FCT increases investment and number of Studentships in Call

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) is increasing its investment in Call the Award of Studentships for Doctorates in All Scientific Fields 2026, with a total amount of €145 million, €12 million more than in the previous edition.

A total of 1,600 Studentships will be awarded, 50 more than in Call , of which 1,000 Studentships General Studentships , with an investment of €90.6 million, and 600 Studentships Non-Academic Studentships , supported by a budget of €54.4 million. The notices for the opening Call 2026 Studentships Call are now available (General Application Line and Specific Application Line in Non-Academic Environment) and applications will be accepted between March 2 and 31, 2026.

As in 2025, the contracting and management of Studentships for funding will be ensured by the Institutions of the National Science and Technology System (SNCT), through program contracts signed between these entities and the FCT. The measure aims to strengthen the autonomy of the Contracting Institutions and brings the management of Studentships closer to the scientific contexts where the projects will be developed. This model follows the trends of counterpart European institutions and is similar to that existing in Scientific Calls .

This is the fifth edition of Call Studentships Call with a line for Non-Academic Environment, which will continue to support PhDs in close collaboration with civil society entities, companies, museums, hospitals, associations, and non-governmental organizations.

Implementation of Studentships

Currently, around 6,700 Studentships are being directly funded by FCT, of which around 2,000 are in a non-academic environment.

Expression of interest for non-academic entities

Expressions of interest are permanently open to non-academic entities wishing to host doctoral students. The list of available institutions can be consulted on the FCT website, allowing for more direct interaction with the contact point of each institution, with a view to preparing a work plan aimed at a possible application.

For more information on the Studentships Call , please refer to the Call pages Call General Application Line and Specific Application Line in Non-Academic Environment.