Universities in Portugal — Higher Education Guide

Higher Education Overview

Portugal’s higher education system is well-established and internationally recognised. The country has dozens of public and private institutions across the mainland, Azores, and Madeira. Portuguese universities consistently rank in international university rankings, with institutions in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra among the most prestigious.

Higher education in Portugal follows the Bologna Process, meaning degrees are structured in three cycles: bachelor’s (licenciatura), master’s (mestrado), and doctorate (doutoramento). This structure ensures that Portuguese degrees are recognised across Europe and beyond.

Universities vs Polytechnics

Portugal’s higher education system has two main types of institution:

• Universities (Universidades) — Focus on academic education and research. Offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Include faculties covering a wide range of disciplines from humanities to sciences and engineering.
• Polytechnics (Institutos Politécnicos) — Focus on practical, professionally oriented education. Offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees (doctoral degrees are generally not offered). Programmes are more applied, with strong links to industry and professional practice.

Both types of institution are part of the public higher education system, and degrees from both have equal legal standing. The choice between a university and polytechnic depends on whether you prefer a more academic or more hands-on approach to your studies.

Public vs Private Institutions

Public institutions are funded by the state and generally have lower tuition fees for resident students. They include well-known names such as the Universidade de Lisboa, Universidade do Porto, Universidade de Coimbra, and dozens of polytechnics across the country.

Private institutions are independently funded and set their own tuition fees, which are usually higher than public institutions. All private higher education institutions must be accredited by A3ES (Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior) to operate legally.

Bologna Process & ECTS

Portugal is a signatory of the Bologna Process, which standardises higher education across Europe. Degrees are measured in ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits:

• Licenciatura (Bachelor’s) — Typically 180 ECTS (3 years). Some programmes, such as engineering and architecture, may require 240 ECTS (4 years).
• Mestrado (Master’s) — Typically 90–120 ECTS (1.5–2 years)
• Mestrado Integrado (Integrated Master’s) — 300–360 ECTS (5–6 years). Common in medicine, pharmacy, architecture, and some engineering programmes.
• Doutoramento (Doctorate) — At least 3 years, research-based

ECTS credits facilitate mobility between European universities, making it easier to transfer between institutions or countries.

Academic Year Structure

The academic year in Portugal typically runs from September to July and is divided into two semesters:

• 1st semester — September/October to January/February (includes exam period)
• 2nd semester — February to June/July (includes exam period)

Some programmes also offer a supplementary exam period (recurso/melhoria) in July or September. Exact dates vary by institution.

Application Process

The application process depends on your status:

For EU/EEA Citizens and Legal Residents

Applications to public universities for bachelor’s degrees go through the national access system (Concurso Nacional de Acesso), managed by DGES (Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior). Key steps:

1. Complete secondary education or equivalent
2. Take the required national exams (provas de ingresso) for your chosen programme
3. Submit your application through the DGES portal during the application period (typically July)
4. Rank your preferred programme/institution combinations (you can list multiple)
5. Placement is based on your grades and exam results

For International Students (Non-EU)

Non-EU students who do not hold Portuguese residence permits apply as estudantes internacionais (international students) through a separate process:

1. Apply directly to the university through their international admissions portal
2. Submit proof of secondary education (apostilled and translated)
3. Meet any programme-specific entry requirements (exams, portfolio, interview)
4. Application deadlines vary by institution — check each university’s website

Tuition Fees

Tuition fee structures in Portugal differ significantly depending on your status:

Standard Fees (EU/EEA Citizens and Legal Residents)

Public universities charge a regulated annual tuition fee (propina) for bachelor’s and integrated master’s programmes. The amount is set by each institution within a range defined by law. Master’s and doctoral programme fees are set by each institution and may be higher. Check the specific university’s website for current fee schedules.

International Student Fees

Students classified as estudantes internacionais pay fees set independently by each institution, which are substantially higher than the standard regulated fees. The exact amount varies by programme and university. Some institutions offer fee reductions or waivers based on merit or bilateral agreements with the student’s home country.

English-Taught Programmes

While Portuguese is the primary language of instruction, many universities now offer programmes taught entirely in English. English-taught options are most common at the master’s and doctoral level but are increasingly available for bachelor’s programmes, particularly in:

• Business and management
• Computer science and IT
• Engineering
• International relations
• Economics
• Tourism and hospitality

Even if your programme is in English, learning Portuguese is strongly recommended for daily life, part-time work opportunities, and long-term integration in Portugal. See our Portuguese Courses Guide for options.

Student Visa & Residence Permit

EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to study in Portugal. They should register their residence at the local Câmara Municipal after arrival.

Non-EU citizens studying in Portugal for more than 90 days need:

1. Student visa (Visto de Estudo, Type D) — Apply at the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country before travelling to Portugal. You will need an acceptance letter from the university, proof of financial means, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
2. Residence permit — After arriving in Portugal, apply for a residence permit for study at AIMA. This allows you to stay for the duration of your programme and may be renewed.

Recognition of Foreign Qualifications

To be admitted to a Portuguese university, your foreign qualifications must be recognised. The process depends on what you are applying for:

• Bachelor’s admission — Your secondary school certificate must be recognised as equivalent to Portuguese 12th year. This can be done through DGES or through the university as part of the admissions process.
• Master’s and doctoral admission — Your previous degree must be recognised. Many universities handle this internally during the admissions process.

For full details on academic credential recognition, see our Credential Recognition Guide.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Several scholarship options are available for students in Portugal:

• DGES bolsas de estudo — Government grants for students in financial need, covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. See our Scholarships Guide for details.
• University-specific scholarships — Many universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for both domestic and international students
• FCT grants — The Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia funds research scholarships for master’s and doctoral students
• Erasmus+ grants — For EU students studying abroad, including mobility periods in Portuguese universities

Student Life

Portuguese universities have a strong tradition of student culture. University cities like Coimbra, Lisbon, and Porto have vibrant student communities with:

• Student associations (associações de estudantes) — Active in representing students and organising events
• Praxe — Traditional university initiation rituals, especially prominent in Coimbra. Participation is voluntary.
• Student residences — University-managed accommodation is available but limited. Apply early through the university’s social services (Serviços de Ação Social).
• Student canteens — Subsidised meals available at university canteens for enrolled students
• Sports and cultural activities — Most universities offer sports facilities, clubs, and cultural programmes

Common Questions

How much does university cost in Portugal for international students?

Tuition fees for international students (estudantes internacionais) at Portuguese public universities are set by each institution and are significantly higher than fees for EU/Portuguese residents. Fees vary by programme and university. EU/EEA citizens and residents with legal status in Portugal typically pay the standard regulated fee. Check the specific university’s website for current fee schedules.

Can I study in English at a Portuguese university?

Yes. Many Portuguese universities offer programmes taught entirely in English, particularly at the master’s and doctoral level. English-taught bachelor’s degrees are less common but increasing, especially in business, engineering, and computer science. Check individual university programme listings for language of instruction.

Do I need a student visa to study in Portugal?

EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to study in Portugal. Non-EU citizens studying for more than 90 days need a student visa (visto de estudo, Type D), which must be obtained at the Portuguese consulate in their home country before arrival. After arriving, students must apply for a residence permit at AIMA.

What is the difference between a university and a polytechnic in Portugal?

Universities (universidades) offer academic and research-focused programmes at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level. Polytechnics (politécnicos) focus on practical, professionally oriented education and offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees but generally not doctoral programmes. Both are part of the public higher education system and their degrees have equal legal standing.

How do I apply to a Portuguese university as an international student?

International students (non-EU) typically apply directly to the university through their international admissions office or online portal. EU citizens and legal residents apply through the national access system managed by DGES (Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior). Application periods and requirements vary by institution — check each university’s admissions page for deadlines and procedures.