The new Gulbenkian Merit Scolarships will reinforce the support provided in recent years to young people with high potential who apply to the first year of university education and have fewer economic resources. The number of grants will thus increase from the 85 awarded in 2021/22 to 500 new grants this academic year, which represents an increase of almost six times compared to the previous year. Gulbenkian will make an annual investment of one million euros with these grants; their renewal throughout the students’ academic careers will correspond to a support of five million euros.

All students who have been admitted to a Portuguese higher education institution, by means of the national admission contest, with a grade of 17 or higher, with an annual family income per capita of up to 12,000 € and who present proof of application to the social action scholarship of the General Directorate of Higher Education (DGES) are eligible.

The annual scolarship will be 2,000 € for all selected students, which will be reinforced with a single additional amount of 2,000 € if the student attends a semester at a university abroad as part of an international mobility programme. This additional support will give students access to a relevant and enriching experience for their personal and educational development, which in most cases does not take place due to lack of financial means.

With the Gulbenkian Merit Scolarships, the Gulbenkian Foundation seeks to continue to promote the role of education and contribute towards greater social equity, giving the brightest students an opportunity and fostering the potential future impact of these grantees on society.