Are you struggling with the cost of higher education? Are you enrolled or planning to enroll in a Portuguese university and need financial aid? The Higher Education Scholarship, offered by the  DGES (Directorate-General for Higher Education), provides financial assistance to students from low-income households who are pursuing higher education in Portugal.

This scholarship aims to support students enrolled in public or private higher education institutions across Portugal. With monthly payments, it ensures financial stability throughout the academic year. Special provisions are available for humanitarian emergencies, working students, and individuals with limited financial resources.

Administered online via the DGES portal, the process is streamlined for both new and returning applicants. This initiative helps ensure equal educational opportunities for all, regardless of economic background.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadlines:
  • June 25 to September 30, 2025
  • 20 working days after the last registration deadline
  • October 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026
• Funding Type: Partially Funded
• Organizers: DGES (Directorate-General for Higher Education),  Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for PhD scholarships
• Eligible Countries: All nationalities
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Undergraduate, Integrated Master’s, Master’s, and Professional Technical Course students
• Field: All Fields
• Study Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and CTESP
• Duration: 1 Year
• Host Country: Portugal

Scholarship Benefits

The Higher Education Scholarship will provide the following benefits for the selected students:

• Monthly scholarship paid for 10 months
• Full-year coverage of study-related expenses
• Maximum grant for exceptional cases (e.g., Syrian in humanitarian emergencies, Afghan refugees, and Ukrainian students): €5,981.73
• Free application process
• Special income limits for working students and humanitarian cases

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply for this scholarship?

• Applicants must have Portuguese nationality or legal residence status in Portugal
• Enrolled in CTESP, bachelor’s, integrated master’s, or master’s (minimum 30 ECTS credits)
• Must not hold a degree equal to or higher than the one you’re applying for
• From the second year onward, students must meet academic progress and enrollment limits
• Annual household income must be under €11,049.89
• Household movable assets must be under €115,303.20
• Must be up to date with tax and social security obligations

Special Conditions:

• Working students or those with holiday income: income limit is €12,569.89
• No income threshold for:
  • Students from Syria (humanitarian emergency)
  • Afghan refugees
  • Students under temporary protection from Ukraine
  • These students may receive the maximum grant (€5,981.73)

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

For all household members:

• Tax Identification Number (NIF)
• Social Security Identification Number (NISS)
• Bank balances (current and savings accounts) as of December 31 of the previous calendar year
• Value of movable assets (e.g., savings certificates, shares, bonds, pension plans)
• Foreign TIN and two-letter country code (if applicable)

Financial Documentation:

• IRS tax return for the year before the academic year (if filed)

Housing Situation:

• If owning a home: IMI (municipal property tax) return or legal property registration
• If renting or in social housing: Rental agreement and proof of any rent subsidy or social housing

Bank Details:

• Proof of IBAN and account holder information (can be a parent if the student is a minor)

How to Apply?

• Apply online through the DGES portal using the link below
• Use your reserved student area credentials (retrieve if forgotten)
• Upload the necessary documents during the application process.
• Use the DGES scholarship simulator before applying
• Contact your institution’s Social Welfare Office for help if needed

Apply Now

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Further details and information are available on the official DGES website, or you can refer to the FAQs.

 For More Opportunities, visit Scholarships.af