الترجمة قيد التقدم. يتم عرض المحتوى الإنجليزي مؤقتاً.
Admissions • Costs • Scholarships • Visas • Student Life
Study in Portugal
Atlantic innovation, affordable living, and multilingual campuses
Overview
Portugal offers globally recognised degrees in technology, hospitality, health sciences, and creative industries. Universities (Universidades) focus on academic research, while Polytechnics (Institutos Politécnicos) emphasise applied learning and industry placements.
Affordable tuition, a Mediterranean climate, and thriving tech ecosystems in Lisbon, Porto, and Braga make Portugal a compelling study destination. Programmes align with the Bologna structure (ECTS credits), and international students benefit from English-taught courses, innovation hubs, and remote-work friendly visa pathways.
Why Choose Portugal
Quality of life
Start-up hub
Academic diversity
Gateway to Europe & Lusophone world
Top Universities in Portugal
University of Porto
Key Strengths
University of Lisbon
Key Strengths
NOVA University Lisbon
Key Strengths
Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics
Key Strengths
Popular Programmes & Strengths
Portugal blends traditional strengths in hospitality, marine science, and arts with rising tech sectors in AI and renewable energy. Polytechnics offer dual-degree partnerships with industry and hands-on labs.
Hospitality & Tourism Management
Portugal’s tourism sector supports internships in hotels, airlines, and destination management.
Featured: Estoril Higher Institute for Tourism, Polytechnic of Porto, NOVA SBE
Information Technology & Start-ups
Lisbon’s tech ecosystem fuels programmes in software engineering, cybersecurity, and digital business.
Featured: NOVA IMS, University of Minho, ISEG
Marine & Environmental Sciences
Coastal campuses focus on oceanography, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
Featured: University of Algarve, University of Aveiro, University of Porto
Admission Requirements
Applications are submitted directly to institutions via their online portals. Bachelor’s candidates often apply through national Concurso Nacional de Acesso, while master’s programmes manage individual deadlines.
undergraduate
- Secondary diploma equivalent to Portuguese Ensino Secundário (minimum GPA requirements vary by faculty).
- Proof of Portuguese (DIPLE B2) or English proficiency (IELTS 6.0) depending on language of instruction.
- Entrance exams: some universities require specific subject exams (Matemática, Física) or SAT scores recognised as substitutes.
- Motivation letter and CV for polytechnic applied programmes.
postgraduate
- Bachelor's degree in related field with transcript and diploma supplement.
- Language proficiency: IELTS 6.5+ or Portuguese B2 for Lusophone tracks.
- Two academic/professional references, CV, statement of purpose, and portfolio for design/architecture programmes.
Language test benchmarks
IELTS Academic
6.0-6.5
TOEFL iBT
80-90
CAPLE DIPLE
B2 for Portuguese-taught degrees
Application Steps
Most universities open applications in January-March for September intake. Private institutions accept rolling applications.
1. Research programmes
Compare universities vs. polytechnics, language requirements, and tuition.
2. Gather documents
Prepare notarised transcripts, translations (Portuguese/English), CV, motivation letter, references.
3. Submit online application
Complete institutional portal, pay application fee (EUR 60-100), and upload documents.
4. Conditional offer
Receive admission decision, pay enrolment deposit, and confirm housing preferences.
5. Prepare visa
Collect financial proof, insurance, and acceptance documents for residence visa D.
12-9 months
- Shortlist programmes, plan Portuguese/English tests, investigate scholarships.
9-6 months
- Submit applications, obtain translations, and request recommendation letters.
6-3 months
- Accept offers, pay deposit, secure accommodation, and book visa appointment.
3-0 months
- Submit visa application, arrange flights, and schedule SEF/SAPA residence permit appointment for after arrival.
Cost of Studying in Portugal
Portugal remains one of Western Europe’s most affordable countries. Budget EUR 600-900 per month for living costs, depending on city and housing choice.
public universities
EUR 650-3,500 per year (≈ 7,100-38,000 MAD)
polytechnics
EUR 2,500-4,500 per year (≈ 27,200-49,100 MAD)
private universities
EUR 4,000-9,000 per year (≈ 43,600-98,300 MAD)
Lisbon
EUR 800-1,000 (≈ 8,700-10,900 MAD)
Shared apartment EUR 400-550, metro pass EUR 40, meals EUR 200-250.
Porto
EUR 700-900 (≈ 7,600-9,800 MAD)
Lower rent than Lisbon, strong student community, trams and metro accessible.
Coimbra
EUR 600-800 (≈ 6,500-8,700 MAD)
Historic student city with affordable dormitories and canteens.
Braga
EUR 600-750 (≈ 6,500-8,200 MAD)
Growing tech hub with low living costs and proximity to Porto.
| Expense | EUR | MAD |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (public) | EUR 650-3,500 | 7,100-38,000 MAD |
| Accommodation | EUR 250-450 | 2,700-4,900 MAD |
| Food & groceries | EUR 200-250 | 2,200-2,700 MAD |
| Transport | EUR 30-45 | 330-490 MAD |
| Insurance & health | EUR 35-60 | 380-650 MAD |
| Personal & leisure | EUR 120-180 | 1,300-1,960 MAD |
Scholarships & Funding
International students can access government, institutional, and EU funding. Many universities offer merit-based fee waivers and instalment plans.
Government & National
Portugal Government Scholarships (DGES)
Tuition waiver + monthly stipend EUR 150-375
Students demonstrating academic merit and financial need; some awards extended to non-EU nationals.
NAU – Portuguese Speaking Countries Grants
Partial tuition coverage for CPLP nationals
Targeted at students from Lusophone countries pursuing studies in Portugal.
Institutional
NOVA SBE Fellowship
Up to EUR 10,000 tuition reduction
Merit-based awards for MSc students in management, finance, and economics.
University of Porto Excellence Scholarship
EUR 1,000-2,000 per year
Supports top international students with outstanding academic records.
EU & Mobility
Erasmus+
Semester or double-degree exchanges across Europe with monthly stipend (EUR 330-390).
Fulbright Portugal
Grants for US citizens pursuing graduate study or research in Portugal.
Student Life & Support
Portuguese campuses offer vibrant student associations (tunas académicas), sporting clubs, and cultural festivals. International offices provide orientation, legal assistance, and Portuguese language classes.
Housing
University residences are limited—apply early. Private rentals ranging EUR 300-500 are common; consider coliving spaces in Lisbon/Porto.
Food & culture
Enjoy traditional cuisine, vegetarian options, and affordable cafes. Student canteens offer meals from EUR 2.75.
Transport
Cities provide student passes for metro, buses, and regional trains. Cycling infrastructure is improving, especially in Lisbon and Aveiro.
Health & wellbeing
Public healthcare (SNS) covers emergency care; private insurance or low-cost student packages supplement services.
Working During Studies
International students with residence permits can work up to 20 hours per week. Employers must notify the labour authority when hiring students.
Work hours: 20 hours/week during term; full-time during holidays
Minimum wage: EUR 4.50/hour (based on Portugal minimum wage EUR 913/month) ≈ 49 MAD
Popular roles: Hospitality, Tour guide, Call centres, Digital marketing
Internships: Many tech and hospitality programmes include paid internships (EUR 400-700/month).
Post-Graduation Options
Graduates can remain in Portugal by renewing residence permits for job search or transitioning to the new Tech Visa and Start-up Visa programmes.
Job Search Residence Permit
Duration: Up to 12 months
Completed degree in Portugal and proof of financial resources.
Tech Visa
Duration: Up to 2 years (renewable)
Employment contract with certified tech companies meeting salary thresholds.
Start-up Visa
For entrepreneurs with innovative projects approved by IAPMEI and incubators.
Permanent Residence
Eligible after 5 years of legal residence with Portuguese language exam (A2).
Visa & Residence Process
Students from outside the EU require a national visa (Visto D) issued by the Portuguese consulate, followed by a residence permit from AIMA/SEF within Portugal.
Step 1
Receive acceptance letter and tuition payment instructions from your institution.
Step 2
Gather financial proof (EUR 820/month), criminal record certificate, health insurance, and accommodation contract.
Step 3
Submit visa application with biometrics at Portuguese embassy/VFS and await decision (4–8 weeks).
Step 4
Travel to Portugal, register address, and attend AIMA/SEF appointment for residence card issuance.
Explore the Portugal visa guide
Essential Documents Checklist
Academic
- Secondary diploma or bachelor’s degree certificate with sworn Portuguese/English translation.
- Transcript of records and grading scale (legalised/apostilled).
- Language proficiency certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, CAPLE).
Financial
- Bank statements demonstrating EUR 820 per month or scholarship confirmation.
- Accommodation proof (rental agreement, dorm acceptance, or host declaration).
- Health insurance policy covering Portugal.
Supporting
- Valid passport (minimum 12 months).
- Two biometric photos (35mm x 45mm).
- Criminal record certificate from country of residence (legalised) and signed motivation letter.
Application Timeline
12-9 months
- Research programmes, note language requirements, and schedule Portuguese/English exams.
- Review scholarship deadlines (DGES, Erasmus+, institutional awards).
9-6 months
- Submit university/polytechnic applications, obtain translations, and request references.
- Begin financial planning for visa (bank statements, guarantor).
6-3 months
- Accept offer, pay deposit, secure housing, and gather visa documentation.
- Book visa appointment and arrange health insurance.
3-0 months
- Submit visa, plan travel, and prepare for AIMA/SEF residence appointment after arrival.
- Join pre-departure orientation and Portuguese language crash courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portuguese language required?
English-taught master’s programmes are widely available, but learning Portuguese (A2-B1) improves internships and daily life. Many universities offer free language modules.
How much do I need for the visa?
Portugal requires proof of at least EUR 8,196 per year (EUR 683/month). Most consulates request bank statements, accommodation evidence, and health insurance.
Can I stay after graduation?
Yes. Graduates may apply for a 12-month job-search residence permit or transition to Tech Visa/Start-up Visa pathways once employed or launching a business.
Are scholarships available for non-EU students?
Yes. DGES, Erasmus+, and institutional awards provide tuition waivers and stipends. Some programmes also offer tuition instalment plans.
How long does visa processing take?
Student visas usually take 4–8 weeks after biometrics. Apply early and provide complete documents to avoid delays.