University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro - UTAD Merit Award

UTAD Merit Award

You will receive a one-off grant of five times the Portuguese national monthly minimum wage, which is paid once for the academic year in which you have earned it. The amount is based on the minimum wage at the start of this year and therefore increases in line with the minimum wage. The money will be transferred directly to your bank account by the Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (DGES), the national higher education authority. You will also receive an official certificate from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) in Vila Real. The award recognises an outstanding academic year.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled at UTAD in Vila Real, Portugal.
• Level: You are studying on a ‘Licenciatura’ degree programme (Bachelor’s), an ‘Mestrado integrado’ programme (integrated Master’s), a ‘Mestrado’ programme (Master’s) or a ‘Curso técnico superior profissional’ programme (higher vocational training).
• Grades: You have passed all the modules in your study plan for this year, and your average mark for this year is at least 16 out of 20 (‘Muito Bom’).
• Field of study: Open to all subjects. The awards are shared across UTAD's five schools.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Financial need: No means test. Allocation is based solely on your achievements.

How to apply

There is no application process. UTAD’s academic services draw up a ranking of all eligible students based on their weighted average, and the top students in each faculty receive an award. If you are not included on the provisional or final list and disagree with this, you may submit a written appeal via the ‘Inforestudante’ portal within two working days.

How realistic are your chances?

For 2023/2024, UTAD awarded 17 scholarships across its five faculties: 3 in Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, 5 in Humanities and Social Sciences, 3 in Natural Sciences and Technology, 4 in Life and Environmental Sciences, and 2 at the School of Health in Vila Real.

Our guide Scholarships in Portugal brings together further scholarships and funding options for students studying in Portugal.