How to Study in Portugal: Complete Guide

How does the education system work in Portugal?

The higher education system in Portugal is structured into three cycles: bachelor’s (undergraduate), master’s, and doctoral. Additionally, there is the concept of an integrated master’s, where the final years of the bachelor’s degree are converted into a master’s.

The academic year usually begins in September and ends in June. The grading system varies depending on the educational institution and the type of assessment. Generally, grades are assigned on a scale from 0 to 20, with 10 being the minimum passing grade.

There are both public and private higher education institutions. In public institutions, tuition fees are generally lower compared to private ones.

How to get into college in Portugal (bachelor’s and integrated master’s)

To enter a college in Portugal for a bachelor’s degree, the process varies depending on whether you have European citizenship or not. It’s important to note that in Portugal, there is the option to pursue a program known as an integrated master’s, where the final years of the bachelor’s degree align with the requirements of a master’s. This is an excellent opportunity to obtain both a bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously upon completing college.

For those with European/Portuguese citizenship:

• Take the National Admission Contest, an annual exam used to rank university applicants.
• Your foreign high school grades are also considered. You’ll need to get an equivalence of grades from a high school in Portugal.
• Then, apply to the desired university and compete normally with Portuguese students.

If you have another European citizenship other than Portuguese (such as Italian, Spanish, etc.), you can apply normally without having to take the National Admission Contest and will pay the same fees as a national student.

For those without European citizenship:

• Complete the Year Zero, a preparatory program offered by some universities, such as the Universidade Nova de Lisboa.
• Some universities have specific exams. Check if the institution you want to apply to has this system.
• By legally residing in Portugal for 2 years, you can obtain the Equality Status before registering for the National Contest and competing with Portuguese students.

It’s important to check the university’s website to verify the admission requirements, as these may vary from institution to institution.

How to get into college in Portugal (postgraduate)

1. Course and institution selection
2. Check the specific admission requirements for the desired course. This may include a previous degree in the relevant area, professional experience, a motivation letter, resume, among others.
3. Submit your application online through the institution’s portal or the Portuguese government’s application system. Make sure to meet all deadlines and requirements.
4. After submitting the application, you will be evaluated based on your documents and academic/professional merits. You may also be called for an interview, usually conducted via video call.
5. If approved, you will receive an acceptance letter from the institution. At this point, you can proceed with enrollment and other administrative procedures.
6. Apply for your visa and residence permit to study in Portugal.
   Complete the registration at the institution, pay the enrollment fees, and other expenses.

How much does it cost to study in Portugal?

Between 1,500 and 12,500 euros per academic year.

The cost of studying in Portugal will especially depend on the chosen educational institution. The University of Porto, for example, is usually cheaper than most Portuguese institutions.

This is because the educational institution offers discounts for CPLP – Community of Portuguese Language Countries students, which makes tuition fees up to 45% cheaper compared to the value for international students.

To give you an idea of the costs, below are some of the most sought-after courses to study in Portugal. The values indicated are applied to Brazilian students, already with the respective discounts.

Fees 2024:

Do you need a visa to study in Portugal?

Yes. If you do not have European citizenship and intend to stay in the country for more than 90 days, a student visa is essential. The application should be made as soon as you receive acceptance from the Portuguese institution, so gather the necessary documents as early as possible. If you need help obtaining your study visa in Portugal, Atlantic Bridge can assist you. Speak with our consultants.

What visa do you need to study in Portugal?

It depends on the duration of your course and your origin.

Temporary Stay Visa

For courses lasting more than three months and less than a year. Suitable for: Study programs; Exchange programs in Portugal; Unpaid professional internships; Volunteering; Courses at an educational institution or vocational training.

Long Stay Visa

For courses lasting more than a year. It can be Visa D4 or D5, in the case of students already in Europe. This includes: Research programs; Secondary school student exchange; Internships; Volunteering.

How much does a student visa for Portugal cost?

The visa prices are updated monthly on the VFS websites for each region (due to exchange rate variations). The residence visa fee is €90, but additional fees such as VFS service fees and administrative fees, such as postage fees, are added.

How long does it take to get a study visa for Portugal?

The average processing time for a Temporary Stay Visa to study in Portugal is usually 60 days, and for long-term visas, 90 days.

How to study for free in Portugal?

It is possible to study for free in Portugal through scholarships from Brazil, Portugal, or Europe. It is important to always be aware of updates on scholarships, as new opportunities constantly arise. Some notable scholarships include:

• Exchange scholarships offered by Brazil, such as the Santander Universidades scholarship, which covers travel and housing expenses for 6 months. The application requires a partnership between the Brazilian university and the bank.
• Scholarships provided by Portuguese institutions, such as at the University of Coimbra, where international students with a score above 160 on the Portuguese scale can apply.
  If you are enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Integrated Master’s programs at the University of Porto (U.Porto), you can apply for scholarships awarded by the University’s Social Action Services (SASUP).
• There are specific scholarships for areas of study, such as the Jorge Álvares Foundation Scholarships (for studies on Portugal, Mainland China, and the Macau Special Administrative Region), Fulbright Portugal Scholarships (for students from the United States of America), and the Schwarzman Scholars Program Scholarships (fully funded master’s at Tsinghua University in Beijing).
• European scholarships, such as those offered by the Erasmus program, which provide mobility periods for foreign students, including those already studying in Portugal. For more information, consult the website of the desired institution.