Higher education in Portugal for international students

Portugal features a well-developed higher education system, encompassing 47 universities, 74 polytechnic institutions, and 6 police/military academies. Notably, 13 Portuguese universities have earned recognition in worldwide educational rankings. The country experiences an average enrollment rate of 64% in its higher education institutions, reflecting its attractiveness to both local and international students.

Qualifications from Portuguese universities hold significant prestige, particularly for students aspiring to significant careers in business and public administration. On the other hand, polytechnic programs are designed for individuals desiring a practical approach to learning. This route often facilitates rapid entry into the job market, possibilities for international work placements, and the advantage of a foreign certification to enhance career opportunities.

The organization of Portugal's higher education is divided into three main levels: undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies. Each of these phases involves specific general qualification requirements. A key characteristic of the Portuguese higher education model is its compliance with the ECTS system. This framework simplifies the process for students planning to transfer to international universities and guarantees the proper validation of their prior coursework.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Dormitories within campus grounds are not a common feature in Portuguese universities. As a result, students often seek private housing, the cost of which can vary depending on the distance from the university. Due to high demand, affordable, quality rental spaces are limited. Universities do, however, extend a helping hand, suggesting trusted accommodation sources from private landlords. International students, in particular, have a capped number of accommodation spots available on a "first-come, first-served" basis, making early applications essential. Shared student housing emerges as a favorable option due to the opportunities it offers for social interaction and its cost-effectiveness, with prices generally ranging between 150-300€ per month.

Those looking to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Portugal apply through the centralized portal, Candidatura Online. As part of the process, candidates can shortlist up to six universities based on their preferences. For Master's courses, applications are made directly on the respective university's website. It's imperative to note that some universities might require translated documentation in Portuguese.

Each year, the number of available study spots across both public and private universities and polytechnic institutes is released by the Portuguese Ministry of Education. Admission is largely merit-based, with students' average scores playing a decisive role.

Portuguese universities follow a tri-semester application system, aligned with autumn or spring class commencements. While exact submission deadlines should be confirmed with individual institutions, the general timelines are: first round in April-May, second in June-July, and the third in August-September.

For Bachelor's admissions, foreign students must present a validated certificate of complete secondary education. Some universities may also necessitate an entrance exam, which non-EU students can typically take at a Portuguese Embassy in their home country. Queries regarding entrance exams should be directed to the Higher Admissions Committee (Gabinetes de Acceso).

Master's program candidates should have an equivalent Bachelor's degree. For Doctorate admissions, a relevant Master's degree is mandatory. The Bologna Agreement facilitates the recognition of foreign Bachelor's and Master's degrees by Portuguese institutions, eliminating the need for complex international equivalences.

Commonly required documents include:

• A filled-out application form
• Relevant educational certificates and diplomas (high school, bachelor's, or master's)
• Academic transcripts
• A motivation letter
• Portfolio (for specific courses)
• Proof of registration fee payment (typically 50€).

The primary language of instruction in most universities in Portugal is Portuguese. Therefore, demonstrating proficiency, typically at B1/B2 level, is essential for Bachelor's programs. Master's and Doctoral programs may be more lenient in this regard, especially those tailored for foreign students, which often use English as the medium of instruction.

For non-native English speakers, English proficiency might also need validation, with common tests being IELTS, TOEFL, CAE/CPE, and PTE A. Required scores vary but generally fall between 5.5 to 6.5 for IELTS or 550 points (paper-based), 213 points (computer-based), or 80 points (internet-based) for TOEFL.

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