With its long-established universities, safe living environment and position as one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe, Portugal is an increasingly popular choice for a master's degree. The University of Lisbon, the University of Porto, NOVA University Lisbon and the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, offer international students a wide range of master's programs.
A master's degree in Portugal stands out especially in business and economics. Business schools such as Nova SBE and Católica Lisbon rank among Europe's best schools in the Financial Times rankings. A degree recognized across the European Union, a Mediterranean climate and warm people make Portugal an attractive place to study.
In recent years, Lisbon has become one of Europe's major startup and technology hubs. Many international technology companies have set up engineering and service centers in Lisbon and Porto. Renewable energy, tourism, marine sciences and the automotive industry are also among the strong sectors of the Portuguese economy.
Portugal ranks among the safest countries in the world in global peace indexes. A more affordable cost of living than other Western European countries, a high quality of life and an emphasis on work-life balance are among the reasons international students choose Portugal.
Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Pursuing a master's degree in Portugal offers the opportunity to learn a language that can also open doors to career opportunities in Brazil and Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa.
In Portugal, the master's degree is called the "mestrado." Programs usually range from 90 to 120 ECTS and last one and a half to two years. The program concludes with a master's thesis, a project or an internship report and a defense after courses.
In Portugal, master's degrees can be pursued at both universities and polytechnic institutes. Universities offer research-oriented programs, while polytechnic institutes run programs focused on practice and professional specialization. Some business schools also offer double degrees with partner institutions in Europe.
Higher education programs in Portugal are accredited by the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES). Portugal is part of the European Higher Education Area, and master's degrees from Portuguese universities are recognized across Europe.
Portuguese universities take an active part in European Union research programs and continually develop their research capacity through international collaborations. In business schools, case studies, company projects and an international student body are an integral part of the education.
The University of Lisbon and the University of Porto are Portugal's highest-ranked universities in international rankings such as QS and THE. Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) at the University of Lisbon and the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) are Portugal's leading institutions in engineering.
Nova SBE, part of NOVA University Lisbon, and Católica Lisbon, part of the Catholic University, rank among Europe's best business schools with their master's programs in business and economics. The universities of Coimbra, Minho and Aveiro, as well as ISCTE, also offer strong master's programs.
Business management, finance, economics, marketing and international business are the most popular master's fields among international students in Portugal. Computer science, data science, software engineering and electrical engineering are also in high demand.
Renewable energy, marine sciences and ocean engineering, tourism and hospitality management, and architecture are fields in which Portugal is strong. International relations, European studies and Portuguese language and culture programs also attract international students.
The capital, Lisbon, is home to leading institutions such as the University of Lisbon, NOVA, Nova SBE and Católica, as well as technology companies. It offers master's students the strongest career opportunities, although accommodation costs have risen noticeably in recent years.
Porto, with the University of Porto, technology companies and its historic setting, is a strong alternative to Lisbon. Coimbra, with its historic university and student traditions, is Portugal's oldest university city. Braga and Aveiro are notable for their more affordable living costs.
To pursue a master's degree in Portugal, you need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. The application requires a diploma and transcript, a passport, a statement of purpose and a CV. Documents may need to be apostilled and, in some cases, translated. Business schools may also ask for a GMAT or GRE score and an interview.
English-taught programs require an IELTS or TOEFL score, while Portuguese-taught programs require Portuguese proficiency. Applications are made directly through universities' online application systems.
Most master's programs in Portugal start in September, and some programs also admit students in February. Universities usually open several application rounds. For students from outside the European Union, the first rounds usually take place in the winter and spring.
Since the visa process can take time, students from outside the European Union are advised to apply in the first rounds. Business schools accept applications in several rounds throughout the year, and early rounds increase your chances of a scholarship.
The number of English-taught master's programs in Portugal has grown significantly in recent years. Master's programs at Nova SBE and Católica Lisbon are largely in English. English-taught programs are also available in fields such as engineering, computer science, economics and international relations.
English is widely spoken in Portugal, especially in Lisbon and Porto. Still, learning Portuguese makes daily life easier and improves your chances of finding a job in Portugal after graduation. Universities offer Portuguese courses to international students.
Students from outside the European Union pay tuition fees under international student status in Portugal. Fees at public universities are affordable compared with many Western European countries. Fees at business schools and private universities are higher.
When planning your budget, you should also account for accommodation, health insurance and living expenses. Accommodation costs in Lisbon have risen in recent years, while cities such as Porto, Coimbra and Braga offer more affordable options.
Many universities and business schools in Portugal offer tuition discounts or scholarships to high-achieving international students. Schools such as Nova SBE and Católica Lisbon award scholarships based on criteria such as academic achievement, leadership potential and diversity.
The European Union's Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programs, in which Portuguese universities frequently take part, are fully funded programs that cover tuition, living costs and travel expenses. The Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme may also support students from Turkey pursuing a master's degree in Portugal.
Turkish citizens need a long-stay national visa for higher education to pursue a master's degree in Portugal. The application is made through the Portuguese mission in Turkey or the authorized visa application center. The application requires a letter of admission, proof of financial means, health insurance, proof of accommodation and a criminal record certificate.
After arriving in Portugal, students must apply to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) to obtain a student residence permit. A residence permit issued in Portugal also gives the right to travel within the Schengen area.
Master's students in Portugal holding a student residence permit can work part-time during their studies after notifying the relevant authorities. Technology companies, tourism and service sectors in Lisbon and Porto offer students job and internship opportunities.
International students who complete a master's degree in Portugal can continue their careers in Portugal by switching to a residence permit for work or an EU Blue Card once they find a job. Graduates in technology, engineering and business find strong opportunities in Portugal's growing job market.
At NGGlobal, we assess the profiles of students who want to pursue a master's degree in Portugal, identify suitable programs and support them at every step of the application, visa and residence permit processes.
Yes. Portugal is a member of the European Union and part of the Bologna Process. Master's degrees from programs accredited by A3ES are recognized across Europe.
Yes. English-taught master's programs are available, especially in business, economics and engineering. Programs at Nova SBE and Católica Lisbon are largely in English.
Master's programs in Portugal usually range from 90 to 120 ECTS and take one and a half to two years.
Yes. Students holding a student residence permit can work part-time during their studies after notifying the relevant authorities.
Yes. Graduates who find a job can continue working in Portugal by switching to a residence permit for work or an EU Blue Card.
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