University Portucalense (Porto/Portugal) - Merit Award of the Directorate General for Higher Education (DGES)

DGES Merit Award at University Portucalense

You will receive a monthly cash award for one academic year if you are among the top students at your university. The Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES), the Portuguese authority responsible for this programme, sets the amount each year and publishes it in the annual notice on merit-based grants. No fixed amount is specified in the current sources. As this is a reward for good grades and not means-tested funding, family income is not a factor. At the University of Portucalense (Infante D. Henrique) in Porto, the on-site Social Support Office is responsible for administering the scheme.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are enrolled on a Bachelor’s degree programme (1 cycle), an integrated Master’s degree programme or a Master’s degree programme (2 cycle).
• Where you study: You’re studying at the University of Portucalense in Porto.
• Exams passed: In the past academic year, you passed all the modules for your year group, which amount to a total of 60 ECTS credits.
• Grades: In these modules, you achieved an average mark of at least 16 out of 20 (‘Very Good’).
• Field of study: Open to all disciplines.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Financial need: Not required. Your family income is irrelevant.

How to apply

You do not need to apply. The university identifies eligible students on the basis of their academic performance. The DGES then draws up a ranking list and selects the scholarship recipients based on their performance in the previous year. Every year, Universidade Portucalense publishes the annual announcement regarding the award of merit-based scholarships, as well as the results, via its Office for Social Support.

If you are looking for additional funding alongside this merit award, our guide Scholarships in Portugal brings together further scholarships and financial support available in Portugal.