If you have a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or a related field, an exciting research opportunity is available in Portugal. The Instituto de Telecomunicações SOVEREIGN Research Scholarship offers a monthly grant of €1,359.64 for researchers working on Internet of Things (IoT), distributed ledger technology (DLT), cybersecurity and wireless communication systems.
The opportunity is based at the University of Aveiro and is connected to the SOVEREIGN project, which is supported through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under Horizon Europe.
The scholarship is particularly interesting for graduates who want practical research experience rather than a conventional taught degree. Successful candidates will work on developing a lightweight credential gateway that can help resource-constrained IoT devices use secure credentials supported by distributed ledger technologies.
The application deadline is 31 August 2026 at 23:59 Lisbon time, making this an opportunity that requires prompt preparation.
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | Instituto de Telecomunicações |
| Country | Portugal |
| Research Location | University of Aveiro |
| Project | SOVEREIGN |
| Research Areas | Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, IoT, DLT, Wireless Communications |
| Minimum Qualification | Master’s degree or equivalent |
| Monthly Scholarship | €1,359.64 |
| Initial Duration | 12 months |
| Potential Duration | Up to 4 years under this scholarship category |
| Workload | 35 hours per week |
| Funding Programme | Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions |
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
The scholarship is designed for candidates with a Master’s degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another relevant discipline.
However, having the right degree alone does not necessarily make an applicant competitive. This is a highly technical research position, so applicants should demonstrate knowledge that relates directly to the project.
Experience in areas such as Internet of Things, cybersecurity, distributed systems, blockchain, wireless networks, cloud computing, embedded systems or performance evaluation can strengthen an application.
Yes. Master’s graduates can be eligible for this research scholarship, but there is an important enrolment requirement.
The research-grant category is intended for people who are either enrolled in a doctoral programme or who have a Master’s degree and are enrolled in an eligible non-degree higher-education course connected with research.
Applicants may initially provide a declaration stating their intention to enrol. However, proof of enrolment must be provided before the scholarship contract is signed.
Applicants who obtained their degrees outside Portugal should also pay attention to Portuguese degree recognition requirements. Foreign qualifications may need to be formally recognized by an appropriate Portuguese higher-education institution.
The research focuses on a practical problem at the intersection of IoT security, distributed ledger technology and digital credentials.
Many IoT devices have limited processing power, memory, storage and communication capacity. Requiring these devices to perform complex credential operations directly can therefore create unnecessary technical and performance challenges.
The SOVEREIGN project aims to address this problem by developing a lightweight credential gateway. The gateway would allow constrained IoT devices to use credentials backed by distributed ledger technologies without requiring the devices themselves to perform all the computational and communication work.
The successful researcher is expected to contribute to several technical outcomes, including:
This means the position is particularly suitable for someone who enjoys designing, implementing and testing real systems.
It is not simply a theoretical computer science research opportunity. Applicants should be prepared to work with software, infrastructure, experiments and measurable performance results.
The project places particular importance on programming and technical computing skills.
Knowledge of C and MATLAB is specifically relevant, while experience with Amazon Cloud can also be valuable. Industry experience is reportedly given priority.
Applicants should therefore avoid presenting their CV as a generic academic résumé. Instead, highlight practical projects and technical achievements that demonstrate your ability to contribute to the research.
Relevant experience may include:
You do not necessarily need expertise in every one of these areas. What matters is demonstrating a convincing connection between your existing skills and the SOVEREIGN project's research objectives.
The opportunity requires excellent spoken and written English, but the information provided for the position does not specify a minimum IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or other standardized English-test score.
This does not mean English ability is unimportant. English fluency forms part of the candidate assessment, and researchers must be able to communicate technical ideas clearly.
If you already have strong academic or professional English skills, focus on demonstrating them through a well-written CV and motivation letter. Do not assume that taking IELTS is necessary solely for this vacancy unless the institution later requests formal proof.
The selection process is based on curricular evaluation.
The assessment considers factors such as the candidate's overall CV, relevant project knowledge, suitability, motivation and English-language fluency.
This makes it important to tailor your application specifically to the research position.
Avoid submitting a generic statement saying that you want to study or work in Europe.
Instead, explain:
For example, if you have developed an IoT prototype, implemented a networking project or worked with cloud infrastructure, explain what you actually built and what results you achieved.
Concrete evidence is more persuasive than broad claims.
Applicants should prepare their documents before starting the online application.
The required materials include:
Make sure your CV clearly identifies your most relevant technical experience. If you have worked with C, MATLAB, cloud platforms, IoT devices, networking or cybersecurity, place those skills where the selection committee can find them quickly.
Applications must be submitted through the Instituto de Telecomunicações online application system.
An important detail is that applications submitted by email will not be accepted. Applicants should therefore use the designated online system and make sure all required information is submitted before the deadline.
The deadline for the SOVEREIGN Research Scholarship at Instituto de Telecomunicações is: 31 August 2026 at 23:59 Lisbon time.
Because the deadline is approaching, eligible applicants should not wait until the final day to prepare their documents.
Check your CV, motivation letter, academic records and enrolment documentation in advance. If you obtained your degree outside Portugal, also investigate the recognition process early so that it does not become an obstacle later.
For the right candidate, this can be a strong opportunity to gain international research experience in a rapidly developing area of technology.
The €1,359.64 monthly scholarship provides financial support while the researcher contributes to work involving IoT, cybersecurity, digital credentials, distributed ledger technology and wireless systems.
The opportunity may be particularly attractive to Master’s graduates who want to move toward doctoral research, advanced technology development or an international research career.
However, applicants should understand that this is a specialized research position. A general interest in blockchain is unlikely to be enough. The strongest applications will demonstrate practical technical knowledge and a clear connection to the project's objectives.