Portugal

Offering a mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful coastline and cities packed with historic interest and cultural experiences, Portugal – the westernmost country in mainland Europe – is surely among the continent’s most attractive destinations. Aside from the many historic sites and areas of natural beauty, the country is also known for its contemporary culture and nightlife.

If you’re a fan of rock and world music, in the main cities along the coast you’ll find a remarkable number of festivals and events to suit your tastes. But if this isn’t your thing, fear not, because the diverse student communities in Portugal’s major cities will ensure there’s always something to get involved in. So, whether you’re a food lover, hiker, music fanatic, sight-seer or history buff, choosing to study in Portugal is a great option.

 

Universities in Portugal

Five universities in Portugal feature in the World University Rankings® 2016/17, the highest entry being the University of Porto,which is placed at 323^rd in the world. With a long history of well-respected universities, Portugal’s higher education system was ranked the 35^th best in the world in the first edition of the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings.

As well as strong universities, Portugal is also home to a number of well-reputed polytechnics. The main difference between the two formats is that the universities have a greater focus on academic research, while the polytechnics are more focused on preparing students for a specific career path. Some subjects are only offered at either universities or polytechnics, but there’s also a lot of overlap. For example, both universities and polytechnics offer degrees in engineering, management and humanities subjects.

Since 2006, Portugal has adopted the Bologna Process throughout its universities and polytechnics, a European reform process which aims to establish a common structure for higher education across Europe. In accord with this structure, Portuguese universities offer three levels of degree. These are: bachelor level or licenciatura, which usually takes between three and four years to complete; master level or mestrado, which takes one or two years; and doctorate level or duotoramento, which typically takes three years.

Most courses – especially at bachelor’s level – are taught in Portuguese. At graduate level, it’s more common to find English-taught programs, but it’s still definitely an asset to be able to speak the national language; this is not a country where you can rely on everyone being able to speak English.

University of Porto

The University of Porto, ranked 323^rd in the QS World University Rankings® 2016/17, is a public university located in the city of Porto. Founded in 1911, it has a large community of over 30,000 students, including around 3,280 international students. With a recent expansion of research and development activity, the University of Porto has developed a strong output of research. Among the most recognized of the school’s research centers are the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology and the Research Institute of Computer Systems.

University of Lisbon

Making an impressive leap from 481-490 to joint 330^th in the world in 2016, the University of Lisbon is the largest university in Portugal, home to over 47,000 students in 18 faculties. 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 originally founded in 1911.

Universidade NOVA de Lisboa

The third highest-ranked among Portuguese universities is the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, which stands at joint 366^th in the world. Founded in 1973, the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, informally known as NOVA, has a student population of over 19,000. Located in Lisbon, the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa benefits from specialized faculties with a particular emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and FAME (finance, accounting, management and economics) subjects. The school also offers the Lisbon MBA, in partnership with Universidade Catolica Portuguesa.

University of Coimbra

The oldest of all universities in Portugal is the University of Coimbra, established way back in 1290. Although the university has slightly moved down in the rankings in recent years it still holds a good position in the QS World University Rankings, at 451-460. Located in the city of Coimbra (the former national capital), with a student community of approximately 21,800, the university has a large proportion of international students and teaches across eight faculties, covering STEM subjects as well as arts and humanities.

Other institutions in Portugal to consider include the Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Lisboa (701+ in the world), Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics and the Nova School of Business and Economics.

Student cities in Portugal

Find out about some of Portugal’s most popular student cities, and discover the top universities in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra.

Lisbon

Located on Portugal’s west coast, Lisbon (or Lisboa) is pretty much everything you could want from a European capital city: rich in culture, character and history, full of great food, wine, music and nightlife. Against an attractive backdrop of historic buildings, winding streets and vintage trams, Lisbon offers an eclectic selection of activities and experiences, from traditional fado music to new electronic bands, and from traditional public baths to lively cafés and even livelier nightclubs.

The great scenery in Lisbon is made all the better due to the city’s hilly terrain, and although this makes walking and cycling more of an effort, the views (and the improved fitness levels) are most definitely worth it.

Two public universities in Lisbon are featured in the World University Rankings 2016/17 – the University of Lisbon (joint 330^th) and the Universidade Nova de Lisboa (joint 366^th), as well as the private Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Lisboa (701+). Other polytechnics and universities in Lisbon include the Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon University Institute, Lusiada University, Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, Católica Lisbon Business and Economics, Nova School of Business and Economics and several others, both public and private.

Porto

Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto is also located on the west coast, over 300 kilometers north of the capital. It holds its own in terms of both history and hills, and like Lisbon, combines deep historic foundations with vibrant and varied cuisine, music and nightlife. The colors of the city, as well as the narrow paths, stairways and streets, all combine with the modern atmosphere and efficient amenities to make Porto a fascinating destination for students and visitors alike.

Porto is home to the University of Porto (Portugal’s leading institution at 323^rd in the world rankings), as well as the Instituto Politecnico de Porto and a number of private universities; these include Lusiada University of Porto and Universidade Fernando Pessoa. The Universidade Catolica Portuguesa also has a campus here.

Coimbra

In between Lisbon and Porto, but further inland, Coimbra is the home of Portugal’s oldest university. Here again, you’ll find medieval streets and architecture, overlaid with the buzz and dash of modern life – and in particular the activities of a fun and lively student community. The University of Coimbra is a particularly popular choice among international students coming to study in Portugal. Other options in the city include the Instituto Politecnico de Coimbra, and several specialist institutes.

Applying to universities in Portugal

Undergraduate applications to study in Portugal are made through a centralized online system, called Candidatura Online, which allows applicants to choose up to six programs in order of preference. As well as submitting evidence of your secondary level qualifications, you are likely to need to sit an entrance examination in your home country; public universities use the national exam, while private universities have their own. If studying in Portuguese (as is likely) you’ll need to prove your proficiency in the language.

Prospective graduate-level students should apply directly to the universities in Portugal they wish to study at, submitting all the required documents, including proof of previous qualifications.

Student visas for Portugal

Those from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who intend to study in Portugal for longer than three months must apply for a residence visa (visto para residencia) before entering the country. This can be applied for through your nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate, and requires:

Your visa will cost a maximum of €170 (~US$190) and will take two or three months to be issued, so you should apply in good time. Students from within the EU should apply for an EU citizen residence card within four months of arriving in Portugal, and pay a small fee for this.