Study Abroad Programs in Lisbon, Portugal

Prepare to Study Abroad

Set Goals

Studying abroad in Lisbon means more than riding trams and sipping espresso by the river. Setting a few clear goals will help you go deeper into the culture, language, and city life.

• Level up your Portuguese. Even if you're just starting, practice daily. Ordering pastéis de nata or chatting with locals builds confidence fast.
• Dive into Lisbon’s layered history. From ancient Roman ruins to stories of colonial trade, there’s a lot more here than just pretty facades.
• Live like a Lisboeta. Skip the tourist routes once in a while. Shop at Mercado da Ribeira, ride the ferry to Cacilhas, or find a favorite pastelaria in your neighborhood.

Understand the benefits

Lisbon is a student-friendly capital with the perfect blend of affordability, vibrant academics, and creative energy.

• World-class academics with international focus. Study at top universities like Universidade de Lisboa or Nova SBE, both offering courses in English and strong global programs.
• Endless things to do. Think rooftop sunsets, nearby beaches, late-night fado, and weekend train rides to Porto or Lagos.
• A lower cost of living than other Western European cities. Whether it's rent or a café meal, Lisbon stretches your student budget further than places like Paris or Amsterdam.

Things to know

A few practical things can make your Lisbon experience even smoother.

• Classes - If you're transferring credits, sort that out before landing. Not every school lines up exactly.
• Housing - Some programs include it, others don’t. Many students live in shared apartments or student residencies around neighborhoods like Bairro Alto or Intendente.
• Language - It’s not required, but even knowing the essentials helps you navigate better and opens more doors locally.

Choose a Field

Lisbon is a solid choice for students in a range of majors. The city blends old-world heritage with a creative, forward-thinking energy that makes learning feel connected to real life.

History

Lisbon wears its history on its sleeve. You’ll walk past Moorish castles, colonial-era buildings, and resistance-era graffiti on your way to class. It’s a great place to study topics like empire, revolution, or European identity with the city itself as a case study.

Business

Lisbon’s startup scene is one of the fastest growing in Europe. If you're studying business, marketing, or entrepreneurship, you’ll find plenty of local events, international companies, and coworking spaces to tap into. It’s hands-on and current.

Language

Portuguese language programs here are immersive without being overwhelming. You’ll pick up vocabulary from daily life, like ordering coffee, riding the metro, or talking with neighbors. Many classes are designed for international students, whether you’re a beginner or already conversational.

Tips & Advice

Planning your study abroad trip to Cancún might feel overwhelming, but breaking it into steps makes everything easier, and way more exciting.

1. Get matched

If scrolling through endless programs feels overwhelming, try the GoAbroad Online Advisor. It’ll match you with options that fit your plans in just a few clicks.

2. Choose a program

Use MyGoAbroad to line up your top picks and get a clear look at what each one offers. It’s helpful for sorting out what matches best with your goals.

3. Decide when to go

Lisbon is great year-round, but the best timing depends on your academic calendar and weather preferences.

• Summer: Ideal for shorter, intensive programs. The city buzzes with festivals and sunshine.
• Fall: Warm weather lingers into October, and semester programs hit their stride.
• Winter: Milder than most of Europe and less touristy. A quieter, slower pace for full immersion.
• Spring: Parks bloom, the city comes alive again, and it’s a perfect time to land before summer crowds hit.

4. Funding & scholarships

Finances can be a hurdle, but GoAbroad offers a whole section of scholarships and deals you can apply for. It’s worth checking early in the process.

5. Apply

Once you’ve found a program, hit “Apply Now” or “Inquire Here.” A program coordinator will follow up with everything you need to know about next steps, requirements, and how to get started.

6. Get your essentials

Don’t forget to verify your passport dates and visa needs (many programs help with this). Settle your travel insurance, student housing, and it’s best to book your flight a few months in advance to save.