Top 10 Universities in Portugal

  1. University of Lisbon
  2. University of Porto
  3. NOVA University Lisbon
  4. University of Coimbra (1290)
  5. University of Aveiro
  6. Católica Lisbon School of Business
  7. ISCTE Business School
  8. University of Minho
  9. University of Évora
  10. Polytechnic of Leiria

Top 10 University Colleges

  1. University of Lisbon
  2. University of Porto
  3. NOVA University Lisbon
  4. University of Coimbra
  5. University of Minho
  6. University of Aveiro
  7. University of Algarve
  8. University of Beira Interior
  9. Catholic University of Portugal
  10. Lusófona University

Bachelor’s Programs (BS)

  1. BSc in Computer Science
  2. BSc in Artificial Intelligence
  3. BSc in Psychology
  4. BSc in International Business
  5. BSc in Industrial Engineering
  6. BSc in Biotechnology
  7. BSc in Economics
  8. BSc in Environmental Science
  9. BSc in Data Engineering
  10. BSc in Biomedical Engineering

Master’s Programs (MS)

  1. MSc in Artificial Intelligence
  2. MSc in Data Science & Engineering
  3. MSc in Neuroscience
  4. MSc in Finance
  5. MSc in Aerospace Engineering
  6. MSc in Business Analytics
  7. MSc in Biomedical Engineering
  8. MSc in Economics
  9. MSc in Environmental Engineering
  10. MSc in Robotics

Where Atlantic beauty meets affordable excellence—Portugal offers world-class education, golden visa opportunities, and Europe’s sunniest lifestyle at half the cost.

Portugal: Where Old World Charm Meets New World Opportunities

Discover Europe’s sunniest country—a land of fiestas, innovation, and work-life balance. Study at historic universities with English-taught programs, launch your career in booming tech and tourism sectors, or enjoy the famous Spanish lifestyle with 300+ sunny days a year. From Barcelona’s startup scene to Andalucía’s affordable living, Spain combines opportunity with the art of living well.

Why Portugal?

Lisbon & Porto – The Coastal Hubs

  • University of Lisbon (Top 1% globally)
  • University of Porto (Leading research)
  • Farfetch, Feedzai, and OutSystems HQs
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Study in Portugal

Business Advantages

Residency Pathway

🎓Key Benefits of Studying in Portugal

✓ Low tuition for EU students – Public universities charge €950-€3,500/year (non-EU: ~€2,500-€7,000/year – far cheaper than US/UK)
✓ Scholarships abound – Erasmus+Camões Institute grants (for Portuguese language programs), and university-specific aid like ULisboa Merit Awards
✓ English-friendly degrees – 300+ English-taught programs (e.g., NOVA SBE BusinessUniversity of Porto EngineeringUniversity of Algarve Marine Science) + 35% Portuguese speak English
✓ Paid internships – Tech giants (Farfetch, Bosch Portugal), startups (Unbabel), and NGOs (Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation) hire international students
✓ 1-year post-study visa – Renewable for 2+ years if employed (fast-track to residency after 5 years)
✓ Student paradise – Lisbon (#3 safest capital in EU), Porto’s riverside charm, Algarve beaches (Europe’s best)
✓ Future-focused fields – Lead in Renewable Energy (IST Lisbon), Data Science (University of Minho), or Blue Economy (University of Aveiro)
✓ Schengen access – Easy trips to Spain, France, or Morocco (Ryanair hubs in Lisbon/Porto)

BS/MS Admissions in Portugal

When can I start my studies in Portugal?

✓ July deadlines for September start
✓ Some programs have February intake

 

✓ Bachelor’s: High school + IELTS 5.5-6.0
✓ Competitive programs require entrance exams

Not always! Exemptions if you:
✓ Studied in English (submit MOI letter)
✓ Are from an English-speaking country

🇵🇹 Portugal Tuition (2025)
✓ EU/EEA: Public unis €697–1,250/year | Private €3K–12K – no “on-time” rule like NL!
✓ Non-EU: Public €1.5K–7K | Private €4K–15K + health insurance (€20–60/month).
✓ Pro Tip: Learn Portuguese for lower fees at public unis – *1-year prep courses available!*

🇵🇹 Portugal Scholarships (2025)
✓ Top Awards: Santander merit grants | Camões Institute (€1.25K/month) | Uni-specific aid (Porto/Lisbon).
✓ EU Perks: Erasmus+ + family allowances (under 26) – includes rent aid via Social Security!
✓ Pro Tip: Apply by March 31 for major awards – some require Portuguese fluency (B1)!

🌍 Non-EU Students: Mandatory private insurance (€30K+ coverage, €30-70/month) – Swisscare/Asisa options
🇪🇺 EU Students: EHIC valid (public healthcare) + private insurance recommended | All students: Consider travel coverage

Note: EHIC excludes dental/repatriation – compare plans for full protection.

🇵🇹 Portugal Student Life (2025)
✓ Housing Alert: Secure rooms 4+ months early via Uniplaces – Lisbon dorms €300+, Porto €250+.
✓ Portuguese Basics: Free university courses (A1-B1) – unlocks jobs, rent deals & local connections.
✓ Adventure Pass: €30 CP Rail Youth Card = 25% off trains to Gerês/Arrábida!

🇵🇹 Portugal Student Budget (2025)
✓ Essentials: Rent €300–600 (shared) | Food €100–200 | Transport €30–60 (student discounts available).
✓ Extras: Utilities €80–150 + Leisure €50–150 – Lisbon 30% pricier than Coimbra!
✓ Savings Hack: Shop at mercados municipais + use student card for culture/transit discounts!

🇵🇹 Portugal Student Work Rules (2025)
✓ EU/EEA: Unlimited work | Non-EU: 20h/week (full-time in holidays) – no permit needed!
✓ Top Jobs: Tourism (Algarve summer), tech (Lisbon), freelancing (Digital Nomad Visa eligible).
✓ Post-Grad: 1-year job-search visa → renewable if employed or seeking work.

🇵🇹 Portugal Student Visa (2025)
✓ Essentials: Admission letter, passport, proof of funds (€600+/month), health insurance (€30K), rental contract.
✓ Extras: Visa fee (€90–170), clean criminal record, medical check – *non-EU start 3+ months early!*
✓ Pro Tip: Use ePortugal portal to track applications – translations must be certified!