Portugal offers a higher education study grant for eligible students enrolled in Portuguese public or private higher education institutions.
This is not a general international scholarship for everyone abroad. It is a need-based student financial support grant designed to help students with limited financial resources cover education-related costs while studying in Portugal.
According to Portugal’s official gov.pt service page, the grant is intended to support higher education students with fewer financial resources, is awarded for the academic year, and is generally paid monthly in 10 instalments.
Applications are handled through Portugal’s higher education grant system under DGES. DGES explains that the study grant is an annual financial support payment, awarded when the student’s household does not have an adequate minimum level of financial resources.
Eligibility Warning
This grant may be useful for eligible students studying in Portugal, but international applicants must check their residence/status eligibility before applying.
Eligible Study Levels
Based on DGES grant information, the application system refers to students enrolled or planning to enroll in Portuguese higher education, including:
Higher Professional Technical Courses — CTSP
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Integrated Master’s degree
DGES simulator information lists these study levels for the 2025/2026 academic year.
What the Grant Covers
The grant helps eligible higher education students in Portugal cover education-related costs and is normally paid monthly across 10 instalments during the academic year.
Who Should Consider This?
Who Should Be Careful?
DGES says students in Portuguese higher education institutions may benefit only under the legal conditions defined for the grant system.
Documents / Requirements to Expect
The official pages do not provide a single complete universal checklist on the gov.pt summary page. Based on DGES grant-system information, applicants should expect to provide details connected to:
DGES states that applicants should consult the legislation and the social action services of their higher education institution for complete information.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Before applying, check whether your nationality, residence status, and household situation meet the grant conditions.
Step 2: Confirm your study status
This grant is linked to Portuguese higher education. You should be enrolled or planning to enroll in an eligible Portuguese institution.
Step 3: Prepare financial information
The grant is need-based, so household income and financial situation matter.
Step 4: Apply through the official DGES/BeOn system
DGES states that applications are submitted through its scholarship application system.
Step 5: Contact your institution’s Social Action Office
DGES advises students to contact the SAS/GAS office of their higher education institution for more information
