USA Fully Funded Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual PhD Scholarships

Overview

The Carnegie Mellon Portugal (CMU Portugal) Program has officially opened applications for its prestigious Dual Degree PhD Scholarships 2026/2027. This fully funded opportunity supports outstanding international students who want to pursue advanced research in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and other interdisciplinary fields.

The program is a unique collaboration between Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in the USA and several top Portuguese universities, allowing students to earn two doctoral degrees—one from CMU and one from a partner institution in Portugal.

This globally recognized doctoral pathway is ideal for ambitious researchers wanting to build careers in academia, technology, AI, robotics, data science, cognitive sciences, or advanced engineering.

CMU Portugal Dual PhD Program

The CMU Portugal Program is funded through a long-standing partnership between CMU and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

Selected PhD scholars:

• Spend up to two years at Carnegie Mellon University (USA)
• Complete the remaining years at a top Portuguese university
• Conduct joint research under dual academic supervision
• Graduate with two PhD degrees, recognized internationally

The program aims to train future leaders in cutting-edge technology fields while fostering collaborative research between Europe and the United States.

Scholarship Benefits

The 2026/2027 CMU Portugal Dual PhD Scholarship provides generous financial support to all selected students, including:

• Full tuition coverage at CMU and the Portuguese institution
• Monthly stipend / living allowance
• Research funding and access to world-class laboratories
• Travel support between Portugal and the USA
• Health insurance coverage (depending on institution requirements)
• Dual mentorship from leading global researchers

This funding structure ensures that scholars can focus entirely on high-level research without financial stress.

Eligible PhD Fields

The program offers Dual Degree PhDs in a wide range of ICT and emerging technology areas, including:

• Computer Science
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Machine Learning
• Robotics
• Language Technologies
• Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Engineering & Public Policy
• Societal Computing
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neural Computation

This diversity allows applicants to choose the specialization that aligns best with their academic background and research interests.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026/2027 Dual Degree PhD Scholarships, applicants must:

• Hold a relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent)
• Demonstrate a strong academic and research profile
• Show alignment with one of the eligible PhD tracks
• Meet admission requirements for both CMU and the Portuguese institution
• Provide proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
• Submit a competitive application package (CV, recommendation letters, research statement, etc.)

The program welcomes applications from international students worldwide.

CMU Portugal Dual PhD Scholarship 2026/2027

The application process is conducted through the Carnegie Mellon PhD admissions portal, where applicants select the CMU Portugal Dual Degree track.

Application Steps:

• Choose the desired PhD program and Dual Degree track.
• Prepare all required documents (CV, transcripts, research proposal, SOP, recommendation letters).
• Submit the application via CMU’s official portal.
• If shortlisted, the candidate must also meet the requirements of the Portuguese partner university.
• Final selection is made jointly by CMU Portugal Program and FCT.

CMU Portugal Dual Degree PhD

Here’s what makes this scholarship truly stand out:

• Global recognition – dual PhD degrees from two top institutions
• Career advancement – graduates often land jobs in leading tech companies and research institutes
• International research networks – collaborate with experts from two continents
• Cutting-edge innovation – gain access to world-leading labs and advanced research tools
• Full financial support – removing financial barriers to academic excellence

This program is perfect for high-achieving students who are passionate about pioneering scientific breakthroughs and shaping the future of technology.

Final Thoughts

The Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 offer one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded doctoral opportunities. With access to two globally respected academic environments, exceptional research support, and a generous funding package, this program opens doors to unmatched career possibilities.

If you aspire to become an elite researcher, academic leader, or technology innovator, this scholarship is a remarkable opportunity you should not miss.
Apply now