CFAs: Scholarships for Arts Studies Abroad (Portugal)

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Scholarships provide financial support for Portuguese citizens and foreign residents in Portugal to pursue academic, technical, and artistic training abroad. Funding includes stipends, tuition support, travel allowances, and accident insurance for eligible postgraduate, master’s, and specialized arts programs, particularly in music performance and orchestral training.

Overview

The Gulbenkian Foundation Scholarships for Arts Studies Abroad aim to support professional and artistic development by providing resources for:

• Postgraduate and master’s degree programs

• Technical training projects

• Specialized artistic training

The program emphasizes specialization, continuous professional training, and career enhancement in the arts, with a focus on music performance, including orchestral instruments, singing, and orchestral conducting.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants may receive a combination of financial support:

• Monthly stipend: €1,500 or €50 per day

• Setup allowance: €1,000 for training courses longer than three months

• Travel support: up to €500 for travel expenses directly related to the training

• Tuition support: up to €5,000 upon submission of proof of payment

• Personal accident insurance for travel

This comprehensive support covers living expenses, tuition, and travel while ensuring candidates are protected during their studies abroad.

Duration of Support

Academic Training

• Minimum: 3 months

• Maximum: 12 months

• Renewal: possible for programs exceeding 12 months, up to 24 months total

Technical and Artistic Training

• Minimum: 1 week

• Maximum: 12 months

• Renewal: possible, with a total duration not exceeding 24 months

Eligibility Criteria

Citizenship and Residency

• Portuguese citizens and foreign residents living in Portugal are eligible

Age Requirements

• Academic training: applicants must be 35 years or younger as of December 31, 2026

• Priority is given to early-career candidates starting studies on or after September 1, 2026

• Technical and artistic training: no age limit, with priority for training starting on or after September 1, 2026

Program Eligibility

• Scholarships are not available for:

  • Bachelor’s or doctoral degrees

  • Programs in Architecture, Urban Planning, Design, Art History, Heritage, or Archaeology

• Music scholarships are limited to:

  • Orchestral instruments

  • Singing

  • Orchestral conducting

Application Process

Applicants must submit their applications online in Portuguese through the official Gulbenkian Foundation website.

Steps to Apply

1. Register on the Gulbenkian website to access the application form

2. Complete all required fields in the form

3. Upload supporting documents as specified in the regulations

4. Submit the application before the deadline

   • Early submission is recommended to avoid technical issues

Applications should clearly demonstrate the candidate’s professional goals, artistic development plan, and program alignment.

Priority Considerations

• Early-career candidates are prioritized for academic, technical, and artistic programs beginning on or after September 1, 2026

• Demonstrated artistic potential and specialization is strongly favored

Why This Scholarship Matters

The Gulbenkian Foundation Scholarships provide a unique opportunity for Portuguese and resident artists to:

• Access international training and expertise

• Enhance professional skills and artistic mastery

• Receive financial support covering living, tuition, and travel expenses

• Gain exposure to global artistic networks and opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the scholarship?

Portuguese citizens and foreign residents living in Portugal who meet the program requirements.

2. What types of programs are eligible?

Postgraduate, master’s, technical, or artistic training programs focused on professional and artistic development. Music programs are limited to orchestral instruments, singing, and orchestral conducting.

3. Are bachelor’s or doctoral programs eligible?

No. Applications for bachelor’s or doctoral degrees are not eligible.

4. What financial support is provided?

Monthly stipends (€1,500 or €50/day), tuition support (up to €5,000), travel allowance (up to €500), setup allowance (€1,000 for courses >3 months), and accident insurance.

5. What is the duration of the scholarships?

Academic programs: 3–12 months (renewable up to 24 months). Technical/artistic programs: 1 week–12 months (renewable up to 24 months).

6. Is there an age limit?

Yes. Academic program applicants must be 35 years or younger. There is no age limit for technical or artistic programs.

7. How do I submit my application?

Through the online application form on the official Gulbenkian Foundation website, completed in Portuguese with all required documents uploaded.

Conclusion

The Gulbenkian Foundation Scholarships for Arts Studies Abroad offer a comprehensive funding package to support Portuguese citizens and resident artists pursuing advanced training, technical skills, or artistic development internationally. With financial support, tuition coverage, and professional opportunities, the scholarship empowers artists to specialize, advance their careers, and contribute to the global arts community.