Your Complete Tutorial for Applying to Scholarships in Portugal via the OS Online Platform.
Are you dreaming of studying in Portugal but concerned about the cost of tuition and living expenses? You’re not alone. Portugal has emerged as a preferred destination for international students, offering high-quality education, affordable living, and a welcoming cultural atmosphere.
To make education more inclusive, the Portuguese government and partner institutions provide a variety of scholarships—both fully and partially funded. Many of these scholarships are accessible through the OS Online Portal, a centralized platform created to make the application process simple, transparent, and efficient.
This guide explains everything you need to know about applying for scholarships in Portugal via the OS Online Portal—from eligibility requirements and documentation to application deadlines and success tips.
Click here to begin your application
Your Complete Tutorial for Applying to Scholarships in Portugal via the OS Online Platform
One of the key financial support options available in Portugal is the Higher Education Study Grant (Bolsa de Estudo do Ensino Superior). This program assists students enrolled in Portuguese universities—both public and private—especially those from low- and middle-income backgrounds. The grant is distributed monthly during the academic year and does not require repayment.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Be Portuguese citizens, EU/EEA permanent residents, recognized refugees, or holders of valid long-term residence permits.
- Be enrolled in a bachelor’s, integrated master’s, standalone master’s, or higher technical course (minimum of 30 ECTS credits).
- Have an annual household income below €11,049.89 (or €12,569.89 for working students).
- Ensure total household assets fall within the legally permitted limits.
Application Timeline and Process
Applications are submitted exclusively through the OS Online Portal. Here’s what you need to know:
- The main application period runs from June 25 to September 30 each academic year.
- Students enrolling after this period may still apply within 20 working days of their official registration or internship start date.
- There are no application fees, but all required documents must be uploaded, including:
- Valid identification documents
- Proof of household income
- Bank account IBAN details
- Statements of family assets
- Rental or housing contracts
- Documentation for all household members
Scholarship Value and Payment
The grant amount depends on financial need but is never lower than 125% of public university tuition fees, up to a maximum of €5,981.73 per year. Payments are made via direct bank transfer over 10 monthly installments.
Renewal and Academic Requirements
To maintain eligibility for continued funding, recipients must:
- Earn the minimum academic credits required for satisfactory progress each year.
- Renew their scholarship annually, submitting updated income, asset, and academic information.
- Doctoral students should apply through Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) or equivalent research funding bodies.
Final Thoughts
The OS Online Portal has simplified the way students apply for scholarships in Portugal, ensuring that financial aid is more accessible and transparent than ever. With the right preparation and timely submission, eligible students can receive crucial support to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs across the country.
If you’re ready to take your education further, this could be your opportunity to study in one of Europe’s most vibrant academic destinations—without the heavy financial burden.
