Fulbright Research Grant for Doctoral Researchers with the Support of ARDITI (2026–2027)

Objective

The scholarship is intended for PhD fellows directly funded by ARDITI and resident in Madeira, who have planned or will plan, within the scope of their training program, to carry out a research period at a university or research center in the United States during the 2026/2027 academic year.

Fields of Study

All fields are eligible. Priority areas may be defined in each call.

Research activities may not involve direct contact with clinical patients. Depending on the nature of the project, this restriction may also apply to projects in the fields of medical sciences, veterinary medicine, nursing, dentistry, psychological counseling, or any other field requiring direct contact with clinical patients and/or prescribing or administering medication.

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD Scholarship directly funded by ARDITI.
• Have a good command of English.
• Provide proof of project approval by the U.S. host institution.
• Provide proof of project approval by the academic supervisor of the PhD program being pursued.
• Have proven residence in the Madeira archipelago.

Selection Process:

• General review of the application and attached documents, in accordance with the rules set out in the Regulations and the Application Instructions.
• Interview.

Duration

From 4 to 9 consecutive months. The scholarship may not begin before September 15, 2026.

Benefits

In addition to the monthly stipend and other allowances granted by ARDITI under the doctoral scholarship funded by the Agency, selected fellows will benefit from:

• Complementary health and accident insurance (ASPE) during the scholarship period.
• Issuance of the documents required for the J-1 visa.
• Visa fee waiver.
• Pre-departure orientation for the U.S.
• Ongoing support during the stay in the U.S. by the Fulbright Commission and the Institute of International Education.
• Opportunities to participate in seminars and other cultural and scientific activities organized by the Fulbright Program during the stay in the U.S., subject to funding availability.
• Integration into the worldwide Fulbright alumni network.

Eligibility Conditions

Only applicants who:

• Hold Portuguese nationality.
• Do not hold dual Portuguese–U.S. nationality.
• Have not previously received a Fulbright Program scholarship.
• Have not resided in the U.S. for a period equal to or exceeding 5 years in the 6 years prior to the application date.
• Do not hold a U.S. permanent residence permit (green card).
• Do not hold a valid U.S. visa between the application period and the start of the stay in the U.S.

Specific Conditions

Preference is given to students whose academic path has been developed at a Portuguese higher education institution.

Applications

The application period opens on November 1, 2025, and closes on January 15, 2026.

Applications must be submitted online through the following electronic form: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2026.

In addition to the application form completed in English and submitted online by 11:59 p.m. (Lisbon time) on the final day of the deadline, a complete application consists of the following documents:

• Two Letters of Reference.
• Letter of acceptance from the U.S. host institution (Affiliation Letter), specifying the start and end dates of the stay, confirming that the research work may be carried out in person at the institution, identifying the name and title of the host professor, and indicating any costs and benefits involved.
• Proof of project approval by the academic supervisor of the doctoral program.
• Simple copy of certificates and diplomas for each academic degree obtained.
• Copy of the Fulbright Scholarship Regulations signed and initialed by the applicant (document available for download).
• Express authorization from the applicant for the Fulbright Program and ARDITI to share information from their respective records essential to the proper development of the program.
• Budget completed by the applicant.

Only complete applications submitted within the established deadline will be considered.

This information does not replace consultation of the Fulbright Scholarship Regulations and the Application Instructions, which are binding on all applicants.

Requests for information about this scholarship should be sent by email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Original publication: https://www.fulbright.pt/bolsas/bolsa-fulbright-para-investigacao-com-o-apoio-da-arditi-agencia-regional-para-o-desenvolvimento-da-investigacao-tecnologia-e-inovacao/.