INEGI PhD Scholarship 2026 in Portugal | €1,309 Monthly

INEGI PhD Scholarship 2026 in Portugal | Funded Mechanical Engineering Research Opportunity

The INEGI Mechanical Engineering PhD Scholarship 2026 in Portugal offers an excellent opportunity for doctoral researchers interested in advanced composite materials, computational mechanics, finite-element modelling, and structural analysis. The research fellowship is hosted by the Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (INEGI) in Porto, Portugal, and is linked to the HOOPLA research project.

The opportunity is particularly suitable for candidates who already hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, are enrolled in a PhD programme, and have relevant experience in computational modelling, composite materials, finite-element analysis, and programming. The selected researcher will receive a monthly research fellowship of €1,309.64, along with personal accident insurance and, where applicable, support for voluntary social insurance.

The scholarship is classified as a partially funded PhD research opportunity, rather than a fully funded scholarship covering every study and living expense. Candidates should therefore carefully review the official fellowship conditions before applying.

What Is the INEGI PhD Scholarship 2026?

The INEGI PhD Scholarship is a research fellowship for doctoral researchers working in Mechanical Engineering and related technical areas. The selected candidate will join research activities connected with the HOOPLA project in Porto.

The research focuses on developing high-fidelity computational models for fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composite materials. A major objective is to understand how microscopic defects in composite materials can influence their larger-scale structural behaviour.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to researchers interested in computational mechanics, finite-element modelling, materials engineering, micromechanics, and advanced composite structures.

INEGI PhD Scholarship 2026 – Key Details

The published opportunity lists August 31, 2026 as the application deadline and indicates an expected start in September 2026.

Financial Benefits

The INEGI PhD Scholarship provides financial support through a monthly research fellowship.

Selected candidates can receive:

• €1,309.64 monthly research fellowship.
• Personal accident insurance.
• Support for voluntary social insurance where applicable.
• Opportunity to conduct research in Porto.
• Practical experience in advanced mechanical engineering research.
• Participation in an international research environment.

The fellowship is initially offered for 12 months, with renewal potentially possible according to the applicable research-grant regulations.

Applicants should distinguish this opportunity from fully funded doctoral scholarships. The listed benefits do not indicate comprehensive coverage of tuition, accommodation, airfare, or all living expenses.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is aimed at candidates with a strong background in Mechanical Engineering and related computational research areas.

Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Be enrolled in a PhD programme.
• Have a research background relevant to the proposed project.
• Demonstrate experience with finite-element modelling.
• Have knowledge of composite materials.
• Possess programming skills.
• Be able to conduct advanced engineering research.
• Meet any applicable Portuguese qualification-recognition requirements.

International applicants can apply. Candidates whose degrees were obtained outside Portugal may need to complete the required recognition process before signing the fellowship contract.

Research Area and Project

The scholarship is connected with the HOOPLA project, which focuses on advanced modelling of fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites.

The research involves developing computational models capable of connecting microscopic defects in composite materials with their effects on overall structural performance.

Potential research areas include:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Computational Mechanics
• Finite-Element Analysis
• Composite Materials
• Materials Engineering
• Structural Modelling
• Micromechanics
• Numerical Simulation
• Programming
• Advanced Manufacturing

The highly specialized nature of the project means applicants should have a technical profile that closely matches the research requirements.

Required Academic Background

A relevant academic background is essential for this opportunity. The scholarship is particularly designed for researchers who already have postgraduate training in Mechanical Engineering and are progressing toward a PhD.

Candidates should be comfortable working with numerical simulations and computational engineering techniques. Experience with finite-element modelling and composite materials can be particularly important because these areas are central to the HOOPLA research project.

Applicants should also demonstrate their ability to use programming and computational tools relevant to engineering research.

Selection Process

The selection process is based on both the candidate's academic and professional profile and their performance during the interview.

According to the published information, the selection is weighted as follows:

• Curriculum Vitae: 40%
• Interview: 60%

This means that the interview plays a particularly important role in the final evaluation. Applicants should therefore be prepared to explain their previous research, technical expertise, PhD work, motivation, and how their experience matches the HOOPLA project.

Documents to Prepare

Applicants should prepare a complete academic and professional application package.

Relevant documents may include:

• Updated CV.
• Master’s degree certificate.
• Academic transcripts.
• Proof of PhD enrolment.
• Evidence of research experience.
• Information about previous projects.
• Publications, if available.
• Evidence of programming or computational modelling experience.
• Documents related to composite-material research.
• Identification/passport documentation.
• Other documents requested by INEGI.

Applicants should make sure that documents are accurate and clearly demonstrate their suitability for the research project.

How to Apply for the INEGI PhD Scholarship 2026?

Interested candidates should follow the official application instructions associated with the INEGI research fellowship.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that you have the required Master’s degree and are already enrolled in a PhD programme.

Step 2: Review the Research Project

Study the HOOPLA project's research focus and determine whether your academic and technical background matches the requirements.

Step 3: Prepare Your CV

Highlight your Mechanical Engineering education, research projects, finite-element modelling experience, programming skills, publications, and relevant technical expertise.

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents

Collect your academic records, proof of PhD enrolment, identification documents, and other requested materials.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Complete the application according to the instructions provided for the INEGI fellowship.

Step 6: Prepare for the Interview

Since the interview accounts for 60% of the selection score, applicants should be prepared to discuss their research experience, technical skills, proposed contribution, and motivation.

Application Deadline

The published deadline for the INEGI Mechanical Engineering PhD Scholarship 2026 is August 31, 2026. The expected start date is September 2026, while the initial fellowship duration is 12 months.

Because research vacancies can be filled or modified before the stated closing date, candidates should submit their applications as early as possible.

Why Should You Apply?

This opportunity can be valuable for doctoral researchers seeking international research experience in Europe.

The fellowship offers the chance to:

• Work on advanced composite-material research.
• Gain experience with high-fidelity computational modelling.
• Develop finite-element analysis skills.
• Work alongside researchers at INEGI.
• Conduct research in Porto, Portugal.
• Strengthen an academic and professional profile.
• Contribute to an applied engineering research project.
• Build experience relevant to future academic and industrial careers.

For Mechanical Engineering researchers interested in composite materials and computational mechanics, the highly specialized nature of the project can make it particularly relevant.

Why Study and Research in Portugal?

Portugal has become an increasingly attractive destination for international researchers, with universities and research institutes participating in European research and innovation programmes.

The country also offers doctoral funding opportunities through national and institutional programmes. For example, the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology has supported PhD studentships across numerous scientific fields, including engineering, science, health, social sciences, and humanities.

An INEGI research fellowship can therefore provide candidates with exposure to Portugal's broader research ecosystem while allowing them to specialize in advanced mechanical engineering.

Important Note for International Applicants

International candidates can apply for this INEGI opportunity. However, applicants who obtained their academic degrees outside Portugal should pay close attention to the requirements concerning recognition of foreign qualifications.

According to the published information, candidates with degrees obtained outside Portugal may need to complete the required Portuguese recognition process before signing the research fellowship contract.

Applicants should therefore begin checking qualification-recognition requirements early if their academic credentials were obtained abroad.

Final Thoughts

The INEGI PhD Scholarship 2026 in Portugal is a specialized research opportunity for doctoral researchers in Mechanical Engineering who want to work on advanced composite materials and computational modelling.

The selected researcher will receive a €1,309.64 monthly fellowship, personal accident insurance, and applicable social-insurance support. The initial contract is for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal under the relevant regulations.

With the application deadline set for August 31, 2026, eligible researchers should prepare their academic documents and CV as soon as possible. Because 60% of the selection score is based on the interview, candidates should also prepare thoroughly to explain their research experience, technical skills, and suitability for the HOOPLA project.

This opportunity is best suited to applicants whose academic and research background closely matches Mechanical Engineering, finite-element modelling, composite materials, computational mechanics, and structural modelling.