Scholarships in Portugal for Indian Students

Portugal has become one of the more attractive study destinations for Indian students in recent years. Tuition fees are significantly lower than in the UK, the US, or Australia. The universities are internationally accredited. The country is safe, student-friendly, and offers a real pathway into the European job market after graduation.

The main barrier for many Indian students is funding. A degree in Portugal is more affordable than in many Western countries, but the combined cost of tuition and living expenses still requires planning. Scholarships can bridge that gap, and more options are available than most applicants realise.

This  coveblogrs the main types of scholarships available for Indian students in Portugal, a comparison of the top programmes, what you need to apply, and how to improve your chances of being selected.

Why Portugal Is Worth Considering for Higher Education

● Affordable tuition: Annual fees at Portuguese public universities typically range from EUR 697 to EUR 7,000 for international students, depending on the programme and institution.

● Internationally recognised degrees: Universities such as the University of Lisbon, NOVA University Lisbon, the University of Porto, and the University of Coimbra are ranked among the top universities in Europe.

● English-taught programmes: Many postgraduate programmes are available in English, making them accessible before you reach an advanced level in Portuguese.

● EU career access: A degree from a Portuguese university gives graduates a strong foundation for working across the European Union.

● Lower cost of living: Monthly living costs in cities like Coimbra and Braga are typically between EUR 500 and EUR 800. Lisbon and Porto tend to be higher, around EUR 900 to EUR 1,200.

Types of Scholarships Available in Portugal

Understanding the categories helps you identify which options you are realistically eligible for.

Government and research scholarships are offered by Portuguese national bodies such as the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). These tend to be research-focused and targeted at PhD or postdoctoral candidates.

University scholarships are merit-based awards offered directly by individual institutions. They typically take the form of partial or full tuition fee waivers for high-achieving international students.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are fully funded international master's programmes run by consortia that include Portuguese universities. They are open to students from any country and are among the most competitive scholarships available in Europe.

Erasmus+ mobility grants support students who are already enrolled at a university that has a formal partnership with a Portuguese institution. These cover an exchange period of two to twelve months rather than a full degree.

Foundation scholarships come from organisations such as the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation or the Camoes Institute. These are typically tied to specific fields, particularly Portuguese language, culture, literature, or research.

Private and corporate scholarships from organisations such as Santander Universidades are available to students at partner institutions and typically provide partial funding.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students: A Comparison

Note: State social support scholarships managed by DGES (Direccao-Geral do Ensino Superior) are primarily available to Portuguese citizens, EU nationals, and legal residents. They are not generally accessible to Indian students applying from outside the EU.

Eligibility and What You Need to Apply

Academic Requirements

Most merit-based scholarships require a strong academic record. A minimum grade of 60 to 70 percent equivalent (or CGPA of 7.0 to 8.0 out of 10) is a common baseline, though competitive programmes often expect considerably higher.

For FCT PhD scholarships, your research proposal and the quality of the hosting research unit are evaluated alongside your academic record.

Language Requirements

For programmes taught in English, universities typically require:

● IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent TOEFL score)

● Some universities also accept Duolingo English Test scores

For programmes taught in Portuguese:

● Proof of Portuguese proficiency, typically at B2 level (DAPLE/CAPLE certification or equivalent)

● Some universities accept Portuguese proficiency certificates from recognised language centres

Learning Portuguese before applying improves both your eligibility for Portuguese-taught programmes and your daily life experience in the country. If you are considering this route, it is worth exploring language training before your application. You can find out more about Portuguese language requirements for studying in Portugal at LinguaPol.

Documents Typically Required

● Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated into English or Portuguese by a certified translator)

● A Letter of Motivation or Statement of Purpose (SOP)

● Two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees

● A valid passport

● Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or Portuguese certification depending on the programme)

● CV or resume

● Research proposal (for PhD and research scholarships)

● Portfolio (for creative and arts programmes)

Application Deadlines

Deadlines vary significantly by scholarship and institution. A general pattern:

● Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: December to January for September entry

● FCT PhD Scholarships: Annual call, typically March

● University merit scholarships: Often aligned with admission cycles, between January and May

● Camoes Institute: Annual cycle, typically May

Starting your research at least twelve months before your intended start date gives you enough time to prepare strong documents and meet the earliest deadlines.

Step-by-Step Scholarship Application Checklist

Use this checklist to stay organised through the process.

Six to twelve months before the deadline:

● Research programmes and confirm which universities offer scholarships for international students

● Check eligibility criteria carefully for each scholarship you plan to apply to

● Contact your target university's international office to confirm current scholarship availability

● Begin or continue Portuguese language learning if required

Three to six months before the deadline:

● Request official academic transcripts and begin certified translation if required

● Identify and brief your recommendation referees well in advance

● Draft your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and revise it multiple times

● Prepare your CV, updated and tailored to the academic context

One to two months before the deadline:

● Complete English or Portuguese language proficiency tests if not already done

● Finalise and proofread all application documents

● Submit through the official portal of the scholarship or university

● Keep copies of all submitted documents and confirmation emails

After submission:

● Monitor your email and the application portal for updates

● Prepare for an interview if shortlisted

● Begin student visa research in parallel, as processing times can be several months

Tips to Give Your Application a Better Chance

Maintain strong academic performance. Most scholarships are merit-based. Consistent results across your previous degrees carry significant weight.

Apply as early as possible. Many university scholarships operate on a rolling basis and fill quickly. Submitting early gives your application more visibility.

Write a focused, specific Statement of Purpose. Generic SOPs are easy to identify and rarely succeed. Explain clearly why you chose Portugal, why you chose that specific university and programme, and what you plan to do with the qualification. Specific reasons are more convincing than general ones.

Choose referees who know your work. A strong, specific reference letter from a professor or employer who knows your work directly is worth more than a formal letter from a senior figure who barely knows you.

Learn basic Portuguese before you apply. Even a beginner level of Portuguese signals genuine commitment to building a life in Portugal. It strengthens your application, helps in interviews, and prepares you for arrival. You can explore how learning European Portuguese versus Brazilian Portuguese affects your preparation at LinguaPol.

Verify every source. Only use official .pt government domains, official EU portals (erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu, eacea.ec.europa.eu), and the official websites of the universities themselves. Third-party scholarship sites can contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Start Your Portuguese Language Preparation with LinguaPol

Many scholarships in Portugal, particularly for undergraduate programmes and language-focused awards, require proof of Portuguese proficiency. Even for English-taught programmes, having Portuguese skills significantly improves your experience and your job prospects after graduation.

LinguaPol offers structured Portuguese language courses designed for learners at all levels. Whether you need to reach B2 for university admission or want to start building basic conversational skills before you arrive, the courses are built around practical communication rather than theory alone.

Explore the Portuguese language course at LinguaPol and find a programme that fits your timeline and goals.

Wrapping Up

Scholarships in Portugal exist across multiple categories: fully funded international programmes, research grants, university merit awards, and foundation scholarships. Indian students are eligible for the majority of these, and the competition, while real, is not as intense as for scholarships in the UK or the US.

The most important steps are starting early, verifying eligibility carefully, writing a focused and specific application, and building the language skills that strengthen your profile.

Portugal is a genuinely affordable and academically strong destination for Indian students. With the right preparation, funding is achievable.

FAQs

Are there fully funded scholarships in Portugal?

Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are fully funded master's programmes open to all nationalities, including Indian students. They cover full tuition fees, travel costs, and provide a monthly stipend of approximately EUR 1,400. FCT PhD scholarships are also highly funded, covering tuition and providing a stipend of approximately EUR 1,260 per month. These programmes are competitive and require strong academic records and research proposals. University-level merit scholarships are more common but typically cover partial or full tuition only, without a living stipend.

Is IELTS required to study in Portugal?

For English-taught programmes at Portuguese universities, most institutions require proof of English proficiency. IELTS (typically 6.0 to 6.5) and TOEFL are the most widely accepted formats. Some universities also accept the Duolingo English Test. For programmes taught in Portuguese, English proficiency may not be required, but proof of Portuguese language ability at B2 level or above usually is. Always check the specific language requirements of the programme you are applying to, as they vary by university and course.

When should I apply for scholarships in Portugal?

The ideal time to start is twelve months before your intended start date. Erasmus Mundus deadlines typically fall between December and January for September entry. FCT PhD scholarships have an annual call, usually in March. University merit scholarships are often processed alongside admissions between January and May. Starting your research and document preparation early is important, as certified translations, language tests, and strong references all take time to arrange properly.

Do I need to know Portuguese to study in Portugal?

Not necessarily. Many postgraduate programmes at Portuguese universities are taught in English. However, having Portuguese language skills improves your everyday experience significantly and is a genuine asset for employment after graduation. For programmes taught in Portuguese, B2-level proficiency is typically required, and some language-focused scholarships specifically require it. Even for English-taught programmes, learning basic Portuguese before you arrive is widely recommended by students who have already made the move.