The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) has officially opened applications for the 2025–2026 edition of its UP Ensino Superior program, a strategic funding initiative aimed at strengthening academic and research partnerships between Portuguese and American higher education institutions.
This program supports structural and sustainable collaboration, enabling joint degrees, faculty mobility, virtual exchange programs (COIL), and co-supervision of doctoral candidates.
Each selected project may receive up to €30,000 in funding from FLAD, contingent upon matching contributions from both the Portuguese and U.S. partner institutions.
Eligible applicants include Portuguese universities, polytechnics, and research centers—both public and private—which may apply individually or as part of a consortium.
The application period runs until 15 to September 15, 2025. Successful proposals will be announced by October 24, and the projects are expected to be implemented during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Priority will be given to initiatives that demonstrate long-term institutional commitment, curricular integration, and innovative approaches to transatlantic cooperation in higher education.
FLAD encourages proposals that promote new forms of academic collaboration, such as Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), joint or dual-degree development, faculty immersion programs, and shared research agendas. For details and how to apply, visit flad.pt
PAJ/Staff
The Luso-American Development Foundation was established on May 20, 1985, through the approval of Decree-Law No. 168/85 by the Portuguese government. Its creation was a direct outcome of the 1983 Cooperation and Defense Agreement between Portugal and the United States, which included provisions for military, economic, and energy support. One significant aspect of this agreement was the continued U.S. presence at the Lajes Air Base in the Azores. Based in Lisbon, Portugal, the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) is a grant-making organization dedicated to funding initiatives to promote scientific and cultural exchanges between Portugal and the United States. Programs and partnerships, such as Study in Portugal Network (SiPN), established in 2015, provide North American students with academic opportunities in Portugal. The program has facilitated the participation of over 1,800 American students in programs across Lisbon’s top universities.
Source: flad.pt
