Portugal Government Higher Education Scholarship 2025 – DGES Student Support

The Portugal Government Higher Education Scholarship, managed by the General Directorate of Higher Education (DGES), provides financial assistance to low-income students enrolled in public or private higher education institutions.

This scholarship aims to remove financial barriers by covering tuition fees and living expenses for an entire academic year, ensuring that students can focus on completing their studies.

Note: Doctoral scholarships are awarded separately by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

Degree Levels Covered

The DGES scholarship supports students in:

• Higher Professional Technical Courses (CTESP)

• Bachelor’s Degrees (Licenciatura)

• Integrated Master’s Degrees

• Master’s Degrees (Mestrado)

• Doctoral Degrees (through FCT)

Eligible Fields of Study

All academic disciplines offered at public or private higher education institutions in Portugal, including:

• Science & Technology

• Social Sciences & Humanities

• Arts & Humanities

• Engineering & Architecture

• Health & Biomedical Sciences

• Economics, Management & Law

Scholarship Benefits

• Financial support for students from low-income households

• Monthly payments in 10 installments throughout the academic year

• Maximum amount of €5,981.73 (for humanitarian emergencies, refugees, and temporary protection cases)

• Free application – no processing fee

• If applying mid-academic year, the amount is proportional to the remaining study period

Eligible Applicants

The DGES scholarship is open to:

• Portuguese nationals

• EU citizens with residence in Portugal

• Non-EU nationals with legal residence in Portugal

• Humanitarian cases, including:

  • Students from Syria

  • Afghan refugees

  • Students under temporary protection from Ukraine

Apply Also

• EDISU Piemonte Scholarship 2026 | Study in Italy
• Taiwan Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded

Eligibility Requirements

You must be:

• Enrolled in a public or private higher education institution in Portugal

• Studying in one of the following programs:

  • Higher Professional Technical Course (CTESP)

  • Bachelor’s Degree (Licenciatura)

  • Integrated Master’s Degree

  • Master’s Degree (Mestrado)

• Registered in an eligible subject area such as:

  • Engineering and Technology

  • Sciences and Mathematics

  • Social Sciences and Law

  • Arts and Humanities

  • Health and Medical Sciences

  • Education and Teacher Training

Application Procedure

Required Documents

• NIF (Taxpayer ID) and NISS (Social Security Number) for all household members

• Bank balances and asset values (as of December 31 of the prior year)

• IRS tax return (if applicable)

• Proof of housing status (IMI declaration or rental contract)

• IBAN for scholarship payments

How to Apply

1. Log in to the DGES Student Area using your credentials (or request access from your institution’s Social Action Services – SAS)

2. Complete the online form with personal, academic, and household financial details

3. Upload all supporting documents

4. Submit before the deadline

Application Deadlines (2025–2026)

• Regular applications: June 25 – September 30, 2025

• After September 30 enrollment: Within 20 working days after registration

• During academic year: October 1 – May 31 (proportional scholarship amount)

Conclusion

The Portugal Government Higher Education Scholarship 2025 is a vital opportunity for students who need financial assistance to continue their studies in Portugal. With monthly support, tuition coverage, and eligibility for both domestic and international students, this program ensures that higher education remains accessible to all.

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