Degrees in Portugal

Portugal may be a relatively small country, but it certainly packs a punch for degree choices. Whether you fancy a buzzing city, or a laid back medieval town, there will be a home in Portugal to suit you. And, as the country is compact, you can explore further afield during weekends or holidays when you attend universities in Portugal.

Lisbon. The capital of Portugal is full of world class museums, enchanting districts, and great business opportunities. Start a degree in Lisbon in one of the world-ranking universities based in the city. Lisbon may be one of the more expensive cities in Portugal, but it is still cheaper than the rest of Western Europe. It is not often a student can live right in the business, political, and cultural heart of a country. 

Porto. If you want the vibrancy of Lisbon at a fraction of the cost, then choose Porto as your home to study masters in Portugal. Here you’ll find beautiful streets to wander, a beach to treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon, and international companies searching for employees. Many people choose not to leave this bewitching city after getting their degree!

Portugal’s undergraduate and postgraduate (masters and doctorate degrees) are highly respected worldwide. Some degrees are taught in Portuguese, while some are taught in English. If you are looking for a respected masters and a great price, study masters in Portugal.   

Business. The Portuguese language is a gateway to Northern Africa and South America meaning there are plenty of business opportunities in Portugal. If you want to see first-hand the vibrant business deals taking place in Portugal, then take a business degree in Portugal. Not only will you understand the business environment, you will appreciate the culture, and you will be rolling your “R” like a native Portuguese.

Arts. Roman, Moorish, Spanish, and French culture has blended to form a unique architectural style in Portugal. Enjoy wandering Portuguese towns and admiring their beauty, or spend your days discovering the twists and turns of Portugal’s past and how this has influenced the country around you.

Music. When you wander through Portugal music will seep around every corner. Portugal has given us the Fado making getting a music degree in Portugal seem like fate. There are over 20 conservatories and music academies throughout Portugal, so you can choose one that specialised in your area of music expertise.

Portugal’s low living costs and low tuition fees are suddenly being discovered by the wider world. There are not many countries where a student could simultaneously afford to study at the top universities in the country, sample the local cuisine and alcoholic beverages, spend weekends exploring the beauty of the country, and live within walking distance to lectures (and not in a shoe box!). With the lowest living costs in Western Europe and great opportunities, studying at universities in Portugal will open doors for you in your future and save your bank balance from too much pain.

Most universities in Portugal have on-site accommodations, which have a variety of options to suit preferences and budgets. This is a great way to meet both local and international students. Other options include finding a room in a flat-share or renting a flat yourself privately. The budget needed will vary depending on where in Portugal you choose to study. To explore all your accommodation options, check out GoAbroad Accommodations Abroad.

If you are a student from the European Union (or from the EEA region and Switzerland), you will only need to apply for a certificate of registration within three month of arrival in Portugal, and you can stay for as long as your heart desires. For all other students, you will need a student visa, which can be obtained from your home embassy. This process can take up to three months, so don’t let your plane ticket go to waste by starting it too late. Some of the documents needed include evidence of health insurance, evidence of sufficient funds, and proof of no criminal convictions. Explore GoAbroad Travel Resources for more information.

Universidade and politénico. There are two types of universities in Portugal for international students: universidade (university) and politénico (polytechnic institutions). Both offer degrees; the difference is that universities are theoretical, while polytechnics are practical. Both offer some selection of courses, so before you sign up check to see the course you’re interested in will be taught.

Sightseeing. You get plenty of holidays while you study masters in Portugal, which can be used to explore further afield of your university town. With 15 UNESCO world heritage sites, landscapes of the D’Ouro region, and beaches down South, there is plenty to see in Portugal. Keep in mind that your student ID or ISIC card gives full-time students in Portugal great discounts. Celebrate life and go study a degree program in Portugal!