Study & Research in Portugal
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Higher Education Landscape?

Study with Distinction

Study with Distinction

Home to world-renowned institutions such as the Universities of Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra, Portugal offers an increasingly strong academic profile in international rankings including QS, Shanghai/ARWU, THE and CWUR.

 

As part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), Portuguese higher education combines academic quality, international recognition, and a student-friendly European experience, enriched by vibrant student traditions that make campus life truly memorable.

Quality & Standards

Quality & Standards

All higher education institutions and study programmes are subject to quality assurance and accreditation through A3ES, the national agency responsible for evaluating and accrediting higher education in Portugal. A3ES is internationally connected through leading quality networks such as ENQA, EQAR, CHEA, and ECA, reinforcing Portugal’s commitment to recognised academic standards.

Types of Institutions

Types of Institutions

The higher education system is divided into universities and polytechnics, which can be either public or private. Universities are generally more academically focused and research-oriented, while polytechnics emphasise applied knowledge, professional training, and close links to industry. Both award nationally accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees that are internationally recognised, making it easier for graduates to pursue further studies and career opportunities in Europe and many other countries.

 

Learn more about the Portuguese Higher Education System.

Multicultural Environment

Multicultural Environment

A thriving international student community brings diversity and multiculturalism to campuses across the country, with English-taught programs widely available. Portuguese universities actively support international integration through buddy programs, cultural exchange activities, and dedicated international student services.

Academic Degrees

The academic year is divided in two semesters, the first starting in September and ending in January/February, and the second from February to June/July.

Short cycle

Polytechnic Education

TeSP (Technical Professional Higher Course)

120 ECTS
2 years / 4 semesters

1st Cycle

Undergraduate Degrees

Polytechnic Education

Bachelor's Degree

180 - 240 ECTS
3-4 years / 6 - 8 semesters

University Education

Bachelor's Degree

180 - 240 ECTS
3-4 years / 6-8 semesters

Integrated Master's (1st and 2nd Cycles)

300 - 360 ECTS
5 -6 years / 10 - 12 semesters

For degrees that allow access to regulated professional activities such as Medicine, Architecture, Engineering, Psychology, etc.

2nd Cycle

Graduate Degrees

Polytechnic Education

Master's Degree

90 - 120 ECTS
1.5 - 2 years / 3 - 4 semesters
In some exceptional cases:
60 ECTS / 2 semesters

University Education

Master's Degree

90 - 120 ECTS
1.5 - 2 years / 3 - 4 semesters
In some exceptional cases:
60 ECTS / 2 semesters

3rd Cycle

Doctoral Degrees

Polytechnic Education

PhD (Doctoral Degree)

Usually 180 - 240 ECTS
3 -4 years / 6 - 8 semesters
Although not defined, often 180 - 240 ECTS / 3 - 4 years

University Education

PhD (Doctoral Degree)

Usually 180 - 240 ECTS
3 -4 years / 6 - 8 semesters
Although not defined, often 180 - 240 ECTS / 3 - 4 years

All degrees are aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the National Qualifications Framework (QNF), ensuring global recognition and mobility. For regulated professions like Medicine, Architecture, and Engineering, Portugal offers Integrated Master's, combining bachelor's and master's levels in a single 5-6 year program.

*The academic year is divided in two semesters, the first starting in September and ending in January/February, and the second starting between February and June/July.

Discover Study & Research Opportunities in Portugal

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Interested in a short-term stay?

If you intend to come to Portugal for a short-term study or traineeship mobility, you may apply through the Erasmus+ Programme.

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Explore Erasmus+

Financing & Community Support

Portugal offers comprehensive financial support for international students through multiple funding channels.

Tuition Fees

Tuition Fees

Fees vary depending on the type of institution and the cycle of studies:

 

In Public Higher Education:

  • TESP, Bachelor’s and Integrated Masters: Tuition fees are established by law, with an annual cap of €710 for public institutions.
  • Masters (2nd cycle) and Doctorates (3rd cycle): Fees are established independently by each higher education institution.
  • International Students: Specific tuition fees are established by each institution based on their specific regulations.

 

In Private Higher Education:

  • In private Higher Education: Institutions establish their own tuition fees and any additional charges to be paid by the students.
How to Fund Your Studies

How to Fund Your Studies

There are different ways to fund your studies. Besides the possibility of finding a part-time job or scholarships, you can consider institutional support programmes and student loans:

Other Funding Sources & Foundations

Other Funding Sources & Foundations

Explore private and public entities that offer dedicated scholarship programs for international students.

 

International & Cultural Grants: Camões Scholarship (Language & Culture), Fullbright US Scholarships (For US students), CAPES (For Brazilian students), DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).
Major Portuguese Foundations: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, FLAD (Luso-American Development Foundation), Fundação Oriente, Fundação Cidade de Lisboa, Millennium BCP Foundation, Santander Universidades.

You can search for scholarships on search engines like European Funding Guide or Scholarship Portal.

Part-time Jobs

Part-time Jobs

Many students complement their budget with part-time work. You can search for opportunities in Portugal through these specialized portals:

How to Apply

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Higher professional technical courses (2 years).

Find your Course

Explore the Technical Higher Professional Courses (TeSP), offered mainly by Polytechnics.

Check Admission Rules

Confirm if your secondary education diploma (or vocational/professional course) gives access to a TeSP and whether there are specific prerequisites (e.g. physical or vocational skills).

Prepare Documentation

Have your ID, secondary school certificate, grades and any required exams ready; if issued abroad, they may need legalization, translation and recognition.

Submit Application

Applications are typically made through each institution’s portal, following their own deadlines and, when applicable, special contests for vocational graduates or international students.

To ensure a successful application, gather the following:

  • Identification: Valid ID Card or Passport.
  • Academic Records: Secondary or Higher Education diplomas (legalized and translated).
  • Exams: Results of required entrance exams or equivalent qualifications.
  • Language Skills: Proof of proficiency (Portuguese or English) as required by the course.
  • Health: Health insurance or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
  • Logistics: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Motivation Letter, and a photograph.
  • Specifics: Portfolio (for arts) or Research Draft (for PhDs).
  • Semester 1: Starts Sept/Oct – Ends Jan/Feb.
  • Semester 2: Starts Feb – Ends June/July.
  • Main Application Window: Usually between July and August for the National Call, but International Student calls often start as early as January.
  • Holidays:
    • Christmas: Dec 25th + Winter break.
    • Carnival: Feb/March.
    • Easter: March/April.
    • Summer: July and August.

Including Integrated Masters.

Confirm your Status

EU students usually apply through the National Contest (public) or institutional contests (private) and may use special contests (over 23, CET/TeSP, vocational graduates, etc.). International students apply under the “International Student” regime, if they are non‑EU citizens and have not been residing legally in Portugal for more than 2 years.

Entrance Exams

Check which entrance exams count for your course: national final exams, recognized foreign exams (IB, SAT, Gaokao, etc.), or specific tests set by the institution.

Legalize Documents

Gather your secondary-education certificate and transcripts; they may require a Hague Apostille or consular legalization, as well as translation into Portuguese or English.

Submit Application

EU students follow the National Contest calendar (3 phases between July and October) for public institutions or apply directly to private ones. International students apply directly to the university’s “International Student” call, often open between January and May.

To ensure a successful application, gather the following:

  • Identification: Valid ID Card or Passport.
  • Academic Records: Secondary or Higher Education diplomas (legalized and translated).
  • Exams: Results of required entrance exams or equivalent qualifications.
  • Language Skills: Proof of proficiency (Portuguese or English) as required by the course.
  • Health: Health insurance or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
  • Logistics: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Motivation Letter, and a photograph.
  • Specifics: Portfolio (for arts) or Research Draft (for PhDs).
  • Semester 1: Starts Sept/Oct – Ends Jan/Feb.
  • Semester 2: Starts Feb – Ends June/July.
  • Main Application Window: Usually between July and August for the National Call, but International Student calls often start as early as January.
  • Holidays:
    • Christmas: Dec 25th + Winter break.
    • Carnival: Feb/March.
    • Easter: March/April.
    • Summer: July and August.

Advanced academic degrees.

Choose your Program

Institutions have full autonomy over these cycles. Explore the faculty, curriculum, and research lines that best match your academic goals.

Check your Eligibility

Make sure your previous degree, whether Bachelor’s or Master’s, is recognized for access. Some fields may also require formal recognition of your degree level or final grade.

Prepare your Application

Gather your CV, motivation letter, and letters of recommendation. For PhD applicants, a short outline of your doctoral research project is usually required.

Complete your Enrolment

Once admitted, follow the institution’s enrolment procedures. If you are an international student (non-EU), you may also need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit, depending on your situation.

To ensure a successful application, gather the following:

  • Identification: Valid ID Card or Passport.
  • Academic Records: Secondary or Higher Education diplomas (legalized and translated).
  • Exams: Results of required entrance exams or equivalent qualifications.
  • Language Skills: Proof of proficiency (Portuguese or English) as required by the course.
  • Health: Health insurance or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
  • Logistics: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Motivation Letter, and a photograph.
  • Specifics: Portfolio (for arts) or Research Draft (for PhDs).
  • Semester 1: Starts Sept/Oct – Ends Jan/Feb.
  • Semester 2: Starts Feb – Ends June/July.
  • Main Application Window: Usually between July and August for the National Call, but International Student calls often start as early as January.
  • Holidays:
    • Christmas: Dec 25th + Winter break.
    • Carnival: Feb/March.
    • Easter: March/April.
    • Summer: July and August.

Real Experiences

Akiko Kikuchi

PhD student

UCP

Margarida Santos

PhD student/ researcher

IPPortalegre

Sebastian Sion

Master’s degree

UAlgarve

Yuko Kasę

PhD student/ teacher

UCP

Rafael Pinheiro

Researcher

IPLeiria