Admission Requirements

We seek to admit a small number of students each year with the following profile:

  • Strong intellectual development, as demonstrated by high academic marks, test scores and professional experience;

  • Knowledge of undergraduate math and basic computer skills;

  • Emotional maturity to complete a rigorous program of study;

  • Commitment to a career of scholarship and research (preferred).

Application Materials

All applications must be submitted online.

Applications submitted on paper and/or by email will not be considered.

  • Online application form

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Undergraduate/Bachelor certificate (with final grade)

  • Master course certificate (with final grade)

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • Motivation letter (between 200-300 words)

  • Research project proposal (between 300-900 words)

  • Transcript of records with all courses (undergraduate/bachelor and master degree), grades per course, and the duration of your degree

  • (Optional) TOEFL score (this can be waived if the applicant provides alternative evidence of English proficiency)

  • (Optional) GMAT or GRE score (if presented, will benefit the application; GMAT ISCTE Business School code – 0964)

As part of the application review process, the Programme Director may request an interview with the candidate.

The application for Doctoral Programs requires the payment of non-refundable-fee.

Check the general terms for admission here.

Non-Portuguese or non-Bologna Declaration country diploma or certificate

Please be aware that if your diploma or certificate was not awarded by a Portuguese university or a university from a Bologna Declaration Country, you must provide the following information:

  • Your diploma or certificate must have the final grade

  • You must present a Transcript of records with all courses, grades per course, and the duration of your degree

  • The documents must have the Hague Apostille or be recognized by the Portuguese local Consular agency (to be provided until October 30)

  • When the documents mentioned above are in a foreign language (other than Spanish, French, English or Italian) a certified translation must be delivered

The application will not be analysed if the documents submitted do not meet the above conditions.

Visa

If you need a visa to study in Portugal, please apply as early as possible.

Evaluation Criteria & Ranking 2026-2027

Application Deadlines

Academic year 2026 / 2027
roundapplication
fee
opening
date
closing
date
reservation
fee
programme
enrollment
curricular units
registration
vacanciescurrent
vacancies
1st Round€ 70DEC 15, 2025JAN 14, 2026
5:00 pm (PT time)
€ 500JAN 29 - FEB 11, 2026APR 16 - 30, 202610 (unused
vacancies transfer
to next round)
2nd Round€ 70JAN 28, 2026FEB 25, 2026
5:00 pm (PT time)
€ 500MAR 12 - 23, 2026APR 16 - 30, 2026
3rd Round€ 70MAR 11, 2026APR 6, 2026
5:00 pm (PT time)
€ 500APR 16 - 30, 2026APR 16 - 30, 2026
4th Round€ 70APR 22, 2026MAY 13, 2026
5:00 pm (PT time)
€ 500MAY 28 - JUN 11, 2026MAY 28 - JUN 11, 2026
5th Round€ 70JUN 3, 2026JUN 24, 2026
5:00 pm (PT time)
€ 500JUL 9 - 23, 2026JUL 9 - 23, 2026
6th Round€ 70JUL 8, 2026AUG 26, 2026
5:00 pm (PT time)
€ 500SEP 10 - 21, 2026SEP 10 - 21, 2026
  • Only up to 10 candidates will be accepted.

Fees and Financial Aid

For the PhD in Finance, the tuition fees are €2,750 per year. Students are expected to pay a minimum of 4 years of tuition fees.

Please check with the Academic Services for Iscte payment schemes.

Scholarship Calls

Merit scholarships

Scholarships for duration of the PhD programme are granted to students with an excellent academic profile.

BRU-Iscte will offer merit scholarships to PhD candidates with an outstanding academic background. For more information see Regulation (link here).

Funding Opportunities

There are several scholarships and financial support schemes available for national and international PhD candidates.

Competition can be strong, but it is well worth exploring your options. Following are some of the main places to find out more about grants and funding opportunities.

Funding Opportunities for PhD Candidates

Start your journey with us and submit your application!