Study in Portugal without IELTS in 2026 is becoming one of the most searched opportunities for international students looking for fully funded scholarships in Europe.
Portugal is now offering highly competitive funded and fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs for students from all countries, making it one of the best low-cost European study destinations with high-quality education.
If you are searching for a study in Europe without IELTS, fully funded scholarships in Portugal, international scholarships for 2026, or European government scholarships with a high acceptance rate, this guide covers everything you need in one place.
Portugal combines world-class universities, English-taught degree programs, low tuition fees, and generous scholarship funding, making it ideal for students aiming to study abroad without IELTS and with full financial support.
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Why Study in Portugal Without IELTS in 2026?
Portugal is rapidly gaining popularity among international students because many Portuguese universities do not require IELTS if you meet alternative English requirements. At the same time, students can access fully funded scholarships in Portugal that cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, health insurance, and travel costs.
Key reasons students search for Portugal scholarships without IELTS:
- Study in Europe without IELTS
- Fully funded European scholarships 2026
- Affordable cost of living in Portugal
- English-taught programs in Europe
- High visa approval rate
- Opportunity to work part-time while studying
- Pathway to European residence after graduation
These factors make Portugal one of the best countries for international students seeking high-value scholarships with strong future career prospects.
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Degree Levels Available
International students can apply for Portugal scholarships without IELTS at the following levels:
🎓 Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)
- 3 to 4 years duration
- Scholarships for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds
- Ideal for students seeking European bachelor scholarships fully funded
🎓 Master’s Degree
- 1.5 to 2 years duration
- Research and coursework-based programs
- One of the highest-searched funded master’s scholarships in Europe
🎓 PhD / Doctoral Degree
- 3 to 4 years duration
- Monthly Research Stipend: Ideal for students seeking fully funded PhD scholarships in Europe without requiring an IELTS score.
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Types of Scholarships in Portugal (2026)
Portugal offers multiple funded and fully funded scholarship options, often combined with government grants, university funding, and European programs.
1️⃣ Portuguese Government Scholarships
- Fully funded
- Covers tuition fees and living expenses
- Open to international students from all countries
- Highly searched government scholarships in Europe
2️⃣ University of Portugal Scholarships
- Merit-based and need-based funding
- Partial to fully funded
- Tuition fee waivers and monthly stipends
- Offered by public and private universities
3️⃣ Erasmus-Related Programs (Portugal Host Universities)
- Monthly stipend
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Ideal for study abroad scholarships in Europe
4️⃣ Research & PhD Scholarships
- Funded by research councils
- Monthly salary-based stipend
- No IELTS required in many cases
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Scholarship Coverage (Fully Funded)
Most fully funded scholarships in Portugal in 2026 include:
- 100% tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living allowance (stipend)
- Accommodation support
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance (airfare)
- Research and study grants (for PhD students)
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Eligibility Criteria
You can apply for study in Portugal without IELTS scholarships if you meet the following simple conditions:
- You must be an international student from any country
- You must have the previous required degree
- Bachelor’s for Master’s
- Master’s for PhD
- You should have good academic records
- You must show English proficiency through:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
- Previous education in English
- University interview (if required)
- IELTS is NOT mandatory for many universities
- You must meet the program-specific requirements
This flexibility is why students globally search for Portugal study visas without IELTS.
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Required Documents
Prepare these documents early to increase your acceptance chances:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- English proficiency proof (MOI letter or equivalent)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Passport copy
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
Having complete documents improves your chances for high-ranking European scholarships.
Application Process
1️⃣ Choose a university and program in Portugal
2️⃣ Check scholarship availability
3️⃣ Prepare required documents
4️⃣ Apply online through the university or scholarship portal
5️⃣ Attend interview (if required)
6️⃣ Receive the offer letter
7️⃣ Apply for a Portugal study visa
Applying early is crucial for fully funded scholarships with limited seats.
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Important Dates & Deadlines
- Applications Open: Late 2025 – Early 2026
- Scholarship Deadlines: Vary by university
- Admissions Decisions: Mid-2026
- Classes Start: September 2026
⚠️ Since deadlines vary, students should check official university websites regularly.
Cost of Living in Portugal for Students
Portugal is one of the most affordable European countries for international students.
Estimated monthly costs:
- Accommodation: €250–€450
- Food: €150–€250
- Transport: €30–€50
- Miscellaneous: €100
Scholarships often fully cover these expenses, making Portugal a top destination for low-cost study abroad.
Work Opportunities & Career Benefits
- Students can work part-time during their studies
- Graduates can apply for post-study work permits
- Strong job market in IT, business, engineering, and research
- Opportunity to move within Europe after graduation
These benefits make Portugal attractive for students seeking long-term European career opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- ❓ Can I study in Portugal without IELTS?
- Yes. Many Portuguese universities accept MOI certificates or previous education taught instead of IELTS.
- ❓ Are scholarships in Portugal fully funded?
- Yes. Several scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs.
- ❓ Is Portugal good for international students?
- Portugal is safe, affordable, and offers high-quality European education, making it ideal for international students.
- ❓ Can I work while studying in Portugal?
- Yes. International students can work part-time legally.
- ❓ Is a Portugal visa easy?
- Portugal has a high visa approval rate compared to many other European countries.
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Final Words
If you are planning to study in Europe without IELTS, Portugal should be at the top of your list in 2026. With fully funded scholarships, affordable living, English-taught programs, and strong future prospects, Portugal offers one of the best study abroad opportunities for international students.
Start preparing early to secure your place in Portugal’s fully funded scholarships for 2026.
Official Study in Portugal Website
Directorate-General for Higher Education
Portugal Foundation for Science and Technology (Portugal Scholarships)
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