4 best universities in Lisbon 2026

Structured in accordance with the Bologna Process, the Portuguese higher education system is based on three key cycles: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees (PhD). Each level has its own specific focus and requirements, yet all share a common thread of high academic rigor and an orientation towards the practical application of knowledge.

Universities in Lisbon have gained particular popularity among international students, offering a wide range of programs across diverse fields. It is important for prospective international applicants to note some key features of admission and study at Lisbon's universities:

• Admission requirements for international students can vary from one institution to another.
• Most undergraduate programs are designed for full-time, daytime study. Part-time evening courses are less common and are typically found at the Master's level.
• Students wishing to work part-time during their studies are permitted to do so for a maximum of 20 hours per week (this allows for combining study with work, but requires careful time management).
• Assessment methods in Portuguese universities are quite diverse, encompassing traditional written and oral exams as well as more contemporary approaches like tests, projects, and laboratory work.
• Portuguese is the primary language of instruction for most programs. However, a significant number of programs, especially at the Master's and Doctoral levels and particularly in private universities, are taught in English, making Portuguese higher education more accessible to foreign students.

In Lisbon, higher education is offered by two main types of institutions:

• Universities,
• Polytechnic Institutes

Universities emphasize theoretical knowledge in natural sciences and humanities, while Polytechnics are oriented towards practical preparation for professionals such as engineers, chemists, and technologists. While students can transfer between the two systems, it requires passing a series of entrance exams.

Upon completing a polytechnic program, graduates receive a Bachelor's degree, which typically requires three years of study. Students can then continue for one to two more years (depending on the field) to obtain a Licenciatura diploma, which grants access to Master's programs.

A similar structure exists in Lisbon's universities: students earn a Bachelor's degree in three years, followed by a one-year Licenciatura course. After this, they can apply for a Master's program, often requiring additional exams. Only a Master's diploma allows entry into doctoral studies.

Portugal has a unique academic degree, unknown in other European countries, called Agregação. It is awarded to doctoral degree holders who are engaged in their own research and teaching.

Studying at Lisbon's universities offers several advantages for international students:

• After graduation, they can undertake professional internships and seek employment within the European Union.
• During their studies, all students, regardless of nationality, enjoy freedom of movement within the EU.
• Graduates are granted a six-month period to find employment in Portugal after completing their studies.

• Finally, Portuguese universities are considered among the least corrupt in Europe, although obtaining a scholarship for non-EU citizens can be quite challenging.

Higher education institutions in Lisbon are classified as either public or private. The latter can be owned by individuals, organizations, or, in some cases, the Catholic Church. Both comprehensive universities and polytechnic institutes can be either public or private. All military and police academies are exclusively state-run. Public institutions typically feature stricter controls over tuition fees and student intake.

Lisbon's public universities have a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Like other European universities of that era, they were founded by monarchs under the oversight of the Catholic Church.

The proliferation of private institutions in Lisbon began after 1974; these are often chosen for studies in literature, acting, and other creative fields.

Top universities in Lisbon are:

• Catholic University of Portugal,
• Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon,
• University of Lisbon.

The admissions process for Lisbon's universities is based on competitive selection. Each year, universities publish the number of available places and specific entry requirements, which may differ for EU and non-EU citizens.

Main admission requirements typically include:

• The secondary school completion certificate needs to match the A-level or International Baccalaureate (IB) requirements for students who are 16 to 18 years old.
• Non-native speakers must show Portuguese language proficiency at B2 level or above, with B1 level accepted only when students must achieve B2 during their academic studies.
• The English programs require students to demonstrate the same language proficiency standards. 
• The admissions committee might ask applicants to provide a motivation letter.
• A remote interview might take place in certain situations.

Public universities in Lisbon officially provide free tuition. Students need to pay an annual enrollment fee that usually costs between €570 and €920.

The right to free higher education in Portugal extends to:

European Union member state citizens.

• EU citizenship holders whose spouses or parents belong to the EU.
• Foreign citizens who have lived in Portugal as lawful residents for two years or more.

Free tuition only applies to programs that universities offer in Portuguese. All English-taught programs are fee-paying.

At Lisbon universities, students must pay between €3,000 and €12,500 annually for fee-based programs. The most expensive programs at universities offer English-taught courses with double degree options.

The state and Lisbon's universities offer various grants and scholarships, for example:

• The Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES) provides grants to help students pay tuition expenses based on their financial requirements.
• The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) offers funding support for doctoral research and scientific investigations.
• Universities provide financial assistance to students based on their academic achievements or their financial circumstances.

The Erasmus program is popular in Portugal, funding joint master's programs and study exchanges. Information about grants is also available on the Ploteus portal, managed by the European Commission.