The “Doutor AP” program receives more than 450 applications in its first edition

The new funding program from the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), “Doutor AP” – Call Research Stimulus for Doctorates in Public Administration, received a total of 467 applications in its first edition.

The strong uptake of this funding line, which enables civil servants to obtain a doctorate by conducting research aligned with the research and development strategies of the entities where they work, demonstrates the growing interest in advanced qualifications in the public sector.

Of the total number of applications submitted to the “Doutor AP” program, there is a significant female representation: 70% of applications were made by women, compared to 30% by men. The average age of applicants is 44, suggesting a trend toward professionals seeking to further their education within the framework of an established career.

As for the types of grants, the vast majority (97%) relate to work plans to be carried out in Portugal, while only 3% will be carried out partially abroad.

The distribution of applications by scientific area reveals a strong predominance in Social Sciences, with 38% of applications, followed by Medical and Health Sciences (21%) and Humanities (17%). The areas of Engineering and Technology (9%), Natural Sciences (7%), Agricultural Sciences (5%), and Exact Sciences (3%) accounted for 24% of the total applications.

Given the essential role of employers in supporting these applications, it is important to highlight the strong presence of local authorities, such as municipal councils and parish councils, higher education institutions, and health and hospital units. There are also applications from workers from other entities, such as public institutes, school groups, ministries, and museums, among others, which may indicate that this financing instrument is being recognized as a strategic tool by different types of public institutions.

The "Doctor AP" program aims to strengthen the link between science and public policy, expanding opportunities for more professionals to deepen their knowledge and develop innovative solutions within public administration. This program is thus another contribution to the modernization and qualification of the public sector, promoting more capable management to face emerging challenges.

FCT funding includes a protected time subsidy, which guarantees a minimum reduction of 20% in working hours for at least one year during the first three years of support, based on the corresponding percentage of a national Studentship . It also provides a training allowance that covers registration, enrollment, and tuition fees for the doctoral program up to €2,750.00 per academic year, with the aim of supporting the reconciliation of work and academic training.

Applications closed on February 24, 2025, and will now be evaluated according to the same standards that apply to Studentships doctoral Studentships awarded annually by the FCT. The provisional results of Call are expected to be announced Call early July, with the final results to be communicated in early October 2025.

All information about the 2024 edition of Call ” Call is constantly updated on the Call page.