The University of Minho Architecture Research Fellowship 2027 offers Architecture graduates an opportunity to gain research experience in Portugal while receiving a monthly fellowship of €1,090.98. The six-month research position is offered through the Landscapes, Heritage and Territory Laboratory (Lab2PT) as part of the T.E.R.R.A-E research project.

The fellowship is open to applicants from Portugal, other European Union countries, non-EU countries, stateless persons, and eligible political refugees, subject to the applicable requirements.

The selected candidate will work full-time for 35 hours per week, with the fellowship expected to begin on October 1, 2026. The research will focus on communities, territories, participatory activities, spatial analysis, local memories, and the relationship between the school site, the territory of Extremo, and its diaspora.

University of Minho Architecture Research Fellowship 2027 Details

About the University of Minho Architecture Research Fellowship

The fellowship is designed for graduates in Architecture who want to gain research experience through the Lab2PT and contribute to the T.E.R.R.A-E research project.

The research involves the study of communities and territories and may include spatial analysis, architectural representation, participatory activities, local memories, fieldwork, and communication of research findings.

The opportunity may be particularly relevant to Architecture graduates interested in the relationship between architecture, territory, communities, heritage, and participatory research.

Fellowship Benefits

The selected candidate will receive a monthly fellowship and other support according to the applicable fellowship regulations.

€1,090.98 Monthly Fellowship

The selected fellow will receive a monthly maintenance allowance of €1,090.98 for the six-month fellowship period.

Six Months of Research Experience

The fellowship provides an opportunity to participate in research activities through Lab2PT and the T.E.R.R.A-E project.

Personal Accident Insurance

The selected fellow will receive personal accident insurance in accordance with the applicable fellowship rules.

Social Security Contributions

Eligible voluntary social-security contributions may be reimbursed according to the applicable regulations.

Research Experience in Portugal

International applicants can gain research experience in Portugal while working with a university research laboratory and participating in a multidisciplinary research project.

What Will the Research Fellow Do?

The selected candidate will contribute to research activities associated with the T.E.R.R.A-E project.

Responsibilities may include:

• Organizing participatory workshops
• Collecting community memories and experiences
• Conducting fieldwork and research
• Analysing research materials
• Studying relationships between schools, territories, communities, and diaspora
• Supporting spatial and territorial analysis
• Contributing to exhibitions
• Supporting development of the project’s conceptual framework
• Preparing materials for scientific communication
• Supporting public communication activities

The position combines architectural research with community and territorial studies, making it relevant to graduates interested in research beyond conventional architectural practice.

Available Research Areas

The main field of the fellowship is Architecture.

The research activities may involve:

• Territorial analysis
• Spatial representation
• Community research
• Architectural research
• Fieldwork
• Participatory workshops
• Social and material characteristics of places
• Heritage and territory
• Community memories and experiences
• Scientific and public communication

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship welcomes applicants from several nationality groups, including:

• Portuguese citizens
• Citizens of other European Union member states
• Non-EU citizens
• Stateless persons
• Individuals with eligible political refugee status

Applicants from outside the European Union may therefore be eligible, provided they satisfy the academic, enrolment, qualification-recognition, and other applicable requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should carefully review the fellowship requirements before applying.

According to the provided fellowship information, applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at the time of application.
• Meet the enrolment conditions applicable to this type of research fellowship.
• Provide valid proof of enrolment before signing the fellowship contract where applicable.
• Comply with applicable qualification-recognition and grade-conversion requirements if their degree was obtained outside Portugal.
• Be able to undertake the research activities required by the T.E.R.R.A-E project.
• Have the skills needed to participate in research, fieldwork, spatial analysis, and related activities.

Relevant academic, research, professional, fieldwork, territorial-analysis, or architectural experience may strengthen an application.

Applicants should also be prepared to demonstrate communication and teamwork abilities and familiarity with relevant manual or digital research tools.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Although the minimum academic requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, experience relevant to the research project may be beneficial.

Useful areas of experience include:

• Architectural research
• Territorial research
• Community-based projects
• Field research
• Spatial analysis
• Digital research tools
• Manual research methods
• Architectural representation
• Social research
• Communication and teamwork
• Research involving communities and places

A well-prepared motivation letter explaining the applicant’s interest in the research project can also support the application.

Selection Process

The selection process has two main stages: merit assessment and interview.

Stage 1: Merit Assessment – 60%

The merit assessment accounts for 60% of the final evaluation.

The assessment considers academic performance as well as scientific or professional experience and the motivation letter.

Candidates who obtain at least 3 out of 5 in the merit assessment can proceed to the interview stage.

Stage 2: Interview – 40%

The interview accounts for the remaining 40% of the final score.

The interview may assess:

• Knowledge of the relevant field
• Interpersonal skills
• Motivation
• Language skills
• Suitability for the research project

Applicants should therefore prepare to explain their academic background, relevant experience, motivation, and interest in the T.E.R.R.A-E research project.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the documents required for the application, including:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Academic qualification certificate or accepted declaration
• Motivation letter
• Statement confirming compliance with the fellowship requirements
• Additional supporting documents, where applicable

Applicants who obtained their qualifications outside Portugal should also review the applicable requirements for qualification recognition and grade conversion.

How to Apply for the University of Minho Fellowship

Applications must be submitted by email.

Application Email

info@lab2pt.uminho.pt

Applicants should use the following fellowship reference in the email subject:

Lab2PT/T.E.R.R.A-E-BI/01

Before submitting the application, applicants should:

1. Prepare their CV and required academic documents.
2. Write a motivation letter relevant to the T.E.R.R.A-E research project.
3. Prepare the required statement and any additional supporting documents.
4. Check the qualification and enrolment requirements.
5. Attach all required documents to the email.
6. Send the application to info@lab2pt.uminho.pt.
7. Use Lab2PT/T.E.R.R.A-E-BI/01 as the fellowship reference.

Applications submitted through other methods will not be accepted according to the provided information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the University of Minho Architecture Research Fellowship 2027 is:

August 28, 2026, at 23:59 Lisbon time.

The fellowship is expected to begin on October 1, 2026, and will continue for six months.

Applicants should submit their applications before the stated deadline and ensure that all required documents are included.

Important Information for Applicants

Architecture graduates considering this opportunity should pay particular attention to the enrolment requirements, especially applicants who obtained their degree outside Portugal.

International applicants should also check the applicable requirements for qualification recognition and grade conversion before applying.

Because the selection process gives 60% weight to merit assessment and 40% to the interview, applicants should prepare both a strong application package and a clear explanation of their research interests and suitability for the project.