Gulbenkian Merit Scholarship

The Gulbenkian Merit Scholarship is awarded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to students entering the first year of a bachelor's degree at Portuguese higher education institutions. It aims to promote academic excellence and support students from low‑income backgrounds. The scholarship provides an annual financial allowance to help cover part of students' living expenses and may be renewed for subsequent years of the bachelor's cycle subject to academic performance and eligibility conditions.

Annual stipend of €2,000 (~€167/month); possible additional support for mobility; renewable continuation of the scholarship subject to academic performance.

Candidates must be enrolled in the first year of a bachelor's degree at a recognized Portuguese university, have an entrance grade of at least 17/20, and have a family income per capita of €14,000 or less; renewal requires maintaining a minimum average of 14/20.

Apply online via the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation portal by creating an account, completing the application form, uploading required documents and submitting the dossier before the deadline.