Universities in Portugal for Expats

How is the difference between Public vs. Private Universities in Portugal?

Public Universities in Portugal

• Tuition: Affordable for EU students (€697–€1,500/year); higher for non-EU students (€3,000–€7,000/year).
• Funding: Subsidized by the state.
• Strengths: High academic standards, globally ranked, extensive research facilities.
• Examples:
  • University of Porto: Specializes in engineering, medicine, and architecture.
  • University of Lisbon: Offers diverse programs across 18 faculties.

Private Universities in Portugal

• Tuition: Higher than public universities (€2,500–€12,000/year).
• Funding: Fully independent.
• Strengths: Smaller class sizes, tailored academic services, and modern facilities.
• Examples:
  • Universidade Lusófona is renowned for its emphasis on international students.
  • The Catholic University of Portugal (UCP) is renowned for its excellence in the fields of law, theology, and business.

What are the top Universities in Portugal?

1. University of Porto

• Ranking: 295 (QS World Rankings 2024).
• Specialties: engineering, medicine, architecture.
• Tuition Fees: €3,500–€8,000/year (international students).

2. University of Lisbon

• Ranking: 356.
• Specialties: sciences, arts, and technology.
• Tuition Fees: €3,000–€12,500/year.

3. University of Coimbra

• Ranking: 438.
• Features: Oldest university in Portugal; UNESCO-listed buildings.
• Tuition Fees: €7,000/year.

4. University of Aveiro

• Ranking: 581.
• Specialties: Marine sciences, engineering, and environmental studies.
• Tuition Fees: €4,000–€5,500/year.

5. New University of Lisbon (NOVA)

• Ranking: 431.
• Specialties: economics, law, and biomedical sciences.
• Tuition Fees: €3,000–€7,000/year.

How is the enrollment process in Portuguese Universities for immigrants?

General Requirements

International students, including non-EU nationals, must meet specific requirements to apply:

1. Academic Qualifications:
   • For undergraduate programs: A secondary school diploma equivalent to Portuguese qualifications.
   • For postgraduate programs: A bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on the desired program.
2. Language Proficiency:
   • Portuguese-taught programs: A B2-level proficiency (CEFR) is required.
   • English-taught programs: Proof of English proficiency via IELTS (5.5–6.5), TOEFL (80), or equivalent.
3. Entrance Exams:
   • Undergraduate applicants may need to pass entrance exams. Non-EU students often take these exams in their home country via Portuguese embassies or consulates.
   • CPLP nationals may use national qualifications like the ENEM for admission.

ENEM access for Brazilian students in Portugal

For Brazilian students, Portugal offers a unique advantage: acceptance of ENEM scores (Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio) for admission to several universities. This process streamlines enrollment and makes higher education in Portugal more accessible to Brazilians.

How does ENEM work in Portugal?

1. Agreement Between Brazil and Portugal:
   • Many Portuguese universities accept ENEM scores as part of their admissions process for undergraduate programs. This agreement simplifies the application for Brazilian students who have completed secondary education.
2. Eligibility:
   • Students must:
     • Be Brazilian nationals.
     • Have completed high school in Brazil.
     • Present your ENEM scores from recent years (validity depends on the institution).

Universities that accept ENEM

Over 50 Portuguese universities and polytechnic institutes accept ENEM scores, including:

1. University of Coimbra (first to accept ENEM in 2014).
2. University of Lisbon.
3. University of Porto.
4. University of Algarve.
5. New University of Lisbon (NOVA).

A comprehensive list is available on the Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (DGES) website.

The application process for ENEM students

1. Choose a university:
   • Select from the institutions that accept ENEM scores.
2. Check Specific Requirements:
   • Each university sets its own minimum score threshold for ENEM results. For example:
     • Competitive programs like medicine or engineering require higher scores.
     • Less competitive programs may have lower score requirements.
3. Submit Documents:
   • ENEM Score Report.
   • High school diploma (apostilled and translated into Portuguese).
   • Identity document (passport or national ID).
   • Application form and fee payment (usually €50–€100).
4. Await Results:
   • Universities evaluate applicants based on ENEM scores and course capacity.
   • Decisions are typically announced within 1–2 months.

What are the steps to apply for a Portuguese University as an expat?

1. Research Programs:
   • Explore programs and institutions through university websites or platforms like DGES (Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior).
2. Prepare Documents:
   • Academic transcripts, diplomas, language certificates, and a motivation letter.
   • Apostilled and translated documents certified by Portuguese consulates.
3. Application Portal:
   • Public universities: Applications are submitted via the centralized Candidatura Online portal.
   • Private universities: Applications are handled directly by the institutions.
4. Pay Application Fees:
   • Fees range from €50 to €100.
5. Wait for Results:
   • Admissions decisions are typically announced 1–2 months after application deadlines.

How welcoming are the Portuguese Universities for expats?

Portugal is known for its inclusive and friendly culture, making it a popular destination for international students.

Support services for expats

• International Offices: Universities offer dedicated teams to assist with admissions, visa processes, housing, and integration.
• Language Programs: Many institutions provide intensive Portuguese language courses for non-speakers.
• Student Networks: Universities have active expat and international student associations, organizing cultural events and mentoring programs.
• Buddy Systems: Local students often help newcomers settle into university life.

Cultural adaptation

Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and relaxed lifestyle are appealing to expats.

The country’s emphasis on diversity fosters a welcoming atmosphere, with major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra hosting large international communities.

How is the validation of diplomas from expats in Portugal?

If you hold a foreign diploma and wish to study or work in Portugal, validation and recognition are essential.

The diploma recognition process

Portugal follows the Bologna Process, simplifying the validation of degrees obtained in other EU or Bologna-signatory countries.

1. Who Needs Validation?
   • Students with degrees from non-Bologna countries.
   • Professionals aspiring to work in regulated fields such as law, engineering or medicine are the target audience.
2. Types of Recognition:
   • Equivalence: Confirms that the foreign degree matches a specific Portuguese degree.
   • Recognition: It recognizes the foreign degree without providing a direct equivalency.
3. Steps to Validate a Diploma:
   • Submit documents to Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (DGES) or specific universities offering the desired equivalence.
   • Required documents:
     • Original diploma.
     • Transcripts and course descriptions.
     • Apostille is from your home country.
     • Certified Portuguese translations.
   • Pay processing fees (€100–€500 depending on the case).
   • Processing Time: 60–180 days.

How is the Portuguese diploma recognition for other countries?

If you complete your degree in Portugal and wish to use it abroad:

• Under the Bologna Process, EU countries automatically recognize the diploma.
• For non-EU countries, consult local recognition authorities or equivalence processes.

What are the Portuguese visa options for immigrants wishing to study?

Types of student visas

International students need a visa to enter Portugal. There are three main options:

1. **D4 Visa (Higher Education Student Visa):**
   • Eligibility: Students enrolled in full-time bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate programs.
   • Duration: 1 year; renewable annually.
   • Requirements:
     • Letter of acceptance from a university.
     • Proof of financial means (€8,460/year minimum).
     • Health insurance.
     • Accommodation confirmation.
2. **D5 Visa (EU Mobility for Higher Education):**
   • Eligibility: Non-EU students currently studying in the EU who wish to transfer to Portugal are eligible.
   • Duration: Based on program length; renewable.
   • Features: Simplified process for students transferring under exchange programs like Erasmus+.
3. E9 Visa (Short-Term Education):
   • Eligibility: Students enrolling in courses lasting less than a year, such as language courses or professional certifications, are eligible.
   • Duration: Up to 12 months.
   • Requirements: Proof of course enrollment, financial means, and accommodation.

Residence permit

Once in Portugal, students must apply for a residence permit through Agência para Migrações, Integração e Asilo (AIMA).

• Application Fee: ~€150.
• Requirements: passport, visa, enrollment proof, financial means, and proof of housing.

What are the best Universities in Portugal for expats?

Criteria for expats

• Availability of English-taught programs.
• Strong international student networks.
• Proximity to expat-friendly cities.

Top Universities

1. University of Lisbon (Universidade de Lisboa)
   • Specialties: Science, engineering, humanities.
   • Features: The largest university in Portugal boasts extensive research facilities.
   • Why Expats Choose It: There is a diverse international student body and numerous master's programs taught in English.
2. University of Porto (Universidade do Porto)
   • Specialties: architecture, medicine, engineering.
   • Features: world-class facilities and a vibrant expat community.
   • Why Expats Choose It: Renowned academic programs and strong industry links are key factors.
3. University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra)
   • Specialties: Law, humanities, and sciences.
   • Features: Portugal’s oldest university, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   • Why Expats Choose It: Rich history, strong traditions, and a large international student population.
4. Nova University of Lisbon (Universidade Nova de Lisboa)
   • Specialties: economics, law, and biological sciences.
   • Features: Modern campuses and innovative teaching methods.
   • Why Expats Choose It: Highly ranked for business and economics.
5. University of Aveiro (Universidade de Aveiro)
   • Specialties: Environmental sciences, marine research, and technology.
   • Features: Cutting-edge facilities and sustainability-focused programs.
   • Why Expats Choose It: Strong support for research and a serene coastal location are key factors.