INEGI Research Fellowship in Portugal 2026

The INEGI Research Fellowship in Portugal 2026 is a research opportunity for PhD students in Mechanical Engineering. The fellowship is offered under the HOOPLA project with financial support from FCT/MCTES.

The research will focus on developing computer models for fibre-reinforced polymers and studying the effect of microscopic defects in composite materials. The selected candidate will work at INEGI/FEUP in Porto, Portugal.

This opportunity is suitable for candidates with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, current PhD enrollment, and skills in areas such as finite element analysis, Python programming, and composite materials.

INEGI Research Fellowship 2026 Details

Detail	Information
Fellowship	Research Fellowship
Host Country	Portugal
Host City	Porto
Research Center	INEGI / FEUP
Project	HOOPLA
Field	Mechanical Engineering
Study Level	PhD
Research Topic	Meso-Scale Models for Fibre-Reinforced Polymers with Microscopic Defects
Duration	12 months
Starting Date	September 2026
Monthly Allowance	€1,309.64
Work Type	Full-time, exclusive dedication
Personal Accident Insurance	Covered
Voluntary Social Insurance	Covered if applicable
Deadline	31 August 2026

Benefits of the INEGI Research Fellowship

The main benefits of this research opportunity include:

• €1,309.64 monthly allowance
• 12-month initial fellowship
• Possible extension under applicable rules
• Research work in Porto
• Work at INEGI/FEUP facilities
• Personal accident insurance
• Voluntary social insurance when applicable
• Research experience in composite materials
• Experience with advanced computer modeling
• Opportunity to work on an international research project

The monthly amount is based on the FCT scholarship value table and is paid at the end of each month through bank transfer.

Eligibility Criteria for INEGI Research Fellowship 2026

Applicants should have an academic background and technical skills related to the research project.

The main requirements include:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Enrollment in a PhD program
• Knowledge of the Finite Element Method for structural analysis
• Good knowledge of Python or another programming language
• Knowledge of composite material mechanics
• Experience with composite material characterization and modeling
• Experience writing technical or scientific reports
• Good problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work independently
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly
• Ability to present research results
• Teamwork skills
• Good Portuguese and English language skills

Important Skills for This Fellowship

Some technical skills are especially relevant to this project.

Experience with Finite Element Analysis, Python programming, numerical modeling, and composite materials can make an applicant more suitable for the research work.

Applicants should therefore show these skills clearly in their CV and motivation letter if they have relevant experience.

Required Documents

Applicants need to prepare the following documents:

1. Motivation Letter

The motivation letter should explain why you are a good match for the research position.

Instead of writing a general letter about studying in Portugal, connect your academic background and research experience directly to the HOOPLA project.

2. Curriculum Vitae

Your CV should clearly show your education, research experience, technical skills, work experience, and other relevant activities.

If you have experience with Python, finite element analysis, composite materials, or numerical modeling, make these skills easy to find in your CV.

3. Academic Certificate

Applicants must provide proof of their academic qualifications and show that their education meets the requirements of the fellowship.

4. Proof of PhD Enrollment

Applicants must provide proof that they are enrolled in a doctoral program.

How to Apply Step by Step

Log in to the official INEGI Researcher website

Click on Apply Now on the site like the image below.

After clicking the Apply Now Application button above, the following form will open for you. In the application form, enter the personal information that is requested from you.

After filling out the application form and uploading the required scholarship documents, click on the submit button shown in the image below. Your application will be submitted and you can wait for the scholarship results.

INEGI Fellowship Deadline 2026

The application deadline should be treated carefully because the Portuguese and English versions of the announcement contain different dates.

The Portuguese announcement states that applications should be submitted from 14 to 31 August 2026.

However, the English version states that applications should be submitted from 14 to 31 August 2026.

Because of this difference, applicants should use 31 August 2026 as the safe deadline and submit their application before this date.

Applications should be submitted through the official INEGI website under the Research Fellowship section. The position is identified as BI UMEC 37/2026.

How Candidates Are Selected

The selection process has two main stages.

First, the applications and CVs are reviewed. Candidates who meet the requirements may then be invited to an interview.

The final evaluation is based on:

• 40% – CV and academic evaluation
• 60% – Interview

The selection considers academic background, qualifications, motivation, relevant experience, and how well the candidate’s profile matches the goals of the project.

This means that preparing a strong CV is important, but the interview has the highest weight in the final score.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Make Your CV Relevant to the Project

Do not send a general CV without highlighting your relevant skills.

If you have experience with Python, Finite Element Method, composite materials, numerical modeling, or research work, clearly mention it.

Write a Project-Specific Motivation Letter

Avoid using the same motivation letter for every research position.

Explain:

• Why you studied Mechanical Engineering
• Your research experience
• Your experience with numerical modeling
• Your programming skills
• Your experience with composite materials
• Why the HOOPLA project interests you
• How your skills can support the research team

Prepare Carefully for the Interview

The interview represents 60% of the final evaluation, making it one of the most important parts of the selection process.

Be prepared to discuss your previous projects, research experience, programming skills, finite element analysis, composite materials, and motivation for joining the project.

Learn About the HOOPLA Project

Before the interview, read about the research topic carefully.

You should understand the basic idea behind fibre-reinforced composites, microscopic defects, numerical models, and why these factors are important for understanding material behavior.

Check Foreign Degree Recognition

Applicants with degrees from universities outside Portugal should pay attention to the Portuguese rules for recognition of foreign academic degrees.

The announcement states that recognition of foreign qualifications is required and that the relevant certificate must be provided when signing the fellowship contract.

Important Information for International Applicants

International applicants should check both the academic requirements and the administrative requirements before applying.

If your academic documents were issued outside Portugal, check the requirements for recognition and any required translations or certifications well in advance.

Applicants should also make sure that the information in their CV, academic documents, and application is consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the INEGI Research Fellowship?

It is a research fellowship for a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering under the HOOPLA project in Portugal.

How much is the INEGI fellowship?

The monthly allowance is €1,309.64.

How long is the fellowship?

The initial duration is 12 months, with possible renewal according to the applicable regulations.

Where will the research take place?

The research will be carried out at INEGI/FEUP facilities in Porto, Portugal.

Is this fellowship for PhD students?

Yes. Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD program and have a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Is Python required?

Yes. Good knowledge of Python or another programming language is listed among the requirements.

Is experience with composite materials required?

Knowledge and experience in the characterization and modeling of composite materials are included in the requirements and are highly relevant to the project.

What is the application deadline?

Because the Portuguese and English announcements list different closing dates, applicants should use 21 August 2026 as the safe deadline.

How are candidates evaluated?

The final score is based on 40% CV evaluation and 60% interview.

How will the results be announced?

The final ranked results will be published on the INEGI website. After notification, candidates have 10 working days to submit a formal appeal by email.

Do foreign academic degrees need recognition in Portugal?

Yes. The announcement states that foreign academic degrees must be recognized under the applicable Portuguese rules, and proof of recognition is required for signing the fellowship contract.

Conclusion

The INEGI Research Fellowship in Portugal 2026 is a strong research opportunity for PhD students with a background in Mechanical Engineering and an interest in composite materials, numerical modeling, and finite element analysis.

The fellowship provides a monthly allowance of €1,309.64 for an initial period of 12 months. It also includes personal accident insurance and voluntary social insurance when applicable.

Applicants should pay particular attention to their experience with Python, Finite Element Method, composite materials, and research work. Since the interview accounts for 60% of the final score, good interview preparation is also essential.

Due to the different deadlines shown in the Portuguese and English versions of the announcement, applicants should treat 31 August 2026 as the safe application deadline and submit their documents as early as possible.

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