirm with their proposed supervisor the language proficiency required to carry out the project.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
Yes
Affiliation
Grant activities are flexible and may include university coursework, scientific research at a research center, independent library, museum or field research, classes at a music conservatory or art school, or a combination of graduate study and independent research.
Candidates are responsible for arranging their own host affiliation and must submit letters of affiliation with their applications.
The letter of affiliation should express the host institution’s interest in the project, describe the proposed activities, and outline the project’s feasibility and relevance. It must be written in English, printed on official institutional letterhead, and signed by the supervisor and/or head of the relevant department.
Graduate study candidates must provide proof of acceptance into a graduate program at an accredited higher education institution in Portugal before the grant start date. Fulbright grant benefits cover only the first academic year, and university fees are not included.
Appropriate host institutions may include any accredited higher education institution, research center, cultural institution or museum, or governmental/non-governmental organization with educational or scientific purposes.
More information on Portuguese higher education institutions and research centers can be found on the following websites:
- Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior
- Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
- Agência Nacional de Inovação
These lists are not exhaustive, and many Portuguese institutions and R&D units provide additional information on their websites. Other institutions not listed may still be considered suitable hosts; candidates should confirm with the Fulbright Commission in Portugal before requesting 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 stipend of €11,200 to cover living expenses.
In addition, grantees receive a one-time travel allowance of €1,000, paid prior to the start of the 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.
- 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 celebration and Fulbright Portugal Forum.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
The Commission organizes the Fulbright Portugal Forum, a one-day conference in March, 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.
Cost of living can vary greatly depending on the region or city where the grantee is placed.
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to have a better understanding of the potential cost of living in Portugal.
As a reference:
- Rents are higher in bigger cities such as Lisbon and Porto, ranging from $600 to $1300, depending on location and size.
- National Health Care Service (SNS) is high-quality and reasonably priced: an emergency appointment at a public hospital costs approximately $25, and a medical specialty at a private hospital costs approximately $100.
- Public transport system in Lisbon and Porto is easy to use, safe, covers the entire metropolitan areas, and has reduced prices for students;
- Expect food costs to be at least of $200/month.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Housing allowance is not available.
Grantees are expected 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 acommodation at the institution's residence, when available.
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, locations outside city center).
Visas
Fulbright U.S. grantees are responsible for obtaining a National Temporary Stay Visa prior to traveling to Portugal.
The Commission can provide informal assistance but the Portuguese Embassy and Consulates are the sole authorities in matters pertaining to visa issues. Grantees should carefully look into visa information and start the visa application well in advance of travel.
For additional information about National Visas or the Portuguese Republic's 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/
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