Portugal has quietly become one of Europe’s most exciting destinations for international students, and the University of Porto sits right at the center of that growing reputation. With a rich academic history, a warm and welcoming city, relatively affordable living costs, and a genuine commitment to supporting students from around the world, U.Porto is a destination worth taking seriously if you are thinking about studying in Europe in 2027.
This article is your complete guide to the University of Porto International Scholarships 2027. We will cover every available funding option, from the well-known SASUP and Merit Scholarships to FCT doctoral fellowships and Erasmus Mundus programs. Whether you are planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree, a master’s program, or doctoral research, this guide will help you understand your options and take the first steps toward your application.
About the University of Porto
Founded in 1911, the University of Porto, commonly known as U.Porto, is one of Portugal’s oldest and most distinguished public research universities. It is consistently ranked among the top 200 universities in Europe and is recognized internationally for its contributions to engineering, medicine, science, economics, and the humanities.
The university is made up of 14 faculties, one business school, and more than 50 research centers, and it enrolls a diverse community of students from across Portugal and the world. With over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs on offer and a growing number taught in English, U.Porto attracts students from every continent who come to benefit from its world-class faculty, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and internationally accredited degrees.
Porto itself is one of Europe’s most beloved cities. Known for its stunning riverside architecture, warm Atlantic climate, vibrant food and culture scene, and affordable cost of living compared to other major European capitals, Porto is consistently rated among the best cities in the world for quality of life and student experience. Living and studying in Porto means being surrounded by history while plugging into a dynamic, forward-looking academic environment.
Why International Students Choose U.Porto in 2027
Beyond the prestige of the institution, there are very practical reasons why students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond choose the University of Porto for their higher education.
Portugal is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, which means a Portuguese degree opens doors across Europe and globally. Graduates of U.Porto have gone on to careers at leading international organizations, research institutions, corporations, and governments around the world. The country’s growing tech scene, expanding startup ecosystem, and strategic position between Europe, Africa, and Latin America make it an especially interesting destination for internationally minded students.
From a financial standpoint, Portugal is one of the more affordable countries to study in within Western Europe. Tuition fees at U.Porto are lower than at many comparable universities in the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands, and the cost of living in Porto is significantly lower than in Lisbon or most other major European cities. When you combine that with the scholarship options available, U.Porto becomes one of the best value propositions for international students in Europe.
The university also places strong emphasis on research and innovation. Many master’s and doctoral programs at U.Porto are directly connected to live research projects at its 50-plus research centers, giving students the chance to work on real-world problems alongside experienced researchers from day one.
Overview of University of Porto Scholarships 2027
The University of Porto promotes and sponsors a wide range of financial support options for both domestic and international students. These include need-based support, merit-based prizes, research fellowships, and externally funded programs. Here is a detailed look at each option available for the 2027 intake.
1. SASUP Scholarships (Social Support Scholarships)
The SASUP Scholarship is offered by the Social Support Services of the University of Porto, known by the Portuguese acronym SASUP. It is a need-based scholarship that provides enrolled students with a monthly cash payment to help cover the costs of studying and living in Porto.
If you are enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or integrated master’s program at U.Porto, you may be eligible to apply for this scholarship. The support is granted and renewed on an annual basis, and the amount awarded depends on the financial circumstances of the applicant and their household.
It is important to note that this scholarship is available to Portuguese nationals, European Union nationals, stateless persons, and nationals of countries that have signed cooperation protocols with Portugal providing for the reciprocal application of this benefit. Students with International Student Status are excluded from this particular scholarship, so if you are a non-EU international student enrolled under the International Student Status, you will need to explore other funding avenues.
For eligible students, the SASUP scholarship can make a significant difference to the affordability of studying at U.Porto. Applications are submitted online through the SASUP portal, and deadlines are published on the official SASUP website at the start of each academic year.
2. Merit Scholarships at U.Porto
Every year, the University of Porto awards Merit Scholarships to students who achieve the best academic results in their programs. Unlike the SASUP scholarship, these awards are not based on financial need. They are purely academic prizes recognizing outstanding performance, and they are available to students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, and integrated master’s programs, regardless of their socio-economic background or nationality.
The Merit Scholarship is awarded as a one-time cash prize. The amount can be significant, particularly for students who consistently rank at the top of their cohort. In addition to these prizes, the University of Porto also awards Incentive Prizes to the best first-year students from each of its 14 faculties and schools. These prizes are equivalent to the value of the annual tuition fee and are presented during the annual University Day commemoration ceremony.
One of the most attractive aspects of the Merit Scholarship is that students do not need to apply for it separately. The university automatically considers enrolled students based on their academic results at the end of each academic year. This removes a layer of administrative pressure and means that simply performing well in your studies is enough to be considered for this award.
3. Scientific Research Scholarships
The University of Porto also awards undergraduate and postgraduate research scholarships to students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. These Scientific Scholarships are designed to support students who wish to gain hands-on experience working in research projects or at science and technology institutions in Portugal.
Scientific Scholarships are open to students of all nationalities and are aimed at supporting scientific training in a practical research environment. The standard duration is one year, extendable up to three years, though awards cannot be made for periods of fewer than three consecutive months. The financial support provided covers research-related expenses and is detailed in the relevant research project documentation or institutional guidelines.
This type of funding is particularly valuable for students interested in pursuing careers in academic research, science, engineering, medicine, or technology. Working within U.Porto’s network of more than 50 research centers, scholarship recipients get direct exposure to internationally recognized researchers and ongoing scientific projects.
4. FCT Doctoral Fellowships at U.Porto
The Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, commonly known as FCT, is Portugal’s national public agency for science, technology, and innovation. FCT offers fully funded doctoral fellowships to researchers and PhD students conducting research in Portugal, and many of these fellowships are hosted at U.Porto’s faculties and research institutes.
FCT doctoral fellowships are among the most competitive and prestigious forms of research funding available in Portugal. They are fully funded and typically cover tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, research costs, and health insurance contributions. The fellowships are open to candidates from all countries, making them a genuinely global opportunity for anyone with a strong research profile who wants to pursue doctoral studies at one of Portugal’s leading universities.
To apply for an FCT fellowship linked to U.Porto, candidates typically need to hold a relevant master’s degree with strong academic results, present a research proposal aligned with an ongoing project at the university, and meet the specific requirements of the doctoral program they wish to join. FCT fellowship vacancies are advertised on the FCT website and on the U.Porto research portal throughout the year.
5. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships Linked to U.Porto
The University of Porto participates in several Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree programs funded by the European Union under the Erasmus Plus program. These international joint degrees involve two or more European universities, with U.Porto serving as either a lead or partner institution in several programs.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are fully funded and represent some of the most generous study funding available anywhere in the world. A full Erasmus Mundus scholarship typically covers tuition fees at all partner universities involved in the joint degree, a monthly living allowance, travel and installation costs at the start of the program, and any applicable visa fees. Students who receive Erasmus Mundus funding can expect a financial package that covers virtually all major study-related expenses for the full duration of the program, which is usually two years at the master’s level.
To be eligible for Erasmus Mundus scholarships, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to at least 180 ECTS credits, meet the English language requirements of the specific program, and not have previously received an Erasmus Mundus or equivalent EU-funded scholarship. Each program has its own application portal and deadline, so students interested in Erasmus Mundus opportunities linked to U.Porto should search the official Erasmus Mundus catalog and check which programs include Porto as a study destination.
6. Faculty-Specific Financial Incentives
In addition to the university-wide scholarship programs, individual faculties at U.Porto may offer their own financial incentives and support for students enrolled under the Special Contest for International Students. These incentives can include partial or full fee waivers based on the overall access classification of admitted students, and the details vary from faculty to faculty.
The Faculty of Economics and Management (FEP), for example, offers Erasmus Plus scholarships for students enrolled in its bachelor’s and pre-experience master’s programs, with assessment based on both academic initiative and household income. The Faculty of Engineering (FEUP) is connected to prestigious international partnerships including UT Austin Portugal, CMU Portugal, and MIT Portugal, through which students may access additional external funding programs.
Students interested in faculty-specific incentives should contact the academic services office of their chosen faculty directly or consult the scholarship and funding section of the relevant faculty website after receiving an admission offer.
Available Faculties and Programs at U.Porto
One of the strengths of the University of Porto is the breadth and depth of its academic offering. With 14 faculties covering virtually every major field of study, there is a program at U.Porto to suit students from almost any academic background.
| Faculty / School | Key Study Areas | Study Levels | Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Engineering (FEUP) | Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Biomedical Engineering | Bachelor, Master, PhD | English and Portuguese |
| School of Economics and Management (FEP) | Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Management | Bachelor, Master, PhD | English and Portuguese |
| Faculty of Sciences (FCUP) | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Informatics | Bachelor, Master, PhD | English and Portuguese |
| Faculty of Medicine (FMUP) | Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health | Integrated Master, PhD | Portuguese (some PhD in English) |
| Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FLUP) | History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Literature, Archaeology | Bachelor, Master, PhD | Portuguese (some English options) |
| Faculty of Law (FDUP) | Law, International Law, European Law | Bachelor, Master, PhD | Portuguese |
| Faculty of Pharmacy (FF) | Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Development | Integrated Master, PhD | Portuguese |
| Faculty of Psychology and Education Science (FPCE) | Psychology, Educational Sciences, Human Development | Bachelor, Master, PhD | Portuguese |
| Faculty of Architecture (FAUP) | Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture | Integrated Master, PhD | Portuguese and English |
| School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS) | Biomedicine, Veterinary Sciences, Marine Sciences | Bachelor, Master, PhD | Portuguese (some English at PhD) |
Tuition Fees at the University of Porto for International Students
Understanding tuition fees is an important part of planning your studies at U.Porto, especially as a non-EU international student. Tuition fees vary depending on the faculty, the level of study, and your student status.
For students with International Student Status, tuition fees are set by each individual faculty based on the actual cost of the course. Fees can range from approximately 3,500 euros to 16,500 euros per year, depending on the program. Engineering, medicine, and biomedical sciences programs tend to sit at the higher end of this range, while humanities and social science programs are generally more affordable.
There is also an important fee reduction available for students from Portuguese-speaking countries. Students from CPLP member nations, which include Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, and East Timor, may benefit from a reduction of up to 45 percent on tuition fees at the undergraduate level. This makes U.Porto a particularly accessible and affordable destination for students from the Lusophone world.
For EU and EEA students, undergraduate tuition fees are typically much lower, ranging from around 1,000 euros to 1,500 euros per academic year for most faculties. At the master’s and doctoral level, fees are also relatively affordable, and many PhD students who are funded through research fellowships pay no tuition fees at all.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Porto Scholarships 2027
Eligibility requirements differ by scholarship type, but here is a general overview of what most programs expect:
For the SASUP Social Support Scholarship, you must be a Portuguese, EU, or equivalent national enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or integrated master’s program at U.Porto. You must demonstrate financial need, and your household income will be assessed as part of the application. Students with International Student Status are not eligible for this specific award.
For Merit Scholarships, you must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or integrated master’s program and achieve outstanding academic results during the academic year. There are no nationality restrictions. The university considers you automatically, so no separate application is required.
For Scientific Research Scholarships, you must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program and be engaged in or seeking to join a research project at U.Porto. These scholarships are open to all nationalities and are awarded through individual research projects or faculties.
For FCT Doctoral Fellowships, you must hold a relevant master’s degree with strong academic performance, ideally a GPA of 15 out of 20 or equivalent. A well-structured research proposal aligned with an existing U.Porto research project is essential. Candidates from all countries are welcome to apply.
For Erasmus Mundus programs linked to U.Porto, you must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 180 ECTS credits, meet the English language proficiency requirements of the specific joint degree program, and not have previously benefited from a comparable EU-funded scholarship. Each Erasmus Mundus program has its own set of requirements, so always check the official program page.
How to Apply for University of Porto International Scholarships 2027
The application process at U.Porto varies depending on which scholarship you are pursuing, but the overall pathway for most international students follows these steps:
Step 1: Explore programs and scholarships. Start by visiting the official University of Porto website and browsing the full list of available programs. Identify programs that match your academic background and career goals, and note the language of instruction, admission requirements, and tuition fees for each.
Step 2: Check eligibility carefully. Before investing time in your application, read the eligibility criteria for the scholarship you are targeting. If you are a non-EU student, the SASUP scholarship will not be available to you, but FCT fellowships, Erasmus Mundus programs, Scientific Scholarships, and Merit Scholarships remain open options.
Step 3: Prepare your application documents. Required documents typically include academic transcripts and degree certificates, a motivation letter tailored to your chosen program and faculty, letters of recommendation from academic supervisors or professional referees, proof of English or Portuguese language proficiency depending on the program, and a valid passport or national identification document. For PhD and research fellowship applications, a structured research proposal is also required.
Step 4: Submit your application through the correct portal. International students applying for undergraduate programs under the International Student Status submit their applications to the academic services office of their chosen faculty. The general application calendar for the 2026/2027 academic year is published on the official U.Porto international students page. For SASUP scholarships, applications are made through the SASUP online portal after enrollment. For Erasmus Mundus scholarships, applications go through the program’s own official page. For FCT fellowships, applications are submitted through the FCT online portal.
Step 5: Follow up and respond promptly. After submitting your application, monitor your email for any communication from the faculty or scholarship body. If you receive an admission offer or scholarship nomination, respond within the specified deadline to confirm your place.
To start exploring your options and begin your application, visit the University of Porto official scholarships and funding page. For international student admissions, you can also check the University of Porto international student applications page.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application for U.Porto Scholarships
Competition for funded opportunities at the University of Porto has grown in recent years, especially for FCT fellowships and Erasmus Mundus programs. Here are some tips to help your application stand out.
Write a targeted motivation letter. A strong motivation letter is often the deciding factor in competitive scholarship applications. Rather than writing something generic, explain clearly why you are interested in your specific program at U.Porto, how your academic background prepares you for it, and what you plan to do with the knowledge and skills you will gain. Be honest, specific, and forward-looking.
Build a strong academic record. Most scholarship opportunities at U.Porto, especially FCT fellowships, place enormous weight on academic performance. If your GPA is not yet where it needs to be, consider ways to strengthen your research profile through published work, conference participation, or relevant work experience before applying.
Contact potential supervisors early. For doctoral and research-based funding, reaching out to a U.Porto professor or researcher whose work aligns with your interests before submitting a formal application can make a significant difference. A positive response from a potential supervisor can strengthen your application and in some cases is a prerequisite for admission to doctoral programs.
Apply to multiple funding streams. Do not rely on a single scholarship. If you are targeting a PhD at U.Porto, consider applying simultaneously to FCT fellowships, university-based Scientific Scholarships, and any Erasmus Mundus programs that include Porto as a study destination. Diversifying your applications increases your chances of securing support.
Learn basic Portuguese. While many programs at U.Porto are taught in English at the master’s and PhD level, demonstrating even a basic level of Portuguese in your application and motivation letter shows genuine commitment to integrating into the local academic community and culture. Portugal values this effort, and it can help your application stand out among a field of otherwise equally qualified candidates.
Living in Porto as an International Student
Porto is genuinely one of the best cities in Europe for students on a budget. Compared to Lisbon, London, Amsterdam, or Paris, Porto offers a lower cost of living without sacrificing quality of life. Monthly living expenses for a student in Porto, including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses, typically range from around 800 euros to 1,200 euros per month, though costs vary depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Student housing options in Porto include university residence halls operated through SASUP, private apartments and shared houses in the city center or surrounding neighborhoods, and purpose-built student accommodation developments that have grown rapidly in recent years. The city center neighborhoods of Baixa, Cedofeita, and Bonfim are popular among students for their central location, vibrant social scenes, and access to cafes, libraries, and cultural venues.
Porto has an excellent public transport network including metro, bus, and tram lines that connect all major parts of the city. Students with a university enrollment card are entitled to discounted public transport fares. The city is also very walkable and cyclable in many parts, which helps keep day-to-day costs low.
From a cultural perspective, Porto offers a lifestyle that blends traditional Portuguese warmth and hospitality with a young, creative, and internationally connected energy. The city has a thriving food scene, a world-class contemporary art museum (Serralves), a stunning riverfront along the Douro, and some of Europe’s most beautiful historic architecture. Studying in Porto is not just an academic experience. It is a life experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the University of Porto International Scholarships 2027?
Eligibility varies by scholarship type. The SASUP scholarship is primarily for Portuguese, EU nationals, and nationals of countries with cooperation protocols. Merit Scholarships and Scientific Scholarships are open to all enrolled students regardless of nationality. International students from outside the EU can also access FCT doctoral fellowships and Erasmus Mundus programs linked to U.Porto.
Is the University of Porto scholarship fully funded?
Some scholarships at the University of Porto are fully funded and others are partially funded. FCT doctoral fellowships and Erasmus Mundus scholarships are typically fully funded. SASUP scholarships are partially funded through monthly cash payments, while Merit Scholarships are one-time cash prizes based on academic performance.
What is the application deadline for the University of Porto Scholarships 2027?
Deadlines vary by scholarship type and faculty. SASUP scholarship deadlines are published annually on the SASUP website. Merit Scholarships are awarded automatically based on academic results. FCT and Erasmus Mundus deadlines are published separately by each program. For international student admissions to bachelor and integrated master programs, the 2026/2027 general application calendar is available on the U.Porto website.
Does the University of Porto offer programs in English?
Yes, U.Porto offers a growing number of master’s and PhD programs taught entirely in English, especially in engineering, economics, and the sciences. Some bachelor programs are primarily in Portuguese, so always verify the language of instruction before applying.
How much are tuition fees at the University of Porto for international students?
For students with International Student Status, tuition fees range from approximately 3,500 euros to 16,500 euros per year depending on the faculty and program. Students from CPLP Portuguese-speaking countries may benefit from a fee reduction of up to 45 percent at the undergraduate level.
Can African students apply for University of Porto Scholarships 2027?
Yes. African students can apply for Scientific Scholarships, FCT doctoral fellowships, and Erasmus Mundus programs at U.Porto. Students from CPLP countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Guinea-Bissau may also receive a significant tuition fee reduction at the undergraduate level.
What is the FCT scholarship and how does it relate to the University of Porto?
FCT stands for Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, Portugal’s national science and technology foundation. It offers fully funded doctoral fellowships to researchers from all countries. Many FCT-funded PhD projects are hosted at U.Porto research centers, covering tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and research costs.
How do I apply for the University of Porto scholarships in 2027?
The process depends on the scholarship type. SASUP applicants apply through the SASUP portal after enrollment. Merit Scholarships are awarded automatically. Scientific and FCT fellowships require applications through the specific research project or FCT portal. Erasmus Mundus applications go through each program’s official page. International student admissions go through the U.Porto faculty academic services portal.
Final Thoughts
The University of Porto International Scholarships 2027 offer a real and meaningful opportunity for students from around the world to pursue high-quality higher education in one of Europe’s most welcoming and affordable cities. Whether you are drawn by the research excellence of the Faculty of Engineering, the international reputation of the School of Economics and Management, or the research environment offered through FCT fellowships and Erasmus Mundus programs, there is a path at U.Porto for ambitious and academically strong students.
The key is to start early, understand which scholarship best fits your profile and nationality, prepare your documents carefully, and write application materials that genuinely reflect your academic goals and personal motivations. U.Porto rewards students who show real commitment and academic potential, and the city of Porto will reward you in every other way.
Take the next step by visiting the University of Porto official scholarships page to explore all current funding options, check individual faculty requirements, and begin your application for the 2027 intake. Good luck.