University of the Azores (Ponta Delgada/Portugal) - Fulbright scholarships

Fulbright research scholarship (Azores Regional Government)

You will receive about 2,300 EUR per month (2,500 USD) for 4 to 6 months, amounting to a total of approximately 9,200 to 13,800 EUR (10,000 to 15,000 USD). You will use this sum for a research stay at a US university or research centre. In addition to the monthly grant, you will receive approximately 920 EUR (1,000 USD) for your return flight between Portugal and the USA, as well as health and accident insurance for the entire duration of your stay. You will also receive assistance with applying for your J-1 visa, including a waiver of the visa fee. The Fulbright Commission will advise you before your departure and support you during your stay; you will also become part of the global Fulbright network of former scholars. The scholarship is awarded by the Fulbright Commission in Portugal and co-funded by the Regional Government of the Azores. Your stay must not begin before 15 September 2026.

Who can apply

• Nationality and home: You are a Portuguese national and can prove that you live in the Azores.
• No dual citizenship: You do not hold both Portuguese and US citizenship.
• Degree: Before applying, you must have obtained your first degree (Licenciatura), ideally with a grade point average of 14 or higher.
• Field of study: All areas are open, with the exception of research work involving direct contact with patients (for example, in medicine, nursing, dentistry or psychological counselling).
• Host confirmed: You have a letter from a US university or research centre confirming your acceptance (Affiliation Letter).
• Language: You have good English.
• US history: You have not yet received a Fulbright scholarship, do not hold a US Green Card, do not hold a valid US visa at the time of application, and have not lived in the USA for at least 5 years in the last 6 years.
• Preference: Preference will be given to applicants who teach or conduct research at a Portuguese higher education institution.

How to apply

You apply online in English using the IIE application form. The application deadline is 15 January. If your application passes the document screening stage, you will be invited to an interview.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very restrictive. You must be a Portuguese national, live in the Azores, hold a first university degree and already have a host in the USA lined up. The pool of eligible candidates is small, meaning that only a few applicants are competing for the scholarship. If you meet these requirements and can provide evidence of this, your chances are good. Securing a strong host in the US at an early stage is what sets serious applicants apart from the rest.