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Study in Portugal

Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.

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About studying in Portugal

Thinking about studying in Portugal? The country is in South-Western Europe, on the Atlantic coast, with higher education centred on cities such as Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.

Students interested in tourism, maritime trade and urban development may find the local context especially relevant. The main language is Portuguese; the availability of English-taught programmes varies between institutions. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.

Why study in Portugal?

Students choose Portugal for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in South-Western Europe, on the Atlantic coast. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.

  • Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Maritime & Shipping and Architecture & Built Environment, with options differing between universities.
  • Industry context: Tourism, maritime trade and urban development matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
  • Cities and campus life: Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
  • Culture and language: living in Portugal means everyday contact with Portuguese and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
  • European mobility: as part of the European Union, Portugal takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.

Portugal's University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in Europe.

Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.

Top subjects to study in Portugal

Students heading to Portugal often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.

Because tourism, maritime trade and urban development matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Portugal on this site, with its specializations.

Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.

Subjects to study in Portugal

Explore subject areas available for students planning to study in Portugal.

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Universities in Portugal

Explore universities in Portugal and discover study options for international students.

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Scholarships to Study in Portugal

Finding funding for Portugal takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.

  • government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Portugal
  • universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
  • foundations, charities and international organisations
  • research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
  • European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part

Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.

Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.

Intakes to study in Portugal

Many programmes in Portugal start around September, which is the main entry point for most new students. Some institutions also admit students around February, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.

Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.

Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.

A simple planning checklist:

  • shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
  • prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
  • apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
  • allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation

Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.

Cost of studying in Portugal

Tuition in Portugal varies widely: public and private institutions, subjects and study levels can all have different fees. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.

When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:

  • application and registration fees
  • course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
  • health insurance and any visa or permit costs
  • accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme

Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.

It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.

Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.

Student visa requirements to study in Portugal

Studying in Portugal usually involves an immigration step as well as an admission step, and the two often depend on each other. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.

Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:

  • an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
  • a valid passport and passport photos
  • evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
  • health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
  • proof of language ability or previous qualifications

Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: Portuguese consular visa portal (official government website).

Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.

Cost of living in Portugal

A realistic budget for life in Portugal starts with housing, which is usually the largest single expense. Costs in Lisbon can differ noticeably from those in Porto or Coimbra and smaller towns.

The main costs to plan for are:

  • Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
  • Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
  • Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
  • Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
  • Insurance and health: any required health cover
  • Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life

Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.

Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.

FAQs about studying in Portugal

What are the advantages of studying in Portugal?

It depends on your goals. Portugal offers programmes across many subjects, a location in South-Western Europe, on the Atlantic coast and study in Portuguese (with some English-taught options). Students interested in tourism, maritime trade and urban development may find the local context especially relevant.

What subjects can I study in Portugal?

Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Maritime & Shipping, Architecture & Built Environment and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences. The subjects page for Portugal lists every subject available here with its specializations.

When should I apply to universities in Portugal?

Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.

How much does it cost to study in Portugal?

Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.

Do international students need a visa to study in Portugal?

EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as Portuguese consular visa portal.

Are scholarships available for international students in Portugal?

Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.

Where do international students live in Portugal?

Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.

Can I study in English in Portugal?

Many courses are taught in Portuguese. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.

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