Language Schools in Portugal

Why Choose a Language School in Portugal?

Studying a language in Portugal offers the opportunity to combine high-quality Portuguese education with a relaxed and enjoyable European lifestyle.

• A global language: Portuguese is spoken in Portugal, Brazil and many countries in Africa, offering significant opportunities in business, trade and tourism in these regions.
• Safe and livable country: Portugal ranks among the safest countries in the world in global peace indexes.
• Affordable costs: With a more affordable cost of living than other Western European countries, Portugal is a budget-friendly option.
• Studies and careers in Portugal: Portuguese skills are an important advantage for those who want to study in Portuguese-taught programs at Portuguese universities or live and work in Portugal.

Learning Portuguese in Portugal

In Portugal, Portuguese can be studied at private language schools in Lisbon and Porto and in Portuguese language and culture courses for foreigners offered by the universities of Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra. Courses are organized at levels aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Since Portuguese is a Romance language, students who speak Spanish, Italian or French usually progress quickly. European Portuguese pronunciation may be challenging at first, but it improves quickly with constant practice in daily life.

You can certify your Portuguese level with the official exams in Portuguese as a foreign language (CIPLE, DEPLE, DIPLE, DAPLE and DUPLE) administered by CAPLE, affiliated with the University of Lisbon. These certificates are used in university applications, job applications and residence and citizenship procedures.

Language School Programs in Portugal

Language schools and university language centers in Portugal offer a variety of programs to suit different goals:

• General and intensive Portuguese courses: Programs that develop Portuguese communication skills from beginner level.
• Annual and semester university courses: Comprehensive Portuguese language and culture programs for foreigners offered by the universities of Lisbon and Porto throughout the academic year.
• Portuguese summer courses: Programs organized by universities, especially the University of Coimbra, in the summer, combining language lessons with cultural activities.
• CAPLE exam preparation courses: Offer targeted preparation for the official Portuguese certificate exams.
• Portuguese and culture programs: Combine language lessons with activities such as fado, Portuguese cooking, surfing or wine culture.
• Business Portuguese: Develops the language skills needed in professional settings.
• One-to-one lessons: Offer fast progress with personalized content and a flexible schedule.

Cities Where You Can Learn Portuguese in Portugal

Portuguese courses are available in many Portuguese cities, each offering a different atmosphere:

• Lisbon: The capital of Portugal; built on seven hills, with its historic trams, vibrant cultural life and wide choice of courses, it is the most popular city for language studies.
• Porto: With its historic setting on the Douro River, its bridges and friendly atmosphere, it is a strong alternative to Lisbon.
• Coimbra: Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, this historic city is known for its Portuguese summer courses.
• Algarve (Faro and Lagos): The sunny beaches of southern Portugal are ideal for those who want to combine language studies with beach life.
• Braga: One of the young and affordable student cities of northern Portugal.
• Madeira: Offers a different language study experience with its mild climate all year round and breathtaking nature.

Language School Prices in Portugal

Language course prices in Portugal vary depending on the city, the type of program, the number of lessons per week and the length of the course. Private language schools in Lisbon are generally more expensive, while university courses and schools in other cities offer more affordable prices.

Many language schools offer discounts on the weekly price for longer enrollments. When planning your budget, you should account for the registration fee, course materials, accommodation, health insurance, visa and exam fees, and transport costs in addition to the course fee.

At NGGlobal, we share the current prices of language programs in Portugal with you and work with you to choose the program that best fits your budget.

Language School Accommodation in Portugal

Students studying a language in Portugal can choose from different accommodation options:

• Homestay: Staying with a Portuguese family offers the opportunity to practice Portuguese in daily life and get to know the Portuguese way of life up close.
• Shared apartment: Common among students in Portugal, this option offers a more independent and economical lifestyle.
• Student residences: Lisbon and Porto have student residences with modern facilities.
• University dormitories: Students attending university summer courses are offered dormitory accommodation in some cases.

Accommodation prices in Lisbon have risen significantly in recent years. For this reason, it is advisable to arrange your accommodation early, together with your language school enrollment, or to consider cities such as Porto, Coimbra and Braga.

Language School Visa for Portugal

Turkish citizens attending short language courses and summer programs in Portugal can apply for a Schengen visa. The application requires a course enrollment confirmation, proof of financial means, travel health insurance and proof of accommodation.

Longer language studies may require a long-stay visa for study purposes and a residence permit from the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) after arriving in Portugal. Long-stay visa conditions vary depending on the type and length of the course and the nature of the school.

Applications are made through Portugal's missions in Turkey or the authorized visa application center. At NGGlobal, we identify the right visa type for you and prepare your application file with you.

Language Learning in Portugal and Work Permits

It is not possible to work on a Schengen visa issued for a short language course in Portugal. The work rights of students holding a residence permit for long-term studies are determined by the type of studies and current legislation.

For this reason, it is important to prepare a budget that covers all your expenses when planning language studies in Portugal. Students who start university in Portugal after their language studies can work part-time after notifying the relevant authorities.

Cost of Living and Social Life in Portugal

The cost of living in Portugal is more affordable than in many Western European countries. However, accommodation prices in Lisbon have risen noticeably in recent years. Porto, Coimbra and Braga offer a more affordable lifestyle. Food and transport costs are generally reasonable.

Social life in Portugal is very colorful, with fado music, café culture, the Portuguese custard tart pastel de nata, festivals and beaches on the Atlantic coast. On weekends, you can explore world-famous surf spots, historic Sintra or the vineyards of the Douro Valley.

Portugal's mild climate lets you spend time outdoors for most of the year. Language schools also regularly offer their students city tours, trips and cultural activities.

Free Consultation for Language Schools in Portugal with NGGlobal

At NGGlobal, we offer free consultation to students who want to study a language in Portugal. By assessing your goals, language level and budget, we identify the city, school and program that suit you best.

• School and program selection based on your goals
• Enrollment in language courses and summer schools
• Accommodation arrangements
• Preparation of your visa application file
• Guidance on CAPLE exams
• Support with bachelor's and master's applications in Portugal after your language studies

Contact us to build your plan for language studies in Portugal together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between European and Brazilian Portuguese?

Yes. There are differences between the two varieties, especially in pronunciation, some vocabulary and grammar usage. However, speakers of both varieties understand each other. If you plan to live in Portugal or Europe, European Portuguese is more advantageous; if you plan to live in Brazil, Brazilian Portuguese is the better choice.

Which languages can I learn in Portugal?

Language studies in Portugal mainly focus on Portuguese. Some language schools also offer a limited number of English courses.

Which visa do I need for a language school in Portugal?

A Schengen visa is sufficient for short courses and summer programs. Long-term language studies may require a long-stay visa for study purposes; conditions vary depending on the type and length of the course.

Is Portuguese difficult to learn?

Since Portuguese is a Romance language, students who speak Spanish, Italian or French usually progress quickly. European Portuguese pronunciation may be challenging at first, but it improves quickly with regular practice.

What are the CAPLE exams?

CAPLE is the official center, affiliated with the University of Lisbon, that administers exams in Portuguese as a foreign language. The CIPLE, DEPLE, DIPLE, DAPLE and DUPLE exams certify Portuguese levels from A2 to C2.