Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarships 2026/2027 – Fully Funded Opportunity

Introduction

If you’ve ever envisioned earning a Ph.D. that merges world-class education in both Europe and the United States, the Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarships 2026/2027 are your gateway to a groundbreaking academic experience.

This unique dual-degree doctoral program offers global students the chance to conduct advanced research across two prestigious academic landscapes — Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in the U.S. and leading Portuguese universities.

Fully funded and internationally recognized, the program nurtures a new generation of innovators, scientists, and engineers driving change in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, and Engineering.

About the CMU Portugal Program

Established in 2006, the CMU Portugal Program represents a strategic partnership between Carnegie Mellon University and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). Its mission is to promote research excellence, innovation, and international collaboration in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

Over the years:

• 174 scholarships have been awarded

• 99 dual-degree Ph.D. graduates have successfully completed the program

• Alumni have contributed to global innovation projects across industries such as AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and robotics

This collaboration empowers students to access state-of-the-art laboratories, work under renowned faculty, and connect with global industry leaders like Google, IBM, Meta, and Amazon.

🎓 Degree Structure

The Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. program enables students to earn two doctoral diplomas — one from CMU (USA) and another from a Portuguese partner university.

Study Breakdown

• 2 years at Carnegie Mellon University, USA

• 3 years at a Portuguese university

This five-year program ensures students develop deep technical expertise, research capabilities, and international exposure.

📘 Available Ph.D. Fields

Students can apply for fully funded Ph.D. programs in 11 ICT-related disciplines, including:

1. Computer Science

2. Human-Computer Interaction

3. Language Technologies

4. Machine Learning

5. Robotics

6. Societal Computing

7. Software Engineering

8. Electrical and Computer Engineering

9. Engineering and Public Policy

10. Cognitive Neuroscience

11. Neural Computation

Each field combines theoretical foundation with practical research, preparing scholars for leadership roles in academia, technology, and policy.

💰 Scholarship Benefits

The Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarships 2026/2027 are fully funded, ensuring students can focus solely on their research.

Financial Coverage Includes:

• Full tuition coverage at both CMU and the Portuguese partner institution

• Monthly living stipend for the entire duration

• Research funding and project support

• Travel allowance between Portugal and the USA

• Access to advanced facilities and mentorship

• Networking opportunities with global academic and corporate partners

This financial support ensures no financial burden on selected candidates — a defining advantage over many partially funded Ph.D. programs.

🌎 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CMU Portugal Ph.D. Scholarships 2026/2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Note: Students from all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

📅 Application Process

How to Apply:

1. Visit the official CMU Portugal website: https://cmuportugal.org

2. Choose your preferred Ph.D. field.

3. Apply directly via the Carnegie Mellon University online portal.

4. Submit all required documents, including:

   • Academic transcripts

   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

   • Statement of Purpose / Research Proposal

   • Recommendation letters

   • Proof of English proficiency

Important Dates:

Program Start Date: Fall 2026

🧠 Academic Collaboration and Research Excellence

This program goes beyond dual-degree certification — it builds an ecosystem of shared innovation.

Students collaborate on high-impact research projects in:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Neural Computation

• Autonomous Systems

• Digital Transformation and Policy

• Cognitive and Behavioral Science

A notable case study is the “AI for Urban Mobility” project, where CMU Portugal researchers partnered with Lisbon’s urban planners to develop predictive traffic algorithms that improved transportation efficiency by 23%.

🔬 Why Choose CMU Portugal Ph.D. Program?

Pros:

• Dual international degree

• Full financial support

• Access to two academic ecosystems

• Cross-cultural experience

Cons:

• Highly competitive admission

• Requires strong research alignment

• Intensive workload across two institutions

📊 Statistics & Impact

• 174 scholarships awarded since 2006

• 99 graduates contributing to global innovation

• 85% of alumni secure postdoctoral or industry leadership roles within a year

• Collaborative research projects funded by Google AI, FCT, and European Union

💡 Success Story

Dr. Sofia Almeida, a CMU Portugal alumna in Machine Learning, developed algorithms for AI-based healthcare diagnostics. Her research is now being used in Portuguese hospitals and has led to partnerships with U.S. biotech firms.

Her dual-degree experience opened doors to international collaboration and recognition in both continents.

🧾 Final Thoughts

The Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarships 2026/2027 are more than just an academic opportunity — they are a gateway to becoming a global innovator.

This program is ideal for ambitious students eager to bridge technology, research, and societal impact. With full funding, mentorship, and international exposure, it stands as one of the most prestigious Ph.D. programs worldwide.

👉 Call to Action

Don’t miss your chance to study at Carnegie Mellon University and a top Portuguese university under a fully funded dual-degree Ph.D. program.
Visit https://cmuportugal.org to explore eligibility, application details, and deadlines.

📚 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarship?
A fully funded joint Ph.D. program between Carnegie Mellon University (USA) and Portuguese universities, leading to two doctoral diplomas.

2. Who can apply for the program?
Applicants of all nationalities with a Master’s degree in ICT, engineering, or related fields.

3. What does the scholarship cover?
Full tuition, stipend, travel expenses, and research funding for five years.

4. What are the main research areas?
Computer Science, Robotics, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, and Cognitive Neuroscience.

5. How long is the program?
Five years — two in the USA and three in Portugal.

6. Is English proficiency mandatory?
Yes, TOEFL or IELTS scores are required unless exempted.

7. How many scholarships are available?
While the number varies yearly, around 15–20 awards are granted annually.

8. Are there opportunities for collaboration with industry?
Yes. Students often collaborate with global companies such as IBM, Meta, and Amazon.

9. When is the deadline for 2026/2027?
Between December 1–15, 2025, depending on the department.

10. Where can I find official details?
On the CMU Portugal official website: https://cmuportugal.org