In today’s interconnected world, fostering international collaboration through research mobility is more vital than ever. The FCT Mobility Programme, spearheaded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), presents an exceptional opportunity for scholars to engage in high-impact global research initiatives. Designed for both recent PhD graduates and seasoned researchers, this fellowship offers full funding for short-term mobility, enhancing academic careers through cross-border research engagement.
Now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 academic cycle, the programme serves as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange. It empowers researchers from various disciplines to either explore international research ecosystems or host foreign experts within Portuguese institutions. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step overview of the fellowship’s structure, eligibility criteria, application process, financial support, and more—making it a comprehensive resource for prospective applicants.
Cited source: FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal.
About the FCT Mobility Programme Fellowship
Program Name: FCT Mobility Programme
Current Status: As of 2025, the programme remains active and is currently open for applications.
Overview & Objectives:
The FCT Mobility Programme facilitates short-term research exchanges with the objective of promoting international collaboration in science and technology. It supports the strategic goals of
- Outgoing Mobility: Designed for researchers affiliated with Portuguese institutions who seek to conduct research abroad.
- Incoming Mobility: Tailored for international researchers intending to carry out research within Portuguese host institutions.
Duration:
- Outgoing: Between 2 and 11 consecutive months
- Incoming: Between 1 and 3 consecutive months
Study/Work Mode:
Participation is strictly full-time and conducted onsite at the host institution.
Core Focus Areas:
The fellowship supports research across all scientific and scholarly domains, including but not limited to:
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- Engineering and Technological Sciences
- Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Biomedical and Life Sciences
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualifications:
Applicants must either hold a PhD degree or be currently enrolled in a doctoral programme. There is no restriction on the academic discipline, which makes the fellowship accessible to candidates from diverse fields.
Professional/Research Experience:
Candidates should be actively engaged in research and demonstrate a commitment to
Age Limit:
The programme does not impose a specific age limit.
Nationality Restrictions:
- Outgoing Mobility: Applicants must be affiliated with a Portuguese Research & Development (R&D) institution.
- Incoming Mobility: Open to international researchers from all countries, provided the host institution is based in Portugal.
Language Requirements:
While no standardized language proficiency test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) is officially required, applicants are expected to have working proficiency in English or Portuguese to ensure effective communication within the host institution.
Other Requirements:
Applicants must provide a letter of invitation or formal acceptance from the prospective host institution. The proposed research should align with the academic or strategic objectives of both the sending and receiving institutions.
Application Process
Where and How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online via the official FCT portal. No application fees are charged for participation.
Application Steps:
- Visit the offial site (link given below).
- Review and download the official application guidelines.
- Register or log in via the Formstack application portal.
- Complete the application form with accurate information.
- Upload all required supporting documentation.
- Submit the final application before the stated deadline.
Required Documents
To ensure a successful application, candidates must prepare the following documents:
