Portugal's Biggest PhD Scholarship Push Faces Major Payment Crisis

The Portugal Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) will award 1,600 doctoral scholarships for 2026, injecting €145M into research training across all scientific fields—yet the announcement arrives as hundreds of researchers still wait for overdue payments from last year's competition.

Why This Matters:

• Applications open March 2–31: The 2026 competition offers 1,000 general-track scholarships (€90.6M) and 600 non-academic environment positions (€54.4M).

• €12M funding increase: Total investment climbs by 8.3%, with 50 additional scholarships compared to 2025.

• Ongoing payment delays: Dozens of 2025 scholarship holders remain unpaid due to bureaucratic bottlenecks in the new institutional contracting model.

• FCT transitioning: The Foundation operates under the Agency for Research and Innovation (AI2), created January 1 from the merger of FCT and the National Innovation Agency.

Universities Now Handle Scholarship Contracts

The competition maintains the administrative structure introduced in 2025, transferring scholarship contracting and management to institutions within the National Science and Technology System. Universities, collaborative laboratories, technology centers, and innovation hubs sign program contracts with FCT and manage documentation, fund transfers, and scholar payments.

This decentralization aims to strengthen institutional autonomy and embed scholarship administration within the scientific environments where research unfolds. The Portuguese Scientific Research Scholarship Holders Association (ABIC) has flagged concerns about implementation challenges related to the new model, which have contributed to payment delays.

By late January 2026, dozens of the approximately 1,500 scholars awarded funding in the 2025 cycle had received their first stipend. The Portuguese Scientific Research Scholarship Holders Association (ABIC) and doctoral candidates have raised concerns about the delays. FCT transferred €11.4M to institutions through the end of 2025. As of January 26, 71 program contracts covering 1,521 doctoral scholarships had been signed—suggesting most agreements were finalized, yet payment logistics continued to lag.

Non-Academic Track Offers Real-World Research Options

The non-academic environment line funds doctoral research conducted in partnership with civil society organizations, companies, museums, hospitals, associations, and NGOs. The track aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application, placing scholars in institutions where their work directly informs policy, product development, or community services.

Non-academic entities interested in hosting doctoral researchers can register through the FCT website. Scholars in this category receive the same stipend structure as general-track candidates but work under co-supervision agreements that involve both university faculty and organizational mentors.

Scholarship Scope and Duration

The competition funds four-year doctoral research leading to a PhD degree granted by a Portugal university. Candidates may apply for national scholarships (research conducted entirely in Portugal), mixed arrangements (combining periods in Portugal with stays at foreign institutions), or, in specific cases, fully international programs (entire program abroad, subject to special justification).

Monthly stipends and allowances follow the 2025 FCT Research Scholarship Regulation. Scholars funded under non-academic environment contracts also benefit from arrangements where host organizations may contribute equipment, lab access, or additional operational funding.

What This Means for Researchers

If you plan to apply:

• Review the official calls carefully: The competition notices will be published by FCT, with application windows confirmed for March 2–31.

• Prepare for institutional variability: Payment processes may vary across institutions managing the scholarships.

• Expect contracting timelines: The institutional model introduced in 2025 is still establishing efficient processes. Budget for adequate time to finalize contracting after award notification.

• Consider non-academic options: If your research has applied dimensions—environmental monitoring, health systems, cultural heritage, digital innovation—the non-academic track offers access to resources and networks unavailable in traditional university settings.

If you hold a 2025 scholarship and remain unpaid:

• Contact your contracting institution and FCT: Document all correspondence and follow institutional channels for inquiries about payment status.

• Seek support: ABIC and relevant doctoral student organizations can provide guidance on addressing payment delays.

Institutional Merger Underway

The Agency for Research and Innovation (AI2) officially began operations on January 1, 2026, consolidating FCT and the National Innovation Agency (ANI) under a single structure. The Government frames the merger as a mechanism to streamline funding procedures and establish clearer processes for grant competitions.

The transition has raised questions about how existing programs, including the 2026 doctoral competition, will be managed during this period of institutional reconfiguration. FCT continues to manage legacy commitments under the new AI2 framework.

Portugal's Investment in PhD Training

The €145M allocated for the 2026 doctoral competition represents a significant investment in PhD training in Portugal. The €12M increase over 2025 signals commitment to expanding research capacity, particularly in non-academic environments where research addresses real-world challenges.

The 50 additional scholarships reflect Portugal's growing commitment to doctoral research training. The March application deadline approaches rapidly, and prospective scholars can find more information through official FCT channels and institutional websites.