Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave - IPCA Merit Awards

Benefit

You receive a one-off merit award for one academic year if you are one of the top-performing students at the Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave (IPCA/UPCA), a public polytechnic in Barcelos, Portugal. Up to 2025/2026, a national rule set the award at five times the Portuguese monthly minimum wage in force at the start of the year, around 4,100 EUR in 2024/2025. From 2026/2027 onwards, IPCA sets the amount, the criteria and the number of awards itself, so the exact figure now depends on that institutional rule. The award rewards grades alone, and your family income does not matter.

Eligibility

• Where you study: You are enrolled at the Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave (IPCA/UPCA) in Barcelos or Braga, Portugal.
• Level: You are studying on a Bachelor’s degree programme (Licenciatura), a Master’s degree programme (Mestrado) or an advanced vocational technical programme (CTeSP).
• Grades: You have top academic results. Under the previous rule this meant a weighted average of at least 16 out of 20 across all subjects since you first enrolled, with no failed or delayed units.
• Field of study: Any topic is allowed.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Financial need: No eligibility criteria. This is based solely on academic results, regardless of household income.

How to apply

In the past, you did not need to apply at all. The university selected the eligible top students itself. Under the new institutional framework, the procedure may now involve a formal application, which you must submit via the IPCA’s Social Services Office (SASE).

If this merit award is not the right fit for you, our guide Scholarships in Portugal points to further funding options across Portugal.