Fully Funded Portugal Scholarships Without IELTS 2025/26 offers a fantastic opportunity for international students pursuing higher education in Europe. Portugal has opened doors for students from all around the world to apply for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs, without the requirement of IELTS or TOEFL. A combination of government-funded initiatives and institutional scholarships makes Portugal a cost-effective and culturally rich destination for study.
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About the Fully Funded Portugal Scholarships Without IELTS
Both governmental bodies and prestigious universities provide the Portugal Without IELTS Scholarships for 2025/26. These scholarships are designed to support academically talented and financially deserving students by offering fully funded or partially funded options. In most cases, you don’t need to submit IELTS scores, especially if you can prove prior education in English or provide alternative proof of language proficiency.
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Eligibility Criteria For Fully Funded Portugal Scholarships Without IELTS
Each scholarship has its specific eligibility requirements, but general criteria include:
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Must be an international student from a non-EU or developing country.
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Should have a strong academic background.
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Must meet the language requirements (usually waived if education was in English).
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Should be applying for eligible undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs.
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May need to provide reference letters and academic transcripts.
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Programs Offered
Scholarships in Portugal cover a wide range of programs:
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Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degrees)
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Postgraduate Programs (Master’s Degrees)
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Doctoral Programs (PhDs)
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Dual-degree Programs
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Professional and Research-based Courses
Some scholarships also focus on specific fields such as engineering, architecture, technology, heritage conservation, and social sciences.
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Program Duration
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Bachelor’s Programs: Typically 3 to 4 years
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Master’s Programs: 1 to 2 years
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PhD Programs: 3 to 4 years
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Short Research Fellowships: Duration varies (6–12 months)
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Scholarship Worth and Benefits
These scholarships may offer one or more of the following benefits:
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Full or partial tuition fee waivers
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Monthly stipend for living expenses
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Accommodation support
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Health insurance
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Research and travel grants
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Dual-degree opportunities in partnership with international institutions
Some prominent examples include:
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Gilman-FLAD Scholarship: €10,000 partial scholarship
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UC Merit Scholarships: €1,000 to €2,000 based on academic performance
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Learn Africa Scholarships: Fully funded for African female students
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Carnegie Mellon Portugal Program: Dual-degree funding for PhD & Master’s.
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Top Fully Funded Portugal Scholarships Without IELTS
1. Gilman-FLAD Portugal Scholarship
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Eligibility: Open to international students
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Worth: €10,000 per academic year
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Focus: Undergraduate and short-term study in Portugal
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Deadline: Varies by year
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Application: Through the Gilman Scholarship official portal
2. Carnegie Mellon Portugal Program
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Eligibility: International and Portuguese students
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Worth: Fully funded, including tuition, stipend, and travel
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Programs: Dual-degree PhD and professional Master’s
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Deadline: February–March annually
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Application: Via CMU Portugal official site
3. Learn Africa Scholarship
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Eligibility: African female students
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Worth: Fully funded (tuition, housing, and travel)
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Programs: Undergraduate and postgraduate
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Deadline: Around May every year
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Application: Through the Learn Africa official portal
4. SAHC International Master’s Program
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Eligibility: Students from any country
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Worth: Tuition fees and travel support
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Programs: Conservation of historical buildings
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Duration: 1 year Master’s
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Application: SAHC program website
5. University of Aveiro International Scholarships
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Eligibility: High-achieving international students
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Worth: Partial tuition reduction
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Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s
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Deadline: Varies depending on intake
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Application: Through university’s admission portal
6. UC Merit Undergraduate Scholarships
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Eligibility: Undergraduate students with outstanding academic records
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Worth: €1,000–€2,000
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Awards: 200+ scholarships annually
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Deadline: June–July each year
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Application: University of Coimbra website
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Application Process For Fully Funded Portugal Scholarships Without IELTS
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Choose a University and Program: Visit the official websites of Portuguese universities to find eligible programs.
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Check Language Requirements: Look for programs that waive IELTS if your previous education was in English.
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Prepare Required Documents:
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Academic transcripts
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Proof of English proficiency (if needed)
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Motivation letter
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Recommendation letters
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Valid passport
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Apply Online: Submit your application through the university or scholarship provider’s official portal.
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Interview (If Required): Some scholarships may include an interview stage.
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Wait for Results: Successful candidates will be contacted via email or the portal.
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Conclusion
Portugal is emerging as a favourable destination for international students due to its strong academic reputation, welcoming culture, and wide range of scholarships. The availability of IELTS-free scholarship programs in 2025/26 makes it easier for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams without the hurdle of expensive language tests. Whether you’re aiming for a degree in engineering, arts, or sciences, Portugal offers multiple pathways backed by strong financial support.
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FAQs
1. Can I study in Portugal without IELTS in 2025?
Yes, many universities in Portugal waive the IELTS requirement, especially if your previous education was in English.
2. Are these scholarships fully funded?
Some are fully funded while others offer partial funding, such as tuition waivers or stipends.
3. Is Portugal affordable for international students?
Yes, compared to other European countries, Portugal offers a lower cost of living and tuition fees.
4. How can I prove English proficiency without IELTS?
You can submit a letter from your previous institution stating that your education was in English, or use alternative tests like Duolingo or TOEFL.
5. When is the deadline for applying?
Deadlines vary by scholarship, but most are between February and July 2025.
6. Can African students apply?
Yes, especially under programs like the Learn Africa Scholarships, which are specifically for African women.
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