With its long-established universities, safe way of life and costs that are more affordable than in Western Europe, Portugal has become increasingly popular with international students in recent years. Degrees from Portugal, a member of the European Union, are recognized in the EU and around the world. There are strong programs, especially in business, engineering and architecture.
Lisbon's emergence in recent years as one of Europe's key technology and start-up hubs offers students internship and career opportunities. With its sunny climate, ocean coastline and relaxed lifestyle, Portugal offers students a high quality of life.
Portugal is a country at the southwestern tip of Europe with a population of around 10.6 million. Its capital is Lisbon, its official language is Portuguese and its currency is the euro. Portugal is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area.
Portugal ranks among the safest countries in the world in global peace indexes. With its beaches on the Atlantic coast, historic cities and rich cuisine, it is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Portuguese is spoken by more than 250 million people worldwide.
Higher education in Portugal consists of research-focused universities, polytechnic institutes offering applied education, and private institutions. Universities focus on academic and scientific education, while polytechnic institutes offer practical, career-oriented programs.
Bachelor's programs (Licenciatura) usually last three years, and master's programs (Mestrado) one and a half or two years. Some programs, such as medicine and architecture, are offered as integrated programs combining bachelor's and master's levels. Portugal is part of the Bologna Process, and the academic year starts in September.
Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Portuguese universities have strong research and teaching programs, especially in engineering, marine sciences, architecture, business and health sciences.
Portugal's business schools stand out for their international accreditations and positions in world rankings. Universities' active participation in European Union research programs and Erasmus+ opportunities give students the chance to gain international experience.
The University of Porto, the University of Lisbon and NOVA University Lisbon are Portugal's highest-ranked universities in international rankings such as QS and THE. Instituto Superior Técnico, part of the University of Lisbon, is the country's most prestigious engineering institution. The universities of Coimbra, Aveiro and Minho are other important institutions with strong programs.
In business, NOVA School of Business and Economics and Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics regularly appear in the Financial Times rankings of European business schools.
Business, economics and finance are among the most popular fields for international students in Portugal. Engineering, computer science and data science are also in high demand, thanks to the growing technology sector in Lisbon and Porto.
Portuguese schools of architecture, especially the Porto School of Architecture, are internationally renowned. Tourism and hospitality management, marine sciences, design, international relations and health sciences are also popular programs.
The capital, Lisbon, is home to the country's largest universities and technology companies. With its historic neighborhoods, lively cultural life and oceanside location, it is the first choice for students, but its rents are the highest in the country. Porto stands out for its long-established university, historic character and more affordable cost of living.
Coimbra is a classic university town where students are at the heart of city life. Braga and Aveiro offer good options with their young populations, strong universities and quieter lifestyles.
In Portugal, non-EU students apply to bachelor's programs through a special application process under the International Student Statute. Students can apply with a Turkish high school diploma. Universities assess your high school transcript and GPA, and some programs may also require exams in specific subjects or an interview.
Portuguese-taught programs usually require Portuguese at B2 level, while English-taught programs require IELTS or TOEFL results. Master's applications require a bachelor's degree in a related field, a transcript, a motivation letter and a CV.
In Portugal, the academic year starts in September. At most universities, applications for international students are made in several rounds. The first round usually starts in the autumn or winter of the previous year, and the last round ends in the spring.
To allow time for the visa process, it is recommended that you apply in one of the earlier rounds. Since apostilles, translations of documents and the student visa process all take time, it is helpful to start preparing at least a year in advance.
In Portugal, public universities charge non-EU international students higher fees than Portuguese citizens. However, these fees are affordable compared with many countries in Western Europe. Fees vary depending on the university, program and level of study.
Fees at private universities and business schools are higher. When planning your budget, you should also take into account accommodation, health insurance, visa and living expenses in addition to tuition.
The cost of living in Portugal is more affordable than in many countries in Western Europe. However, rents have risen significantly in recent years, especially in Lisbon and Porto. University residences and shared flats are the most common accommodation options. Rents are more affordable in Coimbra, Braga and Aveiro.
In addition to rent, you should budget for food, transportation, phone and personal expenses. University canteens, transport passes for young people and affordable restaurants keep daily expenses at a reasonable level.
Turkish students who want to pursue higher education in Portugal need a residence visa for study (type D). The application is made to the Portuguese mission in Türkiye or an authorized visa application center. The application requires an admission document, a passport, proof of funds, proof of accommodation, health insurance and a criminal record certificate.
After arriving in Portugal, students must apply to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) for a residence permit valid for the duration of their studies.
International students with a residence permit for studies in Portugal can work part-time, provided that work is compatible with their studies. A notification to the relevant authorities is required for this. Tourism, hospitality, restaurants and the service centers of international companies in Lisbon are where students most often work.
International graduates in Portugal can switch to a residence permit for work or an EU Blue Card if they find a job. Technology start-ups and international companies in Lisbon and Porto offer career opportunities to graduates.
Government scholarships for non-EU students in Portugal are limited. Universities, however, may offer tuition fee reductions and merit scholarships to high-achieving international students, and business schools also provide partial scholarships to strong candidates.
The Erasmus+ program gives students at universities in Türkiye the chance to study in Portugal for one or two semesters, and Portugal is one of the most popular countries among Erasmus students. At NGGlobal, we identify the Portuguese universities that match your profile and support you every step of the way, from your application to your visa.
Yes, there are many English-taught programs, especially at master's level and in business schools. At bachelor's level, most programs are taught in Portuguese.
Yes, non-EU students can apply to Portuguese universities through a special application process under the International Student Statute.
Tuition fees and the cost of living in Portugal are affordable compared with many countries in Western Europe. However, rents in Lisbon and Porto have risen in recent years.
Yes, international students with a residence permit for studies can work part-time, provided that work is compatible with their studies and a notification is made to the relevant authorities.
Yes, since Portugal is a member of the European Union and part of the Bologna Process, degrees from Portugal are recognized in EU countries and around the world.
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