Discover the best universities in Portugal for international students, offering diverse programs, vibrant campuses, and a welcoming environment. Explore top academic institutions and find the perfect place to study in Portugal.
Universities in Portugal for International Students
Portugal boasts a well-structured and accessible higher education system, making it an excellent choice for international students. As one of the most welcoming countries for expats, Portugal offers strong support for students pursuing a university education. Explore everything you need to know before studying at a university in Portugal.
Structure of the Higher Education System in Portugal
Portugal’s higher education system (Ensino Superior) follows a binary structure, distinguishing between university education and polytechnic education based on academic focus and career outcomes.
University Education
Focus: Emphasizes academic and theoretical knowledge with a strong research and innovation component.
Fields of Study: Covers a wide range, including engineering, medicine, law, arts, humanities, and sciences.
Institutions: Includes universities, technical universities, and specialized institutes (e.g., ISCTE for business and sociology).
Examples: University of Porto, University of Lisbon, University of Coimbra.
Polytechnic Education
Focus: Oriented toward vocational training and practical applications, preparing students for direct entry into the workforce.
Fields of Study: Includes business administration, education, hospitality, healthcare, and technical engineering.
Institutions: Comprises polytechnic institutes and technical colleges (e.g., Polytechnic of Leiria, Polytechnic of Lisbon).
Comparison of Universities and Polytechnics
Aspect | Universities | Polytechnics |
Focus | Academic research and theoretical knowledge | Applied sciences and vocational training |
Degrees Offered | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate | Bachelor’s, Professional Master’s |
Duration of Degrees | 3–4 years (Bachelor’s), 1–2 years (Master’s) | 3 years (Bachelor’s), 1–2 years (Professional Master’s) |
Target Students | Those aiming for academia or research | Those seeking technical, hands-on careers |
This binary system ensures flexibility for students based on their career goals, whether in academia, research, or practical industry applications.
Integration under the Bologna Process
Portugal is part of the Bologna Process, which standardizes European higher education systems, making degrees internationally comparable and facilitating student mobility. Key reforms include:
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS): Ensures credit comparability across institutions.
Structured Degree Cycles: Education is divided into three levels – Licenciatura (Bachelor’s), Mestrado (Master’s), and Doutoramento (Doctorate).
Key Terminology in Portuguese Higher Education
Understanding Portuguese higher education terms is essential for international students navigating the system.
Term | Explanation |
Licenciatura | Bachelor’s degree, typically lasting 3–4 years, providing foundational academic knowledge. |
Mestrado | Master’s degree, a specialized program lasting 1–2 years. |
Mestrado Integrado | Integrated Master’s program combining Bachelor’s and Master’s studies into a single 5–6 year program. |
Doutoramento | Doctorate, focusing on original research, typically lasting 3–4 years. |
ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) | Standardized credit system to measure workload across European universities. |
Propinas | Tuition fees, vary significantly between public and private institutions. |
This system ensures a streamlined and internationally recognized higher education framework, making it easier for students to transfer credits and continue their studies across Europe.
Deep Dive into ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)
The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is a fundamental part of the Bologna Process, ensuring consistency in student workload and academic recognition across Europe.
Key Features of ECTS:
1 ECTS Credit = 28 hours of work, covering lectures, assignments, self-study, and assessments.
Full-time students complete 60 ECTS per academic year (1,680 total study hours).
Degree Requirements Under ECTS:
Degree | ECTS Requirement | Duration |
Bachelor’s (Licenciatura) | 180–240 ECTS | 3–4 years |
Master’s (Mestrado) | 90–120 ECTS | 1–2 years |
Doctorate (Doutoramento) | 180–240 ECTS (varies based on research) | 3–4 years |
Example Workload Distribution for a 6 ECTS Course:
Component | Hours |
Lectures | 40 hours |
Self-Study | 80 hours |
Assignments | 20 hours |
Exams/Projects | 20 hours |
This system ensures transparency and flexibility, allowing students to transfer credits between universities within Europe.
Higher Education Degrees in Portugal
Bachelor’s Degree (Licenciatura)
Duration: 3–4 years
Structure: Theoretical coursework + practical training (internships or final projects).
Requirements:
Open to high school graduates.
International students must provide equivalent qualifications.
Language: Portuguese (B2 proficiency required). Many universities offer foundation courses for language preparation.
Master’s Degree (Mestrado)
Duration: 1–2 years
Structure:
Advanced coursework in a specialized field.
Research-based or professional thesis project.
Integrated Master’s Degree (Mestrado Integrado):
Common in engineering, medicine, and architecture.
Duration: 5–6 years.
Students graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s qualifications.
Doctorate (Doutoramento)
Duration: 3–4 years (can be longer for part-time students).
Focus: Original research contributing to academic or professional fields.
Structure:
Initial coursework (6–12 months) in research methodology and subject-specific topics.
Independent research leading to a thesis and public defense.
Accessibility for International Students in Portuguese Universities
Language Proficiency
Program Type | Language Requirement |
Undergraduate | Portuguese (B2 level required) |
Postgraduate | Many master’s and doctorate programs are taught in English. |
Accepted English proficiency tests:
IELTS (minimum score: 5.5–6.5)
TOEFL (minimum score: 80)
Universities offer preparatory Portuguese courses to help international students meet language requirements.
Integration Support for International Students
International Student Offices: Assistance with admissions, housing, and cultural adaptation.
Buddy Programs: Pair international students with local peers for guidance.
Language Courses: Intensive Portuguese classes to help students meet proficiency levels.
Special Considerations for CPLP Nationals
Students from Portuguese-speaking countries (Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, etc.) receive:
Reduced tuition fees
Simplified admission processes due to language and cultural commonalities.
Portugal's higher education system is well-structured, internationally recognized, and welcoming to international students, offering multiple pathways to academic and professional success.
Public vs. Private Universities in Portugal
Portugal offers both public and private universities, each catering to different student needs.
Public Universities
✅ Tuition: Lower for EU students (€697–€1,500/year), higher for non-EU students (€3,000–€7,000/year).
✅ Funding: Subsidized by the government.
✅ Strengths: High academic standards, strong research focus, and globally ranked institutions.
✅ Examples:
University of Porto – Engineering, Medicine, Architecture.
University of Lisbon – Diverse programs across 18 faculties.
Private Universities
✅ Tuition: Higher (€2,500–€12,000/year).
✅ Funding: Fully independent.
✅ Strengths: Smaller class sizes, modern facilities, flexible admission criteria.
✅ Examples:
Universidade Lusófona – Popular among international students.
Catholic University of Portugal (UCP) – Strong in Law, Theology, and Business.
Criteria | Public Universities | Private Universities |
Tuition | Lower for domestic/EU students | Higher for all students |
Admission | Competitive and selective | More flexible |
Focus | Research-driven | Student-centered, smaller classes |
Top Universities in Portugal
University | Ranking (QS 2024) | Specialties | Tuition (International Students) |
University of Porto | 295 | Engineering, Medicine, Architecture | €3,500–€8,000/year |
University of Lisbon | 356 | Sciences, Arts, Technology | €3,000–€12,500/year |
University of Coimbra | 438 | Oldest university, UNESCO-listed | €7,000/year |
University of Aveiro | 581 | Marine Sciences, Engineering, Environment | €4,000–€5,500/year |
NOVA University Lisbon | 431 | Economics, Law, Biomedical Sciences | €3,000–€7,000/year |
Enrollment Process for International Students in Portugal
General Requirements
Academic Qualifications
Undergraduate: Equivalent secondary school diploma.
Postgraduate: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, depending on the program.
Language Proficiency
Portuguese-Taught Programs: B2-level proficiency required.
English-Taught Programs: IELTS (5.5–6.5) or TOEFL (80) required.
Entrance Exams
Some undergraduate programs require entrance exams.
Non-EU students can take exams in their home country via Portuguese embassies.
CPLP nationals (Portuguese-speaking countries) may use national qualifications like ENEM (Brazil) for admission.
ENEM Access for Brazilian Students
Brazilian students can use ENEM scores to apply for Portuguese universities, making the process more accessible.
How ENEM Works in Portugal
Eligibility:
Must be a Brazilian national.
Must have completed high school in Brazil.
Universities Accepting ENEM:
University of Coimbra (First to accept ENEM in 2014).
University of Lisbon, University of Porto, University of Algarve, NOVA Lisbon, and many more.
Over 50 Portuguese institutions accept ENEM scores (check the DGES website for details).
Application Process for ENEM Students
1️⃣ Choose a university – Select from institutions that accept ENEM scores.
2️⃣ Check requirements – Minimum ENEM scores vary by course.
3️⃣ Submit documents – ENEM score report, high school diploma, passport, translated documents.
4️⃣ Pay application fee – Usually €50–€100.
5️⃣ Await results – Decisions typically take 1–2 months.
Steps to Apply for a Portuguese University as an Expat
✅ 1. Research Programs
Explore universities via official websites or DGES (Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior).
✅ 2. Prepare Documents
Academic transcripts, diplomas, motivation letter.
Documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese.
✅ 3. Apply Through the Correct Portal
Public Universities: Apply via Candidatura Online.
Private Universities: Apply directly through the university’s website.
✅ 4. Pay Application Fees
Fees range from €50 to €100.
✅ 5. Await Results
Admission decisions are usually released 1–2 months after submission.
How Welcoming Are Portuguese Universities for Expats?
Portugal is known for its inclusive and friendly culture, making it a top choice for international students. Universities provide a range of support services to help expats integrate smoothly.
Support Services for Expats
✅ International Offices – Assist with admissions, visas, housing, and integration.
✅ Language Programs – Many universities offer intensive Portuguese courses for non-speakers.
✅ Student Networks – Active expat and international student associations organize cultural events and mentorship programs.
✅ Buddy Systems – Local students help newcomers settle into university life.
Cultural Adaptation Portugal’s rich heritage, relaxed lifestyle, and emphasis on diversity create a welcoming environment for expats. Major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra have large international communities, making it easier for foreign students to adapt.
Validation of Diplomas for Expats in Portugal
If you hold a foreign diploma and want to study or work in Portugal, you may need to validate and recognize your degree.
Who Needs Diploma Validation?
Students from non-Bologna Process countries.
Professionals in regulated fields (e.g., law, engineering, medicine).
Types of Recognition:
🔹 Equivalence – Confirms that a foreign degree is equivalent to a Portuguese one.
🔹 Recognition – Acknowledges a foreign degree without granting direct equivalence.
Steps to Validate a Diploma:
1️⃣ Submit documents to the Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (DGES) or a university offering equivalence.
2️⃣ Required Documents:
Original diploma
Transcripts & course descriptions
Apostille from home country
Certified Portuguese translations
3️⃣ Pay processing fees (€100–€500, depending on complexity).
4️⃣ Processing Time – Typically 60–180 days.
Portuguese Diplomas Abroad
EU countries automatically recognize Portuguese degrees under the Bologna Process.
For non-EU countries, check local recognition procedures.
Portuguese Student Visa Options for Expats
International students outside the EU need a visa to study in Portugal. There are three main types:
1. D4 Visa (Higher Education Student Visa)
✅ For bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students.
✅ Valid for 1 year, renewable annually.✅
Requirements:
University acceptance letter
Proof of financial means (€8,460/year)
Health insurance
Accommodation proof
2. D5 Visa (EU Mobility for Higher Education)
✅ For non-EU students already studying in the EU who want to transfer to Portugal.
✅ Simplifies the Erasmus+ exchange program process.
3. E9 Visa (Short-Term Education Visa)
✅ For courses lasting less than 1 year (e.g., language courses, certifications).
✅ Maximum validity: 12 months.
Residence Permit
Once in Portugal, students must apply for a residence permit through AIMA (Agência para Migrações, Integração e Asilo).
✅ Fee: ~€150
✅ Required Documents:
Passport & visa
Enrollment proof
Financial means evidence
Housing proof
Final Thoughts on Universities in Portugal for Expats
Portugal offers a higher education system that seamlessly combines academic excellence, affordability, and accessibility. With well-structured degree programs, a comprehensive credit system, and policies that support international students, Portugal stands out as a top destination for those seeking high-quality education.
Whether you are considering public or private universities, you’ll find a range of options suited to various academic needs and budgets.
Portuguese universities not only provide quality education but also offer rich cultural experiences and ample professional opportunities. By familiarizing yourself with the application process, visa requirements, and available support services, international students can integrate smoothly into Portugal’s vibrant academic community.
Need expert guidance on navigating Portugal’s higher education system?
INLIS Consulting is here to assist you with personalized advice on visa applications, enrollment, and settling in Portugal. Reach out to us today to ensure a seamless transition into your academic journey in Portugal.
Contact INLIS Consulting for more information on how we can help you integrate into Portugal's academic world!
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