Directorate-General for Higher Education - Merit Award

DGES Merit Award

You will receive a sum of one-off payment of 4,100 EUR for one academic year. This is a one-off lump sum, not a monthly grant. The amount is recalculated each year as five times the national minimum monthly wage in Portugal, meaning it increases over time: 3,800 EUR in the year 2023/2024 and 4,100 EUR in the year 2024/2025. The Portuguese Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES) awards this grant to recognise outstanding academic achievement. Family income is not a factor in this decision.

Who can apply

• Degree: You are undertaking a bachelor’s degree (licenciatura). An integrated master’s degree (mestrado integrado) or a master’s degree (mestrado) will also be recognised.
• University: You are studying at a public or private higher education institution in Portugal.
• Grades: In the past academic year, you passed all the modules for your year group – totalling 60 ECTS credits – with an average mark of at least 16 out of 20 (‘Muito Bom’).
• Field of study: All subjects are eligible.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Financial need: No means test. Your income and that of your parents are not taken into account.

How to apply

You do not need to apply yourself. Your university will review the academic records and identify the students who meet the requirements in terms of grades and credit points. The DGES then draws up a ranking list and awards a fixed number of scholarships to each university. The exact rules for the relevant year are published in an annual public notice.

Our guide Scholarships in Portugal brings together further funding options that may support you alongside this merit award.