Are you an ambitious engineering researcher looking to fund your doctoral studies at one of Southern Europe’s premier research hubs? The INEGI Portugal PhD Scholarship 2026 (offered by the Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering) is an extraordinary opportunity for international doctoral candidates. It is a research grant opportunity for a doctoral student within the HOOPLA project – Development of Mesoscale Models for Polymers Reinforced with Microscopically Defective Fibers, with financial support from the Foundation for Science and Technology, IP.
Based in the vibrant coastal city of Porto, this research fellowship provides high-level academic training, access to advanced computational infrastructure, and a tax-exempt monthly stipend to support your living costs while working on cutting-edge industrial innovation projects. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 2026 call—including eligibility parameters, key deadlines, financial packages, application steps, and strategic tips to land this fellowship.
Basic Information & Key Deadlines
The INEGI PhD Research Scholarship supports full-time doctoral candidates contributing to high-impact research projects (such as the HOOPLA project, focusing on composite materials and finite-element modeling).
- Host Institution: INEGI – Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (affiliated with the University of Porto ecosystem).
- Study Location: Porto, Portugal.
- Project: HOOPLA — Development of Mesoscale Models for Fibre-Reinforced Polymers with Microscopic Defects
- Institution: INEGI / FEUP, Porto, Portugal
- Supervisor: Dr. Igor Lopes
- Position: 1 Research Fellowship for a doctoral student
- Duration: 12 months, starting in September 2026, with possible renewal
- Initial Contract Duration: 12 months (renewable for subsequent years based on performance and project duration).
- Expected Start Date: September 2026.
- Application Deadline: Application period: 14–21 August 2026 according to the detailed call
Institution Details: What is INEGI?
The Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (INEGI) is a private, non-profit Research and Technology Organization (RTO) deeply integrated with the University of Porto.
Recognized consistently as a top-tier European research center, INEGI bridges the gap between fundamental university research and real-world industrial applications. Working at INEGI puts you inside modern laboratories alongside international engineers, university professors, and industrial partners specializing in aerospace, automotive design, structural mechanics, and renewable materials.
Study Areas & Research Fields
Available program focus areas include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Energy Systems
- Renewable Energy
- Thermal Engineering
- Fluid Mechanics
- Computational Modelling
- Materials and Manufacturing
- Industrial Technologies
- Sustainable Engineering
- Environmental Technologies
- Robotics and Automation
- Product Development
Main Research Tasks
- Identify the main microscopic defects in fibre-reinforced composites.
- Develop descriptors to describe these defects.
- Help develop micromechanical models that include defects.
- Develop mesoscale/ply-level models that consider microscopic defects.
- Document research findings and prepare technical reports and scientific publications.
INEGI Portugal PhD Scholarship Benefits:
The INEGI PhD Fellowship offers a comprehensive financial and social safety net designed under Portuguese research fellowship regulations:
- Monthly stipend: €1,309.64.
- Personal accident insurance is covered.
- Voluntary social insurance may also be covered when applicable.
- The scholarship is under an exclusive dedication/full-time regime.
- Access to Advanced Compute Facilities: Free access to high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, simulation software licenses, and experimental testing rigs.
- Professional Development: Direct mentorship from world-class researchers and authorship opportunities in high-impact international journals.
Benefits Not Included
While the stipend covers routine living costs in Portugal, candidates should budget for a few self-funded items:
- Tuition Fees
- International Relocation: Initial flight tickets to Portugal and temporary hotel stays upon arrival are out-of-pocket expenses.
- Visa Processing Fees: Embassy charges for your Portuguese Residence Visa (D4 Student/Researcher Visa).
- Foreign Degree Recognition Fees: Small administrative fees charged by Portuguese universities (DGES/University of Porto) to formally validate your international Master’s degree.
Eligibility Criteria for the INEGI Portugal PhD Scholarship
To qualify for the 2026 call, applicants must satisfy both academic and structural criteria:
- Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering — mandatory.
- Good knowledge of Python or other programming languages.
- Basic knowledge of composite material mechanics.
- Experience with Finite Element Method (FEM) for structural analysis.
- Experience in characterisation and modelling of composite materials.
- Experience writing technical reports, scientific papers, or project documentation.
- Good critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good communication and presentation skills.
- Good Portuguese and English — high priority.
- Must be enrolled in a doctoral programme.
Selection Process
- CV: 40%
- Interview: 60%
- Candidates will be evaluated based on:
- Academic background
- Relevant qualifications
- Research/project experience
- Motivation
- Suitability for the project
Required Documents for the Application
- Motivation letter explaining why your background fits the position.
- CV.
- Academic certificate.
- Proof of enrollment in a PhD/doctoral programme.
- Important Point for International Applicants
- Foreign academic degrees must be registered/recognized by a Portuguese institution according to Portuguese regulations.
- The certificate is required before signing the scholarship contract.
INEGI Portugal PhD Scholarship Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow this clear procedural route to complete your application before the deadline:
1.Check Degree Equivalence:Pre-application step.
If your Master’s degree was outside Portugal, submit an online request for Portuguese academic recognition by the official DGES portal or the University of Porto.
2.Prepare Documentation:1-2 weeks before deadline.
Assemble your CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and proof of doctoral enrollment into PDF format.
3.Submit via INEGI Careers Portal:Before August 31, 2026.
Access the official INEGI careers portal, locate the Mechanical Engineering PhD Fellowship posting, fill out the form, and upload your files.
4.Document Evaluation (40% Weight):Post-deadline screening.
The selection jury reviews candidates’ CVs, academic records, and technical background to create a shortlist.
5.Selection Interview (60% Weight):Shortlisted candidates.
Interviewed candidates present their past research, answer technical questions on FEA and material behavior, and discuss project goals with the panel.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Emphasize Modeling Skills: Your CV and motivation letter should explicitly mention specific FEA platforms, material Constitutive Models, or coding languages (e.g., Python, C++, Fortran) you have used.
- Ace the Interview (60% Weight): Because the interview accounts for 60% of the total evaluation score, prepare to explain your Master’s thesis methodology and answer practical engineering questions with confidence.
- Start Degree Recognition Early: Portuguese degree equivalence processing can take time. Demonstrating that you have already initiated this process gives you a distinct advantage.
- Align with the Project Scope: Read INEGI’s research outputs on fiber-reinforced polymer composites before your interview to show deep context awareness.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses in Porto (in USD)
Porto offers an exceptional quality of life at a reasonable cost compared to Western European capitals. Below is a realistic monthly budget breakdown in USD ($):
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) | Local Context & Notes |
| Accommodation (Shared/Room) | $420 – $650 | Private room in a shared student apartment near Paranhos/University area |
| Food & Groceries | $220 – $320 | Cooking at home and utilizing university canteens |
| Public Transport | $35 – $45 | Monthly Andante transit pass covering Metro and buses |
| Utilities & Internet | $60 – $90 | Electricity, heating, water, and high-speed Wi-Fi (split with flatmates) |
| Leisure & Personal Expenses | $150 – $250 | Coffee, dining out, fitness, and weekend social activities |
| Total Estimated Budget | $885 – $1,355 / month | Well covered by your stipend (~$1,425 USD / €1,309 EUR)! |
Why Choose the INEGI Portugal PhD Scholarship? (5 Reasons)
- Top-Tier Computational Infrastructure: Gain access to cutting-edge finite-element simulation tools and high-performance computing resources needed for engineering research.
- Industry-Driven Impact: Unlike purely theoretical programs, INEGI works directly with aerospace, automotive, and materials manufacturing industries.
- High Standard of Living: Porto is consistently rated as one of Europe’s safest, sunniest, and most welcoming cities for international researchers.
- Tax-Free Monthly Allowance: The €1,309.64 monthly stipend easily covers living expenses in Northern Portugal, leaving room for savings.
- Gateway to European R&D: Completing a doctoral fellowship at an RTO like INEGI positions you perfectly for post-doctoral academia or industrial R&D positions across Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I haven’t finished my Master’s degree yet?
No. You must hold a completed Master’s degree at the time of application and be able to provide your graduation certificate or proof of completion.
Is Portuguese fluency required for this fellowship?
No. Research activities, software interfaces, team discussions, and publication writing at INEGI are conducted in English. However, learning basic Portuguese will help with daily life in Porto.
How is the stipend paid?
The stipend (€1,309.64) is paid directly into your Portuguese bank account at the beginning of each calendar month.
Can this fellowship contract be renewed?
Yes. Initial contracts are signed for 12 months, but they can be renewed annually up to the maximum duration allowed by the research project and Portuguese FCT grant rules.
Application Deadline:
Application deadline for INEGI Mechanical Engineering PhD Scholarship is 21st August 2026.
Official Link:
This position is mainly for someone with a Mechanical Engineering background who already knows composite materials, FEM, programming, and modelling. The researcher will study defects in fibre-reinforced polymers and develop computer-based models to understand how those defects affect the material at different scales.
