If you’ve ever dreamed of pursuing a world-class Ph.D. that bridges innovation between Europe and the United States, the Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarships 2026/2027 are an incredible opportunity.
This prestigious program allows talented students from around the world to study at both Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) — one of the top-ranked universities in the U.S. — and a leading Portuguese university, earning a dual doctoral degree that carries international recognition.
🌍 About the CMU Portugal Program
Since its inception in 2006, the CMU Portugal Program has become a model of academic collaboration, producing outstanding researchers and innovators in the fields of technology, engineering, and data science.
Through this program, students gain access to CMU’s cutting-edge research facilities and mentorship, while contributing to Portugal’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.
With 174 scholarships awarded and 99 graduates so far, the program continues to empower scholars to shape the future of global innovation.
🎓 Degree Level
The CMU Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarships are offered for doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-related fields for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Selected students will spend:
2 years at Carnegie Mellon University (USA)
3 years at a Portuguese university
Upon completion, scholars receive two diplomas — one from CMU and one from their Portuguese institution.
📘 Available Subjects
The scholarships are available in the following 11 doctoral fields:
Computer Science
Human-Computer Interaction
Language Technologies
Machine Learning
Robotics
Societal Computing
Software Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Engineering and Public Policy
Cognitive Neuroscience
Neural Computation
💰 Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates will receive a fully funded Ph.D. package, including:
Full tuition coverage at both CMU and the Portuguese university
Monthly living stipend and research funding
Travel support between Portugal and the U.S.
Access to world-class laboratories and supervision
Integration into both CMU’s and Portugal’s academic ecosystems
Global networking with institutions and industry partners (e.g. Google, IBM, Meta, Amazon)
🌎 Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Hold a relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent) in computer science, engineering, or cognitive sciences
Demonstrate academic excellence and research capability
Meet admission requirements of both CMU and the Portuguese university
Have English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS may be required)
Submit a research-oriented application aligned with program goals
📝 Application Procedure
The application period for the 2026/2027 academic year opens on October 1, 2025.
Applicants must submit applications directly through the CMU online portal.
Deadlines by School:
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
🗓 Deadline: December 1, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST)
Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience (PCN)
Neural Computation (PNC)
School of Computer Science
🗓 Deadline: December 10, 2025 (03:00 p.m. EST)
Computer Science
Human-Computer Interaction
Language Technologies
Machine Learning
Robotics
Societal Computing
Software Engineering
College of Engineering
🗓 Deadline: December 15, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST)
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
Engineering and Public Policy (EPP)
(EPP program opens October 15, 2025)
💡 Final Thoughts
The Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree Ph.D. Scholarships 2026/2027 offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to earn a globally recognized Ph.D. while engaging with top-tier researchers and innovators across continents.
If you aspire to make a lasting impact in technology, science, or engineering, this dual-degree program could be your path to excellence.
🔗 Learn more and apply at: https://cmuportugal.org
📚 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Carnegie Mellon Portugal Dual Degree PhD Scholarship?
This is a fully funded Ph.D. program jointly offered by Carnegie Mellon University (USA) and leading Portuguese universities, allowing students to earn a dual doctoral degree recognized internationally.
2. Who can apply for this scholarship?
Applicants from all nationalities are eligible, provided they hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field such as computer science, engineering, or cognitive sciences.
3. What are the benefits of this scholarship?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, research funding, travel support between the U.S. and Portugal, and access to world-class research facilities and mentorship.
4. Which fields of study are available under this program?
The program offers Ph.D. studies in 11 ICT-related fields, including Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, Software Engineering, and Electrical & Computer Engineering.
5. How long is the Ph.D. program?
Students spend two years at Carnegie Mellon University (USA) and three years at a Portuguese university, completing a five-year dual-degree Ph.D. program.
6. What is the application deadline for 2026/2027?
The final application deadlines range between December 1 and December 15, 2025, depending on the department.
7. How do I apply for the CMU Portugal PhD Scholarship?
Applications must be submitted online directly through Carnegie Mellon University’s portal. The process begins on October 1, 2025.
8. Is English proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, unless they meet exemption criteria.
9. Will I receive two Ph.D. diplomas?
Yes, upon successful completion, scholars are awarded two diplomas — one from Carnegie Mellon University (USA) and one from their Portuguese university.
10. Where can I learn more or apply?
Visit the official CMU Portugal website for detailed information and application links:
👉 https://cmuportugal.org
