Studying in Portugal: everything your students need to know

Portugal is becoming a popular destination for people relocating from other European Union countries and beyond. It’s easy to see why, given the lower living costs, temperate climate and welcoming atmosphere.

Not surprisingly, more students have begun to ask about attending university in Portugal. And for good reason: quality education, EU connections and increasing numbers of programmes offered in English make it a study destination worth considering.

According to THE, top-ranked universities in Portugal include:

 • University of Lisbon

• University of Porto

• NOVA University Lisbon

• University of Coimbra

Studying in Portugal: are courses taught in English?

The majority of undergraduate offerings are taught in Portuguese. However, there has been recent growth in the number of English-language courses available. For example, Nova University, a highly regarded public university in Lisbon, offers several courses in English and even a foundation programme (SuperNova) to help international students acclimate.

I had the chance to visit Lisbon to tour colleges and was really impressed by what I discovered, in terms of new English-language programmes, university collaborations with companies and NGOs, and opportunities for students to practise what they learn through internships and co-ops.

For courses taught in Portuguese, a language proficiency test is usually necessary for admission, with most institutions requiring a minimum proficiency of B1/B2 level.

Language requirements can vary between institutions and between programmes. Students should contact the international office or the admissions office at their chosen institution to confirm that they meet the language requirements for the programme to which they’re planning to apply.

Portuguese system of higher education

In Portugal, education institutions are divided into traditional universities and polytechnic schools that provide profession-oriented and practical training. Both types of institution have public and private options across the country.

There are currently 14 public universities and 36 private universities in Portugal, with 20 public polytechnics and 64 private polytechnics.

In Portugal, public universities are generally less expensive and more selective. Polytechnic universities offer vocational, career-based training in fields such as nursing, education, accounting and healthcare, while universities provide a large number of degrees in fields including medicine, law, natural sciences, economics, psychology and the humanities.

There is also some crossover, with courses such as engineering, technology, management, education, sports and humanities taught in both university and polytechnic systems.

Broadly, if students are looking to pursue a more general overall education, they should look towards studying at a university in Portugal. Meanwhile, students pursuing studies in a more practical or hands-on field should apply for a polytechnic university.

Both universities and polytechnics confer bachelor’s degrees. In the polytechnic system, the completion of a bachelor’s degree requires 180 European Credits and usually consists of six semesters, or three years of study. At Portuguese universities, depending on the programme, you may be required to obtain between 180 and 240 European Credits – usually six to eight semesters or three to four years of study.

How to apply to university in Portugal

For undergraduate studies, applications to Portuguese universities use a centralised online portal called the Candidatura.

Applicants may select six universities to apply to and rank them by preference. Each year, the Portuguese Ministry of Education publishes the number of study places (vagas) available at public and private universities and polytechnics. Students are then ranked on their secondary school grades for access to limited places. It is important that students check the minimum passing grade for their chosen institution or course before applying.

When applying to public universities in Portugal, students must first have their upper-secondary school studies and their school leaving certificate officially verified, because they will have to present these documents during the application process. This is likely to involve official translation of their credentials into Portuguese, and official recognition of their secondary studies at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in their home country or at their country’s embassy or consulate in Portugal.

Note: Portuguese universities typically convert IB points to Portuguese entry requirements, and it is important to review the requirements for the programmes your students hope to pursue.

For applications to public universities, there are other required documents that need to be translated into Portuguese. These may include:

• birth certificate
• teacher reference letter
• secondary diploma
• transcripts, letter of intent (why they want to attend the university)
• CV or résumé
• proof of Portuguese-language proficiency (if required for course)
• financial statements
• photos
• passport.

Typically, two rounds of applications take place, because courses can begin either in the autumn or in the spring semester. Students should check with their chosen institution as deadlines can differ.

Students should receive a response from the university eight weeks after the application deadline.

Costs

Higher education institutions in Portugal independently choose how much they want to charge domestic and international students, and there is no cap on tuition (propinas) for Portuguese universities and polytechnics.

Public university tuition in Portugal

Public universities have affordable tuition fees, ranging from €1,000 to €2,000 per year for EU/EEA students. For non-EU/EEA students, this tends to be slightly higher: between €3,000 and €5000 per academic year.

Private university tuition in Portugal

For private universities in Portugal, tuition fees can range from €3,000 to €12,500 per academic year, for both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students.

Housing

International students studying in Portugal have a range of housing options, from university-owned residences to private apartments and student halls run by private companies. The average prices for student housing and accommodation options are:

University-owned student residence halls: from €400 per month (sometimes lower, depending on location)

Renting a private room or apartment: from €400 per month in Lisbon and €300 in Porto

Student halls run by international operators: from €595 per month for a standard studio room

Budgeting

It is suggested that students budget €600-800 per month for overall living expenses.

Once non-EU nationals have secured a Portuguese student visa and a residence permit, they are allowed to work 20 hours per week during university semesters and full-time during breaks.