FLAD launches new edition of the UP Higher Education program to strengthen academic partnerships between Portugal and the USA

FLAD has just launched the 2026-2027 edition of the UP Higher Education program, an initiative that supports the creation and consolidation of strategic partnerships between Portuguese and North American higher education institutions.

With applications open between May 15 and September 15, the program aims to stimulate academic and scientific cooperation projects with lasting impact, promoting sustainable institutional relations between universities, polytechnics, research centers and higher schools on both sides of the Atlantic.

Support for the internationalization of Portuguese higher education

Through this initiative, FLAD intends to fund projects that demonstrate a strong institutional commitment among the entities involved, with the support serving as start-up funding for medium and long-term collaborations.

More than supporting one-off mobilities, the programme favours proposals with potential for continuity and sustainability, capable of generating mutual investment and strengthening the internationalisation of Portuguese institutions.

Applications can cover all levels of higher education – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral or executive training – and any scientific area.

Eligible areas

Proposals may include initiatives such as:

• Development of joint or double degrees;
• Creation of new academic consortia between Portugal and the USA;
• Joint programs with hands-on learning and service learning components;
• Use of online collaborative learning technologies (COIL) and virtual mobility;
• Training and capacity building of teachers and technical teams;
• Joint research projects and multilateral networks;
• Models of doctoral co-supervision and joint hiring of talent;
• Other innovative institutional cooperation initiatives.

FLAD stresses that the objective of the program is to support the institutionalization of partnerships between institutions, and not just to finance travel or individual research stays.

Who can apply

Portuguese higher education institutions can apply, individually or in a consortium, as long as the proposals include partners in the USA.

Applications must be submitted by the Portuguese institution and include:

• Letter of support from the Portuguese institution;
• Letter of support from the U.S. institution;
• Description of the joint action and its objectives;
• Schedule;
• Detailed budget.

The budget must clearly demonstrate the investment planned by each partner, and it is mandatory that the contribution of the US institution is equal to or greater than that of the Portuguese institution.

Proposals submitted by institutions located in the interior of the country or in the autonomous regions will have a positive value in the evaluation process.

Funding up to 30 thousand euros

The program provides support of up to 30 thousand euros per project, awarded to the participating Portuguese institution.

Funding may be granted in full or in part, depending on the evaluation of the jury designated by FLAD.

Institutional overheads are not eligible.

Calendar

• Applications open: May 15, 2026
• Submission deadline: September 15, 2026
• Communication of results: until 30 October 2026
• Implementation of the initiatives: academic year 2026/2027

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through FLAD’s online platform, available here.

Interested parties can also consult the FAQ section, where answers to the main questions about the program and the application process are gathered.

To find out all the application conditions for this call, please consult the notice (NOTICE UP PROGRAM 2026-2027).

For further information or further clarification, interested parties may contact: educacao@flad.pt.