Top Universities in Portugal for International Students 2024 

Last Updated on August 29, 2024

Top universities in Portugal: In Portugal, universities are more oriented towards research, while polytechnics place greater emphasis on practical skills. Most courses are taught in Portuguese, yet there’s a rising availability of English-taught programs, particularly at the Master’s level. Also, it would make you happy to know that Portugal has eight universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025, being around the top 1,000.

If you are excited about studying in Portugal, this guide will help you find the best universities and popular courses in Portugal, along with their tuition fees, scholarships, and other information.

Major Highlights for Studying in Portugal 

Highlight	Details
Top Universities in Portugal	University of LisbonUniversity of PortoNew University of Lisbon
Top Courses from Best Universities in Portugal	MedicineFine ArtsLaw
Intakes in Portugal in 2024	September (Autumn)January (Spring)
Admission Requirements at Top Universities in Portugal	Must have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent in the fields specified by the school/faculty.ResumeMotivation Letter
Annual Tuition Fees for Masters Degree Courses	Starting from  INR 3.1L (€3,500)
Top Scholarships by the Government and Universities in Portugal	Incentive Scholarships Academic Year 2024 – 2025 (University of Aveiro)Erasmus+ Programme

Portugal’s Higher Education System

•  Five Portuguese universities are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2018, with the University of Porto being the highest at 301st worldwide.
•  Portugal’s higher education system was ranked 35th globally in the first QS Higher Education System Strength Ranking.
•  Many reputable polytechnic universities focus on vocational training, with some subjects covered in both.
•  The Bologna process, a European reform process, has been implemented in Portugal’s universities and polytechnics since 2006.
• The university system offers three levels of degrees: bachelor’s (Licenciatura), master’s (Mestrado), and doctorate (Doutoramento).
•  Most courses are taught in Portuguese, with some programs taught in English at the graduate level.

Benefits of Studying in Portugal 

Studying at the top universities in Portugal has numerous benefits for international students. Here, we present several exciting highlights:

1. When compared with other European study-abroad destinations, enrolling at the best universities in Portugal for international students costs just 500 – 800 EUR monthly. 
2. Germanic, Viking, Celtic, Lusitanian, Sephardic Jewish, Phoenician Moorish and Visigoth influences have fascinated Portugal’s culture. Therefore, anticipate a beneficial exposure to numerous ideas that will broaden your global perspective.
3. The country is known for its stunning tourist attractions, such as the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Oceanário de Lisboa, Convento do Cristo, and Bom Jesus do Monte.
4. Portugal has been among the safest places worldwide for seven years. The Global Peace Index placed it sixth. Crime is not much of an issue, and learners will have a pleasant time at the top universities for international students in Portugal.

Top Universities in Portugal for International Students 

Here is a table presenting the list of top 8 universities in Portugal for international students along with their QS ranking as per the year 2024 

NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY	QS RANKING [2024]
University of Lisbon	260
University of Porto	278
University of Coimbra	355
University of Aveiro	359
Universidade Nova de Lisboa	388
University of Minho	611-620
University Institute of Lisbon	661-670
Catholic University of Portugal	901-950

1. University of Lisbon 

The European University of Lisbon, a top institution in Portugal, is known for its international focus and quality education. It offers English-taught programs in areas such as Hospitality and Tourism Management, Games and apps Development, and Creative Technologies. With 7 Integrated Master’s Degrees and 209 Master’s Degrees available, 25% of these programs are taught entirely in English, making it a top choice for international students in Portugal.

Major highlights for the University of Lisbon: 

Top Master’s Courses	ArchitectureDentistryAerospace Engineering
Approximate Yearly Tuition Fees	NR 6.3L to INR 11.3L (€7.000 to €15.500)
Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Lisbon	A ‘Licenciatura’ Degree (1st Cycle or Bachelor degrees), a BSc, or a similar degree is required. Should possess a bachelor’s degree from foreign higher education (1st Cycle) that corresponds to Bologna Process principles and is granted by a country participating in this process.Show an academic, scientific or professional background that the university’s Scientific Board can accept as equal to a 1st Cycle degree.
English proficiency scores are required	TOEFL P/B: 550 iBT: 80 IELTS Overall score of 6

2. University of Porto

The University of Porto, established in 1911, is Portugal’s second-largest university with a strong reputation for research. Master’s degrees at U.Porto typically last 3 to 4 semesters, ranging from one and a half years to two full years, earning 90-120 ECTS credits. Most programs can be completed within 120 credits. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) helps track academic advancement in Portugal and Europe, with every 1 ECTS credit equivalent to 27 student work hours, including classes, tutorials, internships, and projects.

Major highlights of the University of Porto.

Top Master’s Courses	Fine ArtsData ScienceInformation Science
Approximate Yearly Tuition Fees	INR 2.7L to INR 4L (€3,000 to €4,500)
Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Lisbon	You must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the indicated areas recognised by the school/faculty.Your foreign higher education degree must align with the Bologna process or be recognised by the University of Porto as meeting the goals of a Bachelor’s degree.You must present an academic or professional path that the University acknowledges as evidence of your preparedness for the study cycle.

3. University of Coimbra 

 Still on the list of the best public universities in Portugal that international students can attend is the University of Coimbra. It dates back to 1920, and the various Master’s programs offered in English and other languages include those derived from collaboration agreements and international programmes/Partnerships such as Erasmus Mundus, MIT Portugal, UT Austin Portugal, and Carnegie Mellon Portugal, among others. 

Major highlights of the University of Coimbra.

Top Master’s Courses	Law  Economics  Mathematics
Approximate Yearly Tuition Fees	3L (€7,000)
Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Lisbon	Original certificate of the Bachelor’s degree with the final grades obtained (Diploma). Transcript of records with the grades of all the completed courses It is compulsory to submit this document unless the main course is done at the University of Coimbra.  Resume  Proof of identification  Motivation letter

4.  University of Aveiro 

 The University of Aveiro is a public institution and a private foundation, abbreviated as UAveiro. It is committed to promoting graduate and postgraduate studies and research, including community engagement. At the moment, it is educating about 17000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, of whom 9% are international students. 

 Major highlights for the University of Aveiro 

Top Master’s Courses	Accounting  Biochemistry  Biomedical Engineering
Approximate Yearly Tuition Fees	INR 3. 1L to INR 4. 5L (€3,500 to €5,000)
Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Lisbon	Photo Identity Card Voter ID Card Passport or Aadhaar Card.  You must present a qualification certificate that shows the degree applied for and the final grade.  If you studied at a foreign university, you should enclose an official statement from the university where you obtained your degree, including the final grade and the grading system used.  The list of classes that have been completed, their grade and the credits attained.  If you are applying for the Doctoral Programme in Marketing and Strategy, you must submit one of the following English proficiency scores.
English proficiency scores are required	TOEFL – 100  IELTS – Overall band of 6

5. New University of Lisbon

NOVA University Lisbon, frequently referred to as NOVA, is a new public university in the capital city of Portugal, thus gaining its moniker “New” University of Lisbon. The university provides Master’s courses in different areas of knowledge, many of which are taught in English, such as Law. Thus, it is also a common option for students from overseas.

Major highlights for the New University of Lisbon.

Top Master’s Courses	Civil EngineeringLawAerospace Engineering
Approximate Yearly Tuition Fees	INR 5L to INR 6.3L (€5,500 to €7,000)
Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Lisbon	Portrait/ID photoA traced copy of your identification document (ID, Citizen’s Card, or Passport) is needed. Curriculum Vitae (in English)Academic transcript with a complete list of courses and grades (mandatory in English).Bachelor’s diploma1-page motivation letter (in English).English certificate with at least *B2 level (mandatory for non-native English speakers).Receipt of application fee payment: INR 4,610 (€51)Level B2 is at the upper intermediate level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.
English proficiency scores are required	TOEFL  – 84IELTS –  Overall score of 6

6. University of Minho

The University of Minho was created in 1973. Its campuses are located at Gualtar, Azurém, and Couros, which are in Braga and Guimarães — historically essential cities. The University offers various Master’s programs, with about 100 Master’s and 50 PhD degrees available through its 12 institutes and schools.

A major highlight for the University of Minho.

Top Master’s Courses	ArchitectureSocial SciencesMedicine
Approximate Yearly Tuition Fees	INR 5.8L (€6,500)
Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Lisbon	Transcript of records from your undergraduate degree showing passing grades and GPA scores​.Detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae.Two letters of recommendation English Language Proficiency Certificate, in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Please look at the entrance conditions for your selected Master’s program. You need to provide a partial transcript of records (ToR) from the ongoing Bachelor’s degree programme, showing the weighted average, during application. For University of Minho students, this can be taken from the student portal. The recommended minimum language levels are B1 for Portuguese and B2 for English. If English isn’t your first language or you didn’t study for your previous degree in English, then you need to achieve at least a 6.5 IELTS Academic score.

7. The University Institute of Lisbon

 University Institute of Lisbon is accredited as the leading Portuguese university for international students. It offers a wide choice of programs in various fields and at all levels of education. The university has about 10,000 students for undergraduate and postgraduate courses and about 1,900 international students from 80 different countries, which is about 20% of its total strength. 

 Furthermore, the institute’s research centres enable university master’s students to participate in national and international research activities. 

Major highlights for the University Institute of Lisbon. 

Top Master’s Courses	Economics  Data Science  Applied Management
Approximate Yearly Tuition Fees	Fees 3 lakh. 1L to INR 6. 3L (€3,500 to €7,000)
Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Lisbon	Should have attained a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the specific fields as deemed by the school/faculty.  Identity card  Passport  Declaration of Honour is annexed to this application on the mentioned application platform.  Attendance of other universities in other countries (if applicable)  The requirement is to provide evidence of language proficiency by the language of the program according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, with a minimum level of B1.

8. Catholic University of Portugal (UCP)

Established in 1967, the Catholic University of Portugal is located in Lisbon and has campuses in four cities: Lisbon, Braga, Porto, and Viseu. There are 7,549 postgraduate students enrolled in non-degree-granting programs. Master’s degrees have been awarded to 20,387 individuals. The university has 3,870 international students. The university provides 18 Master’s programs that are fully taught in English only for these international students from overseas.

Major highlights – The Catholic University 

Top Master’s Courses	Arts and Humanities Business and EconomicsHealth Science LawSocial Sciences Engineering and Technology.
Approximate Yearly Tuition Fees	1.500 euros to 7.000 euros each year.
Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Lisbon	Must have a minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in the fields as per the school/faculty.Curriculum Vitae in English indicating professional experience, work experience abroad, and co-curricular activities, if any.An official document showing the courses a learner has taken, the credit earned, and the grades obtained.Passport or ID cardThe Master’s degree program presupposes knowledge of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), at least at the B2 level.

Intakes in top Colleges in Portugal 

Portugal’s top institutions have a biannual admissions process that splits the year into autumn and spring semesters. Either of these intake windows is an option. 

INTAKES	APPLICATION BEGINNING	APPLICATION DEADLINE
Autumn Intake	September	August
Spring intake	January	December – January

To learn about individual application deadlines and requirements, visit the institution’s websites.

The two intakes serve three application rounds.

1. The first round, which is usually the most competitive, is from April to May. If you intend to begin in the fall semester, try to apply far in advance of the deadline.
2. Round 2 (June to July): This is the main round for those hoping to start in the spring semester or a second chance for fall semester students.
3. Round 3, which runs from August to September, is the last and offers fewer program possibilities. 

Which intake to choose? 

Studying at Portugal’s best institutions is equally possible throughout the autumn and spring intake semesters. But, before choosing when to begin your studies, consider things like the availability of your desired program, the outcomes of your admission exam, the acceptance rates of universities, your readiness to enter college, and the likelihood of finding employment after graduation.

Top Courses for International Students in Portugal

For students who complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees while living in Portugal, the government has instituted a wage bonus. This program, open to foreign and Portuguese citizens, strives to improve qualifications. The individual study cycles determine the said bonus, providing recent graduates with useful assistance.

For each year of their bachelor’s degree, graduates who qualify for the bonus will receive INR 63K (€697); for each year of their master’s degree, they will receive INR 1.3L (€1,500).

These are the top 5 courses offered by Portugal’s major institutions. 

NAME OF THE INSTITUTE	COURSE	ANNUAL FEE
Minho university	Medical	INR 5.8L (€6,500)
Lisbon university	Architecture	INR 6.3L (€7,000)
Porto university	Data Science	INR 4.1L (€4,600
Aveiro university	Biomedical engineering	INR 4.5L (€5,000)
Porto university	Fine arts	INR 4.5L (€3,500)

Requirements for a Student Visa to Study at Portugal’s top Universities

You must apply for a Portugal student visa if you want to attend one of the best colleges in Portugal as a student from a non-EU country—any nation that is not a part of the European Union, including India. In addition, you can work up to 20 hours per week while studying and full-time on holidays, provided you are granted a study permit.

Portugal’s Student Visa Types

There are two varieties of student visas available in Portugal: the Type C short-stay visa and the Type D long-stay visa. 

1. Short-stay visa (type C)

• For short-term purposes like study, seminars, workshops, or academic purposes. 
• Stays Up to 90 days 

2.  Long-stay visa (Type D)

• Fully paid, full-time academic programs in top universities in Portugal
• Stays for More than 90 days

Application Process for Student Visa to Study in Top Universities in Portugal

When preparing to apply for a student visa to study at the top universities in Portugal for international students, it is essential to keep the following documents handy.

1. Completed visa application form.
2. The application form must include a recent colour photograph (2×2 inches).
3. You must provide a notarized copy of your passport or official travel document valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Portugal.
4. Documents from your educational institution confirming your enrollment, including details about the type and duration of courses you will take in Portugal.
5. If staying on campus, provide documentation from the inviting institution; if staying in a hotel, provide confirmed reservations, including the hotel’s name, address, telephone number, and confirmation number.
6. Provide electronic printouts of your bank statements from the last three months as proof of your financial support.

Conclusion

 Studying in Portugal’s most excellent universities is a thrilling and beneficial experience. You will obtain a remarkable education while fully immersed in a lively culture, making it an ideal location for studying. The University of Porto and the University of Lisbon are among the finest universities in Portugal, providing exceptional education and good research opportunities.

International students can also benefit from scholarships, such as those offered by the Erasmus+ Programme, which provides substantial financial aid.

In conclusion, Portugal is a great option for students and professionals. It provides excellent education, job opportunities and good living standards. If you plan well, you can truly enjoy all Portugal gives.

FAQs 

What is the highest-ranked university in Portugal?

The University of Lisbon (ULisboa), Portugal’s biggest university, has the top rank in this nation. It has almost 50,000 students studying there and offers many different academic subjects to choose from. ULisboa has a solid international standing and is 260th in the QS University Rankings 2025.

Is Portugal suitable for international students?

A. Yes, Portugal is recognized as a top choice among other countries for international students because of its welcoming atmosphere, inexpensive tuition costs, good education system, lively culture scene, and great weather. Many universities offer courses in English. Additionally, the country’s safety and rich history further enhance its appeal to international students.

Can one study in Portugal without IELTS?

It is possible to study in Portugal without an IELTS score. Some universities may accept other evidence of English proficiency or may not require this language condition for certain countries or academic histories. Nevertheless, it is important to review the particular needs of each university or program you are considering for application.

Is it possible to work while studying in Portugal?

Yes, it is possible to work while studying in Portugal. Students who have come from countries outside the EU/EEA can work part-time, with a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time when holidays or vacation periods occur. This adaptability permits students to earn money and aid in their living costs while studying in Portugal.

Is studying in Portugal expensive for international students?

Portugal offers international students affordable education compared to other European countries but with excellent quality. For instance, the cost for postgraduate tuition in the UK is about INR 9.5 lakh to INR 32 lakh (£9,000 – £30,000) per year, but in Portugal, you can study a master’s course starting from INR 3.1 lakh (€3,500) yearly.