Overview
\The westernmost country in mainland Europe, Portugal is surely among the continent’s most attractive destinations – well, assuming you’re attracted by the prospect of a mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful coastline and cities packed with historic interest and cultural experiences.Higher education in Portugal comes in two forms: universities and polytechnics. The main difference is that universities have a greater focus on academic research, while polytechnics are focused more on preparing students for a specific career.
Some subjects are only offered at either universities or polytechnics, but there’s also a lot of overlap. For example, both universities and polytechnics offer degrees in subjects such as engineering, management and humanities subjects.
Five Portuguese institutions appear in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings. The highest entry is the University of Coimbra, which is Portugal’s oldest university – and one of the oldest in the world, established in 1290.
Portugal is participating in the Bologna Process, which aims to establish a common structure for higher education across Europe. In accord with this structure, Portuguese universities offer three levels of degree.
The first level, a licenciatura (or bachelor’s degree), usually lasts three or four years. The second, mestrado (or master’s) usually lasts one or two years. And the third, duotoramento (doctorate) typically takes three years.
Most courses – certainly at bachelor’s level – are taught in Portuguese. At graduate level, it’s more common to find English-taught programs, but it’s still definitely an asset to be able to speak the national language – this is not a country where you can rely on everyone being able to speak English.
Fast Fact
- Capital and largest city is Lisbon
- Portuguese is the world’s eighth largest language by number of native speakers
- Currency is the euro
- Major exports include textiles, wood products and electrical equipment
- Westernmost country in mainland Europe
- Borders with Spain to the north and east, and Atlantic Ocean to the west and south
- According to OECD data, Portugal has more than 22.6 million visitors annually – more than twice the resident population
- Lisbon and second-largest city Porto are both recognized as key global cities by the Globalization and World Cities Research Group
- Traditional Portuguese ‘fado’ music is known for its mournful melodies and lyrics
- The annual Quiema das Fitas (Burning of the Ribbons) festival, celebrated by students at several Portuguese universities, features a full week of music concerts, parades, campaigns and general merriment
Lifestyle
Find out about some of Portugal’s top cities for students...
LISBON
Located on Portugal’s west coast, Lisbon (or Lisboa) is pretty much everything you could want from a European capital city: rich in culture, character and history, full of great food, wine, music and parties.
Against an attractive backdrop of historic buildings, winding streets and vintage trams, Lisbon offers an eclectic selection of activities and experiences, from traditional fado music to new electronic bands, and from traditional public baths to lively cafes and even livelier nightclubs.
One warning: it’s hilly – tough on the legs at first, but great for your fitness! And the views are worth it.
Lisbon is home to three institutions featured in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings – Universidade Nova de Lisboa, University of Lisbon and Universidade Catolica Portuguesa. These are joined by the Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon University Institute, Lusiada University, Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa and several other universities and polytechnics, both public and private.
PORTO
Second-largest city Porto is also on the west coast, further north than Lisbon. It holds its own in terms of both history and hills, and like Lisbon, combines deep historic foundations with vibrant and varied offerings in the realms of cuisine, music and nightlife.
The University of Porto is Portugal’s largest university by number of students, and one of the country’s highest entries in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings. The city is also home to the Instituto Politecnico de Porto, and a number of private universities including Lusiada University of Porto and Universidade Fernando Pessoa. The Universidade Catolica Portuguesa also has a campus here.
COIMBRA
In between Lisbon and Porto, but further inland, Coimbra is the home of Portugal’s oldest and highest ranking university. Here again, you’ll find medieval streets and architecture, overlaid with the buzz and dash of modern life – and in particular the boisterous exploits of the student community.
The University of Coimbra is a particularly popular choice among international students coming to the country. Other options include the Instituto Politecnico de Coimbra, and several specialist institutes.
Practical Information
Undergraduate applications are made through a centralized online system, called Candidatura Online, which allows applicants to choose up to six programs.
As well as submitting evidence of your secondary level qualifications, you may also have to sit an entrance examination, and prove that you are able to study in Portuguese.
Prospective graduate students should apply directly to the university.
Those from countries outside the EU/ EEA who intend to stay longer than three months must apply for a residence visa (‘visto para residencia’) before entering the country. This can be applied for through your nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate, and requires:
- A completed application form
- Letter of acceptance from a Portuguese university
- Photocopy of key passport pages
- Passport-sized photos
- Police record of good conduct
- Copy of health insurance
Proof of sufficient funds – either a bank statement or grant/scholarship
Those from within the EU should apply for an EU citizen residence card within four months of arriving in Portugal.
Universities in Portugal
Rank Universities Locations
1 Universidade do Porto
Porto
2 Universidade de Coimbra
Coimbra
3 Universidade do Minho
Braga ...
4 Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Lisbon
5 Universidade Técnica de Lisboa
Lisbon
6 Universidade de Aveiro
Aveiro ...
7 Universidade de Lisboa
Lisbon
8 Universidade Catolica Portuguesa
Lisbon ...
9 Universidade de Évora
Évora
10 Instituto Politécnico do Porto
Porto
11 Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro
Vila Real
12 Universidade do Algarve
Faro
13 Universidade dos Açores
Ponta Delgada ...
14 Instituto Politécnico de Viseu
Viseu ...
15 Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa
Lisbon
16 Universidade da Madeira
Funchal
17 Universidade da Beira Interior
Covilhã
18 Instituto Politécnico de Leiria
Leiria
19 Instituto Superior de Ciencias do Trabalho e da Empresa
Lisbon
20 Universidade Fernando Pessoa
Porto ...
21 Instituto Politécnico de Bragança
Bragança ...
22 Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal
Setúbal ...
23 Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo
24 Escola Superior de Educação de Coimbra
Coimbra
25 ISPA-Instituto Universitario
Lisbon
26 Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco
Castelo Branco ...
27 Instituto Politécnico de Tomar
Tomar
28 Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Technologias
Lisbon ...
29 Instituto Politécnico de Santarém
Santarém ...
30 Universidade Lusíada de Lisboa
Lisbon ...
31 Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique
Porto
32 Instituto de Arte, Design e Empresa - Universitário
Lisbon
33 Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra
Coimbra ...
34 Escola Superior de Artes e Design
Senhora da Hora
35 Instituto Superior de Entre Douro e Vouga
Santa Maria da Feira
36 Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa
Lisbon
37 Instituto Politécnico de Beja
Beja
38 Instituto Politécnico da Guarda
Guarda ...
39 Instituto Superior Politécnico Gaya
Vila Nova de Gaia
40 Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril
Estoril
41 Instituto Superior de Línguas e Administração
Lisbon
42 Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave
Barcelos
43 Instituto Superior de Gestào
Lisbon
44 Instituto Superior de Línguas e Administração de Leiria
Leiria
45 Instituto Superior de Novas Profissões
Lisbon
46 Instituto Português de Administração de Marketing
Matosinhos ...
47 Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre
Portalegre
48 Instituto Piaget
Lisbon
49 Instituto Superior Bissaya Barreto
Coimbra
50 Instituto Superior de Administração e Gestão
Porto
51 Instituto Superior Miguel Torga
Coimbra
52 Instituto Superior Dom Afonso III
Loulé
53 Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra
Coimbra
54 Instituto Superior de Ciencias Empresariais e de Turismo
Porto
55 Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa
Lisbon
56 Universidade Atlântica
Barcarena
57 Instituto Superior de Paços de Brandão
Paços de Brandão
58 Escola Universitária das Artes de Coimbra
Coimbra
59 Instituto Superior de Tecnologias Avançadas
Lisbon ...
60 Instituto Superior de Saúde do Alto Ave
Póvoa de Lanhoso
61 Escola Superior de Saúde Ribeiro Sanches
Lisbon
62 Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto
Porto
63 Instituto Superior Ciências da Administração
Lisbon
64 Instituto Superior de Ciências Educativas
Ramada ...
65 Escola Nautica Infante D. Henrique
Paço de Arcos ...
66 Escola Superior de Educação de Torres Novas
Torres Novas
Ranking of Universities
International study in Portugal
Why study abroad in Portugal?
Often referred to as Britain’s oldest ally, Portugal is also tied to the UK as part of the European Higher Education Area. Although Portugal was badly hit by the Eurozone crisis, its universities are highly regarded internationally. The downside for UK applicants is that there are very few English-taught courses.
Portuguese universities have existed since 1290. The oldest, the University of Coimbra, was first established in Lisbon before moving to Coimbra in 1537.
Fees are competitive, from €950–1,250 a year.
Four of Portugal’s universities are ranked within the top 700 in the 2012–13 QS World University Rankings. Coimbra is 385th, the University of Porto 401st, and the University of Lisbon and the Universidade Catolica Portuguesa Lisboa 551st equal.
Entry and visa regulations
Students from within the EU, EEA or Switzerland do not need a visa to study in Portugal but must apply for an EU citizen residence card (Cartão de Residência para Cidadão Comunitário) preferably within four months of arriving in the country. EU students are charged a fee of €7.
- Proof of sufficient resources to support yourself financially throughout your stay in Portugal will be required – normally at least an amount equivalent to the minimum national wage, (€485 a month in 2011).
- Some non-EU students are required to apply for a residence visa (Visto para Residência) before entering Portugal at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in their home country. The residence visa allows entry Portuguese territory in order to apply for a residence permit.
- Nationals of some 38 countries outside the EU do not require a visa but must obtain a residence permit.
Applicants need:
- A letter of acceptance for full-time studies.
- A copy of personal data pages from your passport.
- Three recent passport-sized photos.
- Police record of good conduct.
- A copy of a health insurance plan.
- A bank statement or copy of grant/scholarship showing evidence of ability to support yourself financially throughout your time as a student in Portugal.
The language of instruction at Portuguese universities is invariably Portuguese, and most require a minimum level corresponding to the B1/B2 level according to the European language passport.
- There are very few courses with English as the language of instruction. For these, applicants are required to prove a sufficient level of knowledge of English. Although the expected level of command of English may vary in line with the study programme or course, the minimum average English language requirement is 550 points (paper-based TOEFL test), or 213 points (computer-based TOEFL test), or 79-80 points (Internet-based TOEFL test), or 5.5-6.5 score in the IELTS test. Read more about English language tests.
- Colleges and universities have specific language requirements for admission, though these generally vary significantly from one course to another. Contact the International Office or Admissions Office at the institution to check this information for specific courses.
The university system
Portugal’s university system has its origins in the 13th century but has been extensively modernised in line with the European Higher Education Area.
- There are 13 public universities, one public university institute, a public open university, and several private universities and university institutes.
- University courses are to be found in fields such as medicine, law, pharmaceutical sciences, natural sciences, economics, psychology, veterinary medicine, engineering, technology, management, education, agriculture, sports, and humanities.
Applications
- After selecting a course, applications for undergraduate study are made through the centralised online system (candidatura online). Applicants may choose up to six universities and study programmes. UK A level grades can be converted into the Portuguese points system using this calculator.
- The closing date for normal applications is in February of the year of entry.
Tuition fees and funding your study
- Public universities decide the level of tuition fees (propinas) but the Ministry of Education establishes a minimum fee equivalent to 1.3 times the minimum national wage rate.
- However fees are normally higher than the minimum recommendation.
- Full time students on bachelors and masters programmes pay an average of €950-1,250 a year.
Student housing
Accommodation ranges from on-campus residencies to private rented accommodation.
On campus accommodation can be scarce but a private sector provider, SPRU, has moved into the market.
Costs of living
Portugal has a comparatively low cost of living compared with the rest of the EU.
Some typical approximate costs in Portugal include:
- Accommodation: €150 and €300 a month
- Metro: €23
- A bottle of water (1.5l): €0.40
- Bread roll: €0.10
- Rice (1 kg): €0.70
- Coffee (espresso): €0.60
- Meal (university canteen): €2.15
- Meal off campus: €5–€15
- Bus (STCP): €0.95 cents (ticket bought in advance); €1.45 (ticket bought on the bus)
- Newspaper: €1
- Cinema: €4 (student concession)
- Bottle of wine (mid-range): €3.50
- Domestic beer (0.5 litre): €0.95
- Imported beer (0.33 litre): €1.00
- Pack of cigarettes: €4.20
Working while studying
All nationals from the European Economic Area (EEA) are free to take up employment in Portugal while studying but the economic crisis has impacted heavily on opportunities.
- Students from outside the EEA on recognised courses can to take up casual employment (up to 20 hours part-time work per week or full-time work during normal college vacation periods).
- All other work is prohibited.
Health and safety
EU/EEA students from other member states are entitled to the same benefits as Portuguese citizens in access to free or reduced-cost healthcare on production of their European Health Insurance Cards.
- Students from outside the EU must hold medical insurance or be sure about appropriate medical coverage for the duration of their studies.
- Many students can benefit from Portugal’s bilateral agreements with other countries.
Helpful links
SEF – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (Portuguese Immigration Authority)
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