Deadline: 30-Jan-2026
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is pleased to announce its Gulbenkian Research Scholarships for non-Portuguese researchers who reside abroad and wish to conduct research in Portugal on topics of Portuguese Culture, in the field of Humanities.
This competition is aimed at non-Portuguese researchers residing abroad who wish to conduct research in Portugal on topics related to Portuguese culture in the fields of History, Art History and Literature with a view to publishing a work, such as a scientific article, a publication or part of a publication; an academic thesis or part of an academic thesis.
The financial support includes a monthly allowance of €1,250 for doctoral students and €2,000 for senior researchers. In addition, a one-time payment of €1,000 is provided for travel and installation expenses, along with personal accident insurance for the duration of travel. The scholarships are awarded for a minimum of two months and a maximum of ten months, non-renewable, to be used during the 2026/2027 academic year.
The program supports non-Portuguese doctoral students and senior researchers who wish to conduct research in Portugal, promoting studies that strengthen understanding and cultural exchange in areas connected to Portuguese history, art, and literature. Applicants must be affiliated with a Portuguese university and comply with all eligibility requirements outlined in the regulations.
Applications may be automatically excluded if candidates fail to meet eligibility criteria, provide false or inaccurate information, fail to comply with the obligations stated in the regulations, or face conflicts of interest or sanctions under the European Union or United Nations. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation also retains the right to request additional documentation at any stage of the process to verify suitability and legal compliance.
The evaluation process considers the academic and professional curriculum, the quality and feasibility of the study plan, the applicant’s motivation, and the letter from the host institution. Additional attention is given to the candidate’s institutional affiliation, intentions for a future academic or research career, originality and significance of the proposed work, and prior academic merit or publications.
A jury appointed by the Foundation’s Executive Board conducts the evaluation and ranking, with final decisions made by the Board itself. These decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Selected candidates must provide certificates confirming no outstanding debts to the Federal Revenue Service or Social Security, proof of bank account ownership, and valid identification documents.
Scholarship recipients must also inform the Foundation of any change of address, ensure they fulfill all legal formalities for their stay in Portugal, and acknowledge the Foundation’s support in any published works resulting from the research. A final report on the studies carried out must be submitted within three months after the scholarship period ends.
Submissions must be made online via MyGulbenkian, accompanied by academic certificates, a curriculum vitae, a structured work plan, proof of institutional access or project approval, a supervisor’s approval letter (for doctoral candidates), and a motivation letter outlining the applicant’s professional goals and the importance of the scholarship to their career. Applications close on January 30, 2026, at 3 PM.
For more information, visit Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
