RFPs: Gulbenkian Research Scholarships on Portuguese Culture for Foreigners 2025

The call is aimed at non-Portuguese researchers who reside abroad and wish to conduct research in Portugal on topics of Portuguese Culture, in the fields of History, Art History and Literature, with the aim of publishing a work, as: a scientific article; a publication or part of a publication; an academic dissertation or part of an academic dissertation.

Benefits

• A monthly allowance in accordance with the following table:
  • Doctoral student: 250 €
  • Senior researchers: 2 000 €
• A one-time payment of 1 000 € for travel and installation expenses.
• Personal accident insurance during travel.

Eligibility Criteria

• The call is aimed at non-Portuguese doctoral students and senior researchers who reside abroad and wish to conduct research in Portugal.

Evaluation Criteria

• The admitted applications are evaluated by the FCG with the collaboration of a panel of external evaluators, assigned to each area.
• The evaluators take into consideration the following factors:
  • Academic and professional curriculum;
  • Study plan;
  • Motivation for the application;
  • Letter from the host institution
• Further attention will be given to:
  • Whether the candidate belongs to a higher education institution, research center, or another related entity, public or private, promoting the teaching of the Portuguese language and Lusophone culture, prioritizing the establishment of partnerships with Portuguese universities;
  • Whether the candidate intends to enter or continue in an academic career or as a researcher in an institution of recognized merit in their home country or in third countries;
  • The importance and originality of the work the candidate intends to carry out, within the framework of promoting Portuguese and Lusophone culture or cultural exchange between their home country and Portugal;
  • The merit of research or specialized work already carried out by the candidate and the merit of publications they have authored.

Application Requirements

• For admission to the call, candidates must fill out the online form, where the information required to complete the application is specified. They must also attach the following documents (PDF or JPG up to 4MB):
  • Academic and professional qualification certificates;
  • Curriculum vitae;
  • A structured work plan that clearly and concretely defines the research project the candidate wishes to develop and the intended objectives;
  • A document proving that the candidate has previously secured access to the Portuguese institution where they intend to conduct research and/or the approval of their work plan, when applicable;
  • For doctoral students, a document proving a qualified supervisor, previously chosen by the candidate, approving the respective work plan and stating they will supervise the scholarship holder in Portugal;
  • A motivation letter, which should elucidate the reasons that led the candidate to submit the application and how the scholarship will contribute to their future professional path.

For more information, visit Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.