FCT published the Notice of the Call Call 2025 Studentships Call

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) has published the Notice of the CallCall the Award of Studentships for Doctorates in all Scientific Fields for 2025, which provides for the award of a total of 1,550 Studentships. The deadline for submitting applications is April 16, 2025.

The FCT Call PhD Studentships is aimed at candidates who are enrolled, or who meet the necessary conditions to enroll, in a course of study leading to a doctoral degree, and who wish to carry out research activities leading to the award of that degree.

As in the last three editions, this Call two application lines: the General Line (with an estimated allocation of 1,000 Studentships) for candidates who wish to conduct their research in a predominantly academic environment; and the Specific Track in a Non-Academic Environment (with an estimated 550 Studentships to be awarded Studentships 100 more than in 2024) for candidates who wish to conduct their research in an environment closer to the business and social sectors.

For the first time, FCT proposes to award 1,550 Studentships, further reinforcing its commitment to research carried out in close collaboration with non-academic entities, which now account for more than 35% of all Studentships to Call

The specific application line in Non-Academic Environment aims to strengthen links between academia and various social and economic actors through research. In this regard, work plans must be carried out partially in one or more non-academic entities, namely: companies; collaborative laboratories; technology and innovation centers and other interface centers; public administration entities or third sector entities such as museums, hospitals, associations in various areas (environment, culture, sports); and non-governmental organizations.

The FCT maintains an open call for expressions of interest aimed at non-academic entities interested in hosting doctoral students. The list of registered entities is continuously updated and available for consultation by potential candidates for Call Studentships Call .

The total investment for funding the 1,550 Studentships to be awarded in this Call is €133 million: €85.8 million for the 1,000 Studentships awarded in the General application line and €47.2 million for the 550 Studentships be awarded in the Non-Academic Environment application line. Currently, more than 7,000 Studentships are being carried out, directly funded by the FCT, of which around 1,500 are taking place in a non-academic environment.

It should be noted that, last February, the application process for the 1st edition of Call was completed, with 467 applications submitted. This Call of an innovative funding line to support doctoral students who work in a public administration entity. Its objective is to value and empower public administration professionals, representing an effective commitment to qualification in the public sector, through the allocation of support for protected time dedicated to research activities.