Students in Portugal can now apply for the Higher Education Scholarship (Bolsa de Estudo para o Ensino Superior) for the 2026/27 academic year, a government financial support program designed to help students from low-income households continue their university education.
The scholarship contributes to the costs of higher education, including tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, and other study-related expenses. Awards are generally granted for the entire academic year and are usually paid in 10 monthly installments directly to the student’s bank account.
This guide explains who can apply, income and asset limits, required documents, how to apply online, and the special conditions available for working students and students in humanitarian protection situations.
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Scholarship Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Portugal |
| Scholarship Type | Higher Education Financial Aid |
| Level of Study | CTeSP, Bachelor’s, Integrated Master’s, Master’s |
| Eligible Institutions | Public and Private Higher Education Institutions in Portugal |
| Funding Duration | One Academic Year |
| Payment Method | Monthly installments (typically 10 payments) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Authority | Portuguese Higher Education Scholarship System |
What Is the Portugal Higher Education Scholarship?
The Higher Education Scholarship is a public financial aid program intended to support students who have fewer financial resources and are enrolled in eligible higher education programs in Portugal.
The scholarship is not limited to public universities; students attending private higher education institutions may also be eligible if they meet the financial and academic requirements.
The amount awarded depends on the student’s household income, assets, and specific circumstances.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is available to students enrolled in:
- Public universities
- Private universities
- Polytechnics
- Higher Professional Technical Courses (CTeSP)
- Bachelor’s degree programs
- Integrated Master’s programs
- Master’s degree programs
Applicants must be enrolled in a program worth at least 30 ECTS credits.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive a Higher Education Scholarship, students must satisfy all of the following conditions.
Nationality or Residence Status
Applicants must meet the conditions related to Portuguese nationality or legal residence status in Portugal.
Enrollment Requirement
Students must be enrolled in an eligible higher education program with a minimum of 30 ECTS credits.
Previous Qualification
Applicants cannot already hold a degree equal to or higher than the qualification for which the scholarship is being requested.
Academic Progress
For students beyond the first year, they must meet the required conditions for:
- Successful completion of previous studies
- Maximum number of enrollments allowed by the system
Income Limit
The total annual household income must be less than €11,049.89.
Asset Limit
The household’s movable assets must be less than €115,303.20.
Tax and Social Security Compliance
The student and household members must have their tax and social security obligations up to date.
Special Conditions for Working Students
Students who work while studying may benefit from a higher income threshold.
For working students and students with occasional income earned during holiday periods, the total household income limit increases to:
€12,569.89
This provision helps students who support themselves through part-time or seasonal employment.
Humanitarian Protection Cases
Certain students are exempt from the minimum annual income requirements.
This includes students who are:
- In a humanitarian emergency situation originating from Syria
- Afghan refugees
- Under temporary protection originating from Ukraine
These students may be eligible for the maximum scholarship amount of €5,981.73.
Scholarship Amount
Scholarship amounts vary according to the student’s financial situation.
Standard Scholarship
Calculated based on household income, assets, and educational costs.
Maximum Scholarship
Students in the humanitarian protection categories may receive up to:
€5,981.73 per academic year
Scholarships are generally paid in 10 monthly installments.
Required Information About Your Household
When applying, you must provide information about all members of your household.
Required information includes:
- Taxpayer Identification Number (NIF)
- Social Security Number (NISS)
- Bank account balances as of 31 December of the year preceding the academic year
- Value of movable assets such as:
- Savings certificates
- Shares
- Bonds
- Retirement savings plans
- Other financial investments
Foreign NIF Information
Household members do not need to have a Portuguese NIF.
If a household member has a foreign tax identification number, you must indicate:
- The foreign NIF
- The corresponding country code (e.g., FR for France, ES for Spain)
The application uses international country codes based on ISO standards.
Tax Return Requirement
You must also provide your tax return from the calendar year preceding the academic year for which you are applying, if a tax return was filed during that period.
Housing Documents
The documents required depend on your housing situation.
If Your Household Owns a Permanent Home
Provide one of the following:
- IMI (Municipal Property Tax) declaration
- Property registration document for the household’s primary residence
If Your Household Rents Accommodation
Provide:
- Lease agreement
- Proof of subsidized rent (if applicable)
- Proof of social housing status (if applicable)
Bank Account (IBAN)
You must submit proof of the IBAN for the account where the scholarship should be paid.
- The account may belong to the student.
- If the student is a minor, the IBAN may belong to a parent or legal guardian.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Step 1: Gather Documents
Prepare all required identification, academic, financial, housing, and banking documents.
Step 2: Access the Online Portal
Visit the official Higher Education Scholarship online application platform.
Step 3: Create or Access Your Account
Log in using the appropriate authentication method provided by the Portuguese system.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Enter:
- Personal information
- Academic information
- Household composition
- Income details
- Asset information
- Housing details
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload all required documents in the specified format.
Step 6: Review the Application
Check that all information is accurate and complete.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Submit the form online and save the confirmation receipt.
What Happens After Submission?
After submission:
- Your application is reviewed by the competent scholarship authority.
- Additional documents may be requested.
- A decision is issued.
- If approved, payments are scheduled in monthly installments.
Important Financial Thresholds
| Category | Threshold |
| Standard Household Income | €11,049.89 |
| Working Student Income | €12,569.89 |
| Movable Assets | €115,303.20 |
| Maximum Scholarship | €5,981.73 |
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Portugal Higher Education Scholarship plays a crucial role in:
- Reducing financial barriers to higher education
- Supporting students from low-income families
- Preventing university dropout due to economic hardship
- Promoting equal access to education
- Assisting refugee and protected students in continuing their studies
For many students, this scholarship makes it possible to remain enrolled and complete their degree.
Official Application
Applications must be submitted through the official Portuguese Higher Education Scholarship online portal.
Students should always apply through the official government platform and avoid unofficial intermediaries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can international students apply?
Students with a legal residence status in Portugal may be eligible if they meet the nationality or residence requirements.
Is the scholarship available for private universities?
Yes. Students enrolled in both public and private higher education institutions may apply.
How is the scholarship paid?
It is generally paid in 10 monthly installments to the student’s designated bank account.
What is the income limit?
The standard household income limit is €11,049.89 per year.
What is the maximum scholarship amount?
Students in certain humanitarian protection categories may receive up to €5,981.73.
Do I need a Portuguese NIF for every household member?
No. Foreign NIFs can be declared using the appropriate country code.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is mentioned for the scholarship process.
Final Thoughts
The Portugal Higher Education Scholarship 2026/27 is one of the most important financial aid programs for students studying in Portugal. By covering part of the educational costs and providing monthly support, it helps ensure that talented students are not excluded from higher education because of financial difficulties.
Students who meet the income, asset, residence, and academic requirements should prepare their documents early and submit their online application through the official portal to maximize their chances of receiving support for the upcoming academic year.
Helen Oesha holds a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship and is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment through education. Since 2021, she has been guiding students toward scholarships and international opportunities, making higher education more accessible worldwide. Oesha platform is widely regarded as a leading source for discovering global opportunities. Having personally experienced the challenges and success of funded doctoral studies, she is passionate about bridging the gap between ambition and access, helping students realize their dreams and reach their highest potential. this helen oesha remove and write Azhar ul Haq Wahid PhD in journalism from university of complutense Madrid,Spain Journalist write accodingly