University of Minho - UM Excellence Prize

UM Excellence Prize

At the University of Minho, you will receive a cash prize of one full year's tuition fee as well as a diploma. For a bachelor’s degree programme, the fee is approximately 697 EUR per year (set for 2026/27). For integrated master’s programmes, the fee varies, meaning that the amount of the prize changes from year to year. The University of Minho in Braga, Portugal, has been awarding this prize annually to its top students since 2012. It is awarded solely on the basis of academic merit. A means test is not required.

Who can apply

• University: You are studying for a Bachelor’s degree (Licenciatura) or an integrated Master’s degree (Mestrado Integrado) at the University of Minho.
• Field of study: Every subject in every faculty or department at the university.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Grades: You stand out in one of three ways: Either you achieved the highest admission mark in your first year of study (first choice, general national quota), or you had the best weighted average mark in your year group in the previous academic year, or you graduated with the best results in your final year.
• Minimum average: For the in-programme prizes, you must pass all your course units and reach a weighted average of at least 17 out of 20.

How to apply

You do not need to submit anything. The University of Minho automatically selects the prize winners on the basis of their official academic records. The award ceremony takes place as part of an annual event, usually in June at the Rector’s Office in Braga.

Our guide Scholarships in Portugal lists further funding options in Portugal that you can combine with or consider alongside this prize.