PhD students are encouraged to choose the study and research plans, and select the supervisor and co-supervisor before entering the program. So, for the ones applying for a fellowship, a tender composed by a PhD program, the supervisor team (at least 2, function of the topic addressed) and the candidate information above defined will be evaluated by the Scientific Committee, according the FCT-MEC criteria available at http://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/concursos/guiao2012, where the academic records and the program is classified with 40% each and the other 20% are for the supervisor/co-supervisor.

For the ones entering in the program supported by them (the process selection will be the same but now without considering the weight of the supervisors), a temporary faculty advisor will be assigned to each incoming PhD student, during the first 2 semesters. After that time, each undecided student has to select a permanent supervisor and co-supervisor with whom to work, and who agrees to serve in this capacity.