The westernmost country of Europe, Portugal is a proud neighbor of Spain and shares a rich love for arts, history, culture, and football. Portuguese explorers were among the first to explore large parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas, making Portugal a historically significant nation. Today, Portugal is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Studying in Portugal offers international students access to high-quality education in globally ranked universities such as the University of Lisbon.
Portuguese universities offer a wide range of programs taught in English for international students. Popular study areas include General Engineering, Finance, Computer Science, and Biomedical Engineering. Portugal adopted the Bologna Process in 2006, aligning its universities and polytechnic institutions with international education standards.
Master’s degrees taught in English are among the most sought-after programs in Portugal. Universities such as the University of Lisbon and others listed below actively offer English-taught courses to attract international students.
Seven universities in Portugal are listed among the top universities worldwide by QS Rankings, while thirteen appear in the Times Higher Education Rankings. Below are the top five universities in Portugal:
The admission process to study in Portugal is simple for international students. Applicants must complete an online application for their chosen university and program. Common requirements include previous academic transcripts and diplomas.
Depending on the course, additional documents such as a motivation letter, application essay, entrance exam scores, or a portfolio of work may be required. Students are advised to carefully check specific university and course requirements before applying.
Portugal is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe. Public universities are generally more affordable than private institutions. Tuition fees at public universities range between €1,200 and €1,400 per year for master’s and postgraduate programs. Doctoral programs typically cost between €3,500 and €4,000 per year.
MBA programs in Portugal may cost between €13,000 and €35,000 depending on the university and specialization. Tuition fees at private universities vary based on course, institution, and location.
International students can study in Portugal through fully funded or partially funded scholarships. These scholarships are offered by the Portuguese government, universities, and other organizations. Scholarships may be merit-based or need-based.
Along with education loans and grants, scholarships remain one of the most popular ways for international students to finance their education in Portugal.
Many universities in Portugal allow international students to apply without IELTS scores. If a student has completed previous education in English medium, IELTS may not be required for university admission. However, some countries may still require IELTS or similar tests for visa applications even if universities waive the requirement.
International students planning to study in Portugal must first obtain an official acceptance letter from a recognized university in Portugal. The cost of applying for a Portugal student visa is approximately 170 Euros, depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
Applicants must also provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses for at least one year of study in Portugal, in addition to tuition fees. A valid health insurance policy, proof of language proficiency, and confirmed accommodation or flight reservations are also mandatory requirements.
Portugal offers a wide range of undergraduate programs for international students who wish to pursue higher education after completing their 12th grade. Students from Science, Commerce, and Arts backgrounds can apply for bachelor’s degree programs in Portugal.
The eligibility requirements for undergraduate courses in Portugal are similar to other higher education programs and may vary depending on the university and chosen field of study.
Location: R. de Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Lisboa, Portugal
Type: Private
Established: 1967
Website: http://www.porto.ucp.pt/
| Courses | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Healthcare (1 Course) | 24 Months | EUR 4665 |
| Engineering (1 Course) | 24 Months | EUR |
| Arts (2 Courses) | 18 – 24 Months | EUR 1300 – EUR 8750 |
| Law (1 Course) | 12 Months | EUR 12000 |
| Management (1 Course) | 18 Months | EUR 7666 |
Location: R. Central da Gandra 1317, Gandra, Guarda, Portugal
Type: Private
Website: https://ects.cespu.pt/en
| Courses | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine and Healthcare (6 Courses) | 2 – 3 Years | AUD |
| Science (5 Courses) | 2 – 4 Years | AUD |
Location: Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
Type: Private
Established: 1911
Website: https://tecnico.ulisboa.pt/pt/
| Courses | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering (11 Courses) | 24 Months – 5 Years | EUR 1037 – EUR 7000 |
| Science (1 Course) | 24 Months | EUR 1037 |
| Arts (1 Course) | 5 Years | EUR |
Location: Estr. de Benfica 529, 1549-020 Lisboa, Portugal
Type: Private
Established: 1985
Website: https://www.ipl.pt/
| Courses | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Management (1 Course) | 36 Months | EUR 3168 |
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