Portugal is becoming one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe, offering high-quality education, affordable living costs, and a vibrant cultural experience. For international students looking to study in Portugal without the hassle of IELTS, there are several fully funded and partially funded scholarships available in 2026.
This guide covers the best Portugal scholarships without IELTS, eligibility criteria, application processes, and tips to secure funding for your studies in Europe.
Why Study in Portugal Without IELTS?
Portugal is home to prestigious universities such as the University of Porto, University of Lisbon, and University of Coimbra, which offer numerous English-taught programs. Many institutions waive the IELTS requirement if:
✅ You have previous education in English.
✅ You take an alternative English proficiency test (like Duolingo or TOEFL).
✅ You attend an online interview to assess your language skills.
This flexibility makes Portugal an excellent choice for students who want to study abroad without IELTS.
Top Portugal Scholarships Without IELTS in 2026
Here are the best scholarships to study in Portugal without IELTS:
1. Portuguese Government Scholarships
The Portuguese government offers scholarships for international students through the Camões Institute and DGES (Directorate-General for Higher Education). These include:
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Study in Portugal Scholarships – For Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students.
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Portuguese Language and Culture Scholarships – For students learning Portuguese.
Eligibility:
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Open to all nationalities.
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Proof of English or Portuguese proficiency (alternative tests accepted).
Benefits:
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Tuition fee waivers.
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Monthly stipends (up to €1,000).
How to Apply:
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Apply via the DGES website or the Camões Institute portal.
2. University of Lisbon Scholarships
The University of Lisbon offers merit-based scholarships for international students without requiring IELTS.
Eligibility:
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Strong academic record.
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English proficiency proof (can be waived for previous English-medium students).
Benefits:
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Full or partial tuition coverage.
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Accommodation support.
How to Apply:
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Check the University of Lisbon’s scholarship page and submit an online application.
3. University of Porto Scholarships
The University of Porto provides scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students without strict IELTS requirements.
Eligibility:
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High grades in previous studies.
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English proficiency (alternative tests accepted).
Benefits:
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Tuition fee discounts.
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Living expense grants.
How to Apply:
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Visit the University of Porto’s official website and apply through their scholarship portal.
4. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships in Portugal
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) program offers fully funded scholarships for students to study in Portugal and other European countries.
Eligibility:
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Open to non-EU and EU students.
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No IELTS required if you have prior English education.
Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage.
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Monthly allowance (€1,000–€1,500).
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Travel grants.
How to Apply:
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Apply through the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue.
5. Instituto Politécnico de Leiria Scholarships
This polytechnic institution offers scholarships for international students without IELTS.
Eligibility:
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Good academic performance.
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English proficiency (interview possible).
Benefits:
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Tuition fee waivers.
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Housing assistance.
How to Apply:
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Submit an application on the IP Leiria website.
6. FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) Scholarships
FCT offers PhD scholarships for international students in Portugal.
Eligibility:
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Master’s degree for PhD applicants.
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Research proposal approval.
Benefits:
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€1,200–€1,500 monthly stipend.
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Research funding.
How to Apply:
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Check FCT’s official calls for applications.
How to Apply for Portugal Scholarships Without IELTS
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Check University Requirements – Some universities waive IELTS if you meet alternative criteria.
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Submit Proof of English Proficiency – Alternative tests (Duolingo, TOEFL, or medium-of-instruction certificates).
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Prepare Strong Documents – Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, SOP.
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Apply Early – Deadlines vary (usually between January–June 2026).
Final Tips for Securing a Portugal Scholarship
✔ Apply to Multiple Scholarships – Increase your chances.
✔ Contact Professors for PhD Positions – Networking helps.
✔ Write a Strong Motivation Letter – Highlight your achievements.
✔ Check Embassy Scholarships – Some countries have bilateral agreements with Portugal.
Conclusion
Portugal offers generous scholarships without IELTS for international students in 2026. Whether you’re applying for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs, options like Erasmus Mundus, FCT, and university-specific scholarships can help you study for free in Europe.
Start preparing your applications early, explore alternative English proficiency options, and take advantage of Portugal’s affordable yet high-quality education system.