Are you an international student planning to study in Portugal but worried about the costs? The Portuguese government offers scholarships to help make higher education more accessible and affordable. These scholarships are designed to support students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that financial constraints don’t hinder your academic aspirations. Here’s a guide to help you understand and apply for these valuable opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria for Portuguese Government Scholarship
Scholarships are available to students enrolled in both public and private higher education institutions across Portugal. Whether you’re pursuing a technical course, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s program, you may be eligible.
Scholarship Benefits
Students from areas facing crises, like Syria, Afghanistan, or Ukraine, can receive up to EUR 5,981.73 as a grant. For students who work or earn money during holidays, the income limit for eligibility is higher, set at EUR 12,569.89, allowing them to qualify for the scholarship too.
Application Requirements
To qualify for a scholarship, students must meet specific criteria:
- comply with the conditions relating to nationality or legalized residency status in Portugal
- Enrollment in an academic program carrying at least 30 ECTS credits.
- You shouldn’t have a diploma at the same or higher level than the one you’re applying for the scholarship.
- Your family’s income and property value should be below the set limits.
How to Apply for Portuguese Government Scholarship
The application process is entirely online to make it accessible for all students:
- Document Preparation: Before applying, you’ll need to gather several important documents:
- Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) for all members of your household.
- Social Security Numbers (NISS).
- Details of bank accounts showing balances as of December 31 of the previous year.
- If applicable, the previous year’s IRS tax return.
- Documentation like a property tax document or rental agreement, depending on whether your family owns or rents their home.
- Online Submission: Visit the DGES website (https://eportugal.gov.pt/en/servicos/candidatar-se-a-uma-bolsa-de-estudo-para-o-ensino-superior), navigate to the student section, and follow the instructions to apply. New users will need to register for access.
- Grant Estimation: Utilize the DGES Simulator online to estimate the potential amount of your scholarship.
- Application Deadline: 30 September, 2024
