Universities in Portugal: The Ultimate Guide for Expats

Choosing a good university in any country is a huge decision. Navigating through all the available options and deciding which university you will join requires a lot of time, effort, and thoughtful planning.

For expats considering Portugal for higher education, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the universities in Portugal, global ranking, tuition fees, and how to choose which university is the best option for you to study in Portugal.

How the Higher Education System Works in Portugal

Portugal’s further education system is divided into two systems: University education and non-university higher education (polytechnic education). The only significant difference between the two systems is that universities focus more on academic research, while non-university education is more about preparing the student for a specific career path. You may find some common subjects between the two types of tertiary education, like engineering and management, but the way of teaching may be slightly different.

Students who graduate from a Portuguese polytechnic institute will graduate with a “license” to practice a specific profession. In contrast, those who graduate from a Portuguese university get a bachelor’s degree and can continue studying and upgrading their certificate with a master’s degree or doctorate, should they so desire. The higher education degrees are as follows:

1. A bachelor’s degree or licentiate’s degree (Licenciatura): 

Both university and polytechnic institutions grant the degree of licenciado (bachelor), which takes between three to four years to complete. In some cases, studying law or medicine can take five to six years.

2. A master’s degree (Mestrado):

A master’s degree is a higher-level degree for university students who choose to continue studying. It typically takes one to two years. Specialties like Medicine and Law take five to six years.

3. Doctorate or doctoral degree (Doutoramento): 

This is the ultimate tertiary education step, and at this level, students for doctoral degrees or Ph.D. degrees are allowed to take as much time as they need to prepare for their projects and exams. The country pays for some scholarships for future doctoral students of at least €1,000 per year.

The Cost of Higher Education in Portugal

As mentioned above, universities in Portugal are very competitive, but the cost of Portuguese higher education is much cheaper than in other countries in Europe, whether you’re looking at public universities or private universities. Applying to any Portuguese university and getting accepted depends on many factors. The most important ones are your exam results and the available places in your chosen university.

If you are a European Union (EU) citizen, the good news is that you can enjoy being a part of free higher education in Portugal and will only need to pay the minimum annual administrative fees of around €700. To enjoy this great benefit, one of the following conditions has to apply to your case:

• You’re an EU citizen.
• You’re an applicant whose spouse or parents are EU citizens. 
• You’re a foreigner who has legally been living in Portugal for more than two years.

It is a little different for non-EU citizens because higher education is not completely free, as it is for EU citizens. However, it is still one of the most affordable routes to receive an education in the EU.

For foreign international students, enrolling in universities in Portugal may cost you tuition fees between €3,000 to €12,000 per year. The most expensive courses in Portuguese universities are those taught in English, but even so, they are still affordable for global students compared to many other countries. Take the UK, for example, where higher education varies from €17,000 to €36,000 per year.

Considering one of the universities in Portugal is a great option not only because of the affordable prices but also because of the country’s affordable cost of living. According to the Cost-of-Living Index by country in 2024, your expenses as a student in Portugal will be lower than in Germany and the UK, for example.

A bed in a dormitory room is all you will need as a student in Portugal, and this won’t cost you a lot per month. If you prefer to live on your own in a rental studio, the budget can increase to between €500 and €1,300 per month. Remember, the cost of rent will change according to where you settle. For example, big cities like Lisbon and Porto can have higher rental costs than other cities in Portugal. Regarding other living costs, don’t worry; you will receive some discounts as a student on public transportation, cinemas, and theaters.

Interested in studying in Portugal? Great, let’s move to the next step and tell you how to start preparing yourself for admission to a Portuguese university.

The Enrollment Process at a Portuguese University

Knowing how the process goes is part of being well-prepared for the university you’re planning to enroll in. Before each academic year, universities in Portugal publish the number of available vacancies, terms and conditions for applicants, and different rules for EU and non-EU students. You should follow the universities in Portugal you’re targeting and keep checking their websites and newsletters to be aware of all the latest news.

After this information has been published, students will have specific deadlines to complete their paperwork and apply. Don’t worry about this part, as the universities make sure to leave enough time between the admission process and the starting date of the academic year so students can submit all the required documents.

In general, the academic year in Portugal, like most countries, is divided into two semesters: the winter semester, which lasts from September or October until the end of February, and the spring semester, which lasts from March until the end of July.

Foreign applicants will need to prove their knowledge of the Portuguese language at level B2. Universities can accept students with level B1 language certificates only if they are willing to undertake classes to raise their level to the B2 level. This is applicable in cases where the course is taught in Portuguese, and the same requirements are also applicable to the English language if the course is taught in English.

Documents Required for Admission

Applicants who want to apply for the new academic year at any Portuguese university must fill out an electronic form on the selected faculty’s online portal. Take into consideration that universities take commissions for your online application, and this commission can differ from one university to another. For example, the University of Lisbon takes a commission of €60, while the University of Aveiro’s commission is €50. 

Moving to the paperwork part, you may find slight differences between the Portuguese requirements for admission documents, but the main ones will be as follows: 

1. University application form 
2. Scanned passport copy
3. Scanned secondary education certificate or bachelor’s diploma 
4. Scanned certificates in the Portuguese and English languages

You can always check the website of the Council of Europe and UNESCO on education and the recognition of international qualifications. 

As an applicant, the university you’re applying to may ask you to send a motivation letter explaining why you want to study there specifically and why you are motivated to take the course. Sometimes, you may have a Skype interview with the university council.

*Note: Applied documents from foreign educational institutions must be apostilled, translated into Portuguese, and certified by the consulate.

Top Five Universities in Portugal

Universities in Portugal enjoy a globally well-known reputation thanks to the high-quality education they offer at very reasonable costs, which encourages expats from all over the world to come to Portugal and apply to them.  

In the following section, we’ll dive into more specific details on some of the most famous universities in Portugal. All you need to do is read carefully and decide which is the perfect choice for your future. 

1. The University of Porto: (Universidade do Porto)

Not only one of the best universities in Portugal but also one of the best European universities, with a world ranking of 274, according to the QS World University Rankings in 2023. The University of Porto was founded in 1911, and it has a large community of over 31,000 students, including around 3,280 international students. It was created based on a polytechnic institute and specializes in applied sciences: Engineering, Construction, Architecture, Astrophysics, Genetics, Immunology, Cell Biology, and Marine Ecology.

The University of Porto has three campuses in different districts. It offers more than 600 programs annually to students at 15 faculties and has 50 research units, dormitories, sports facilities, libraries, cafes, and shops.

The main focus of the University of Porto is the rapid advancement of the student’s level and their ability to join the labor market. The University of Porto has a strong curriculum that follows the job market’s needs. There are practical classes that involve constant interaction with professionals from various fields.

The University of Porto:

• Annual tuition fees: €3,500 – 8,000
• QS World University Rankings: 295
• Ranking by employability: 201-250
• Academic ranking of world universities: 301
• Languages of study: Portuguese, English

Prestigious degrees

The University of Porto offers prestigious degrees in various fields to widen the circle of options for national and foreign students. If you’re considering the University of Porto, you can choose from the following: 

• Architecture
• Industrial Design
• Graphic Design
• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmaceuticals
• Exact sciences
• Information System and Engineering
• Jurisprudence
• Economics and Business
• Psychology
• Nutrition
• Human Kinetics
• Pedagogy
• Geography
• Agronomy

2. The University of Lisbon: (Universidade de Lisboa – ULisboa)

Here, you’re choosing the largest and most prestigious university in Portugal and one of Europe’s leading universities. The University of Lisbon ranked joint 356th in the World Top Universities Ranking. It was formed by the merger of the former Technical University of Lisbon (UTL) and the University of Lisbon (UL) in 2013, with the main University in Lisbon initially founded in 1911.

It’s worth mentioning that the University of Lisbon consists of 18 faculties, schools, and institutes, and it has 19 dormitories, sports grounds, libraries, cafes, and shops. It is ranked among the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for several subjects, including art and design, mining engineering, and geography. It has an extensive research center that conducts research in robotics, plasma physics, nanotechnology, telecommunication, and molecular medicine. More than 8,000 foreign students choose this university each year.

The University of Lisbon:

• Annual tuition fees: €3,000 – 12,500
• QS World University Rankings: 356
• Ranking by employability: 181-190
• Academic ranking of world universities: 201
• Languages of study: Portuguese, English

Prestigious degrees

• Architecture and Design
• Art
• Jurisprudence
• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmaceuticals 
• Veterinary medicine 
• Exact sciences 
• Information Systems and Engineering 
• Political science 
• Psychology 
• Human kinetics 
• Social Sciences
• Pedagogy
• Geography
• Agronomy

3. The New University of Lisbon: (Universidade Nova de Lisboa)

From its name, you can tell that it’s one of the newest universities in Portugal, and it’s the third highest-ranked among Portuguese universities. The New University of Lisbon was founded in 1973 and is informally known as NOVA. This university located in Campolide, Lisbon, has a student population of over 19,500 students per year and is located near the popular Carcavelos beach.

The university ranks 361st in the world and offers the Lisbon MBA in partnership with the Catholic University in Lisbon (Universidade Catolica Portuguesa).

The New University of Lisbon:

• Annual tuition fees: €3,000 – 7,000
• QS World University Rankings: 431
• Ranking by employability: 201-250
• Academic ranking of world universities: 601
• Languages of study: Portuguese, English

Prestigious degrees

• Cellular and Molecular Biology 
• Biomedical Engineering 
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Chemical and Biological Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Exact Sciences
• Politics
• Jurisprudence
• Economics and Business
• Psychology
• Communication Science 
• Foreign Languages 
• Anthropology
• Geography
• Archeology

4. The University of Coimbra: (Universidade de Coimbra)

This is Portugal’s oldest university, where you will enjoy vintage design and high-quality education. The University of Coimbra was established way back in 1290. This university ranks 438th in QS World University Rankings 2023 and is located in the city of Coimbra (the former national capital). The student community at the University of Coimbra is almost 24,800 students. It consists of eight faculties, covering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects and arts and humanities. 

Many of the university’s buildings have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. There is a botanical garden near the university. 

The New University of Coimbra:

• Annual tuition fees: €7,000
• QS World University Rankings: 438
• Ranking by employability: 251-300
• Academic ranking of world universities: 501
• Languages of study: Portuguese, English

Prestigious degrees

• Bioanalytic 
• Biomedical Engineering 
• Physics Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Biochemistry 
• Environmental Engineering
• Exact Sciences
• Design and Multimedia 
• Jurisprudence
• Economics and Business 
• Psychology
• Journalism
• Foreign Languages
• Arts
• Geography 
• Archeology

5. The University of Aveiro: (Universidade de Aveiro)

The unique thing about the University of Aveiro is the fact that it has a global aim to make significant changes in the future for society and people. Students at the University of Aveiro learn and apply knowledge through environmental research. Unlike other Portuguese universities, the University of Aveiro includes the oceans in its research areas. 

The Department of Scientific Oceanology teaches students how to preserve and manage our planet’s global resources. Students also learn about the ocean’s impact on climate, the regulation of rain and drinking water, and the different ways of obtaining food. The university has a library, sports grounds, dormitories, student cafes, and shops. You can find out more about Aveiro, Portugal, here.

The New University of Aveiro:

• Annual tuition fees: €4,000 – 5,500
• QS World University Rankings: 581
• Ranking by employability: 251-300
• Academic ranking of world universities: 601
• Languages of study: Portuguese, English

Prestigious degrees

• Meteorology, Oceanology, and Geography 
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomedical Science 
• Electric and Computer Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Engineering
• Exact Sciences
• Marine Science
• Accounting
• Economics and Business
• Psychology
• Journalism
• Foreign Languages
• Publishing
• Industrial Design
• Speech Therapy

The Best Universities in Lisbon and Porto

You should know that if you’re considering a university in Porto or Lisbon, you’re targeting one of the largest two cities in Portugal. Almost half of the country’s population is located in these two cities, giving you an excellent opportunity to enjoy city life and experience life in a buzzing city while studying.

To be honest, almost all Portuguese universities generally offer a good education. However, Lisbon and Porto’s universities are the most famous ones. Lisbon comes first since it’s the country’s capital, with its beautiful coast on the Atlantic Ocean, and most of the national financial, trade, entertainment, and education institutions are located there.

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and the center of the country’s main industrial offices, where international corporations are located. The city also has a vibrant historical heritage.

Here is a summarized table with the best universities in Lisbon and Porto with the average of their tuition fees.

• University of Lisbon (ULisboa): €3,000 – 12,500
• New University of Lisbon: €3,000 – 7,000
• University of Porto: €3,500 – 8,000
• Catholic University (UCP): €5,385
• University Institution of Lisbon (Iscte): €3,000 – 7,000

Top Universities in Madeira

With a lovely, unique location on the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest of Portugal, Madeira is an amazing tourist destination. The autonomous island is full of botanical gardens, beautiful beaches, and numerous schools for water sports, including windsurfing and diving.

The University of Madeira is one of the top 20 universities in Portugal. This public university was founded in 1988 in Funchal. It is now under the CMU/Portugal agreement in Computer Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, and Entertainment Technology.

Students can choose to study at one of its scientific, engineering, medical, and humanitarian faculties. The courses taught there are in Portuguese, and the annual tuition fee is about €1000.

Top Universities in the Algarve

It’s doubtful that you would not consider studying and living in a great area like the Algarve if you have Portugal on your radar. If you’re running from fast-paced city life and the noise of bustling cities, then go directly to the Algarve. You will find a great mix of quality of life and peace of mind there.

The Algarve has long been a favorite destination for tourists to enjoy their holidays next to the crystal-clear ocean. Since it’s a trendy tourist destination, the Algarve has its airport in Faro, and it provides quick access to many places, including Spain. Many people flock to the Algarve for its beauty and safety, as well as the high quality of the healthcare and education facilities. The University of Algarve welcomes almost 10,000 students each year and is a member of the Association of European Universities. Students can study one of its various specialties, and the annual tuition fee is between €2.000- 4,000.

Selecting the Right University

By considering Portugal as your destination to study in and spend the next part of your life, you are adding a significant chapter of experience to your journey. Portugal is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and it offers a very high-quality education at some of the best universities for people considering studying abroad.

Portuguese universities are affordable, even for international students, and highly focused on research and practical studies. Whether you’re looking to complete a master’s degree or honorary doctorate, there are many universities in Portugal for you to choose from – both public universities and private universities – meaning you’re sure to find the perfect fit for you.

As an expat, studying in one of the best universities in Portugal will enhance your experience by enabling you to meet and interact with other expats from all over the world. Plus, you’ll receive a high-quality education that will perfectly prepare you for life after graduation. Keep in mind, as a student, that the cost of living in Portugal is very affordable, and you will be able to have a good quality of life with lower costs than in many other countries in Europe.

The Mediterranean climate in Portugal is another selling point; hot summers and beautiful beaches are all you need to relax after stressful exams. If you like exploring nature, Portugal’s natural beauty and unique sites are waiting to be explored.

There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with many other places that are worth visiting. You should also know Portugal is a tiny country, so it is easy to get around and explore. Despite its relatively small size, Portugal has it all — beautiful beaches, snowcapped mountains, picturesque forests — and is somewhat of a dream for avid explorers. Its small size is an advantage, as it allows you to get around quickly.

If you are an expat looking to move to Portugal with family, you can potentially secure Portuguese permanent residency and even citizenship after five years. This can be done through the Portugal Golden Visa (residency by investment) or the D7 Visa (for those who don’t want to make a significant financial investment in the country). You can also apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa and a Portugal Student Visa.

Goldcrest: Who We Are

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Equipped with local knowledge, exclusive networks, and international experience, we provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property to property acquisition and beyond, we have you covered throughout the process.   

Why choose Goldcrest?  

• Local knowledge: With offices located throughout Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally.  
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.  
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is entirely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.  
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide complete market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.  

Network of partners: Lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.