Low Tuition Universities in Portugal with Tuition Fees

The beautiful scenery, exciting mixture of old buildings and new life, and the affordable lifestyle that accompanies studying in Portugal are just a shortlist of the advantages for international students in Portugal.

In this article, I have included a list of low-tuition universities in Portugal, tuition fees, costs of living, admission requirements, how to apply and lots more. I will like to describe Portugal and Portuguese higher education before continuing. 

With a small number of universities from which to choose, and owning the third most widely spoken language in Europe outside of English and Spanish, this country is a huge draw for international students. The excellent education and beautiful Mediterranean climate make Portugal a top choice for international students around the world.

Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve’s beaches are a major destination and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s–1800s when Portugal had a powerful maritime empire.

Higher Education in Portugal

Higher education in Portugal is divided into two main subsystems: university and polytechnic education. Portuguese universities have existed since 1290. The oldest such institution, the University of Coimbra, was first established in Lisbon before moving to Coimbra.

Why Study in Portugal

Below are why I think you should study abroad in Portugal as an international student.

• Attend some of the famous and well-ranked European universities
• Availability of most popular study fields in Portugal
• The low cost of tuition and the equally affordable cost of living will impress international students choosing to study in Portugal. On average, tuition is $1,500 USD per undergraduate year. This also depends on the degree level at which a student attends. (Xanax) The cost of living is a surprising 600-800∈ each month.
• Sightseeing in Portugal is full of big surprises
• Fantastically unique food and wine
• Chance to learn Portuguese – a global language
• Enjoy the lovely weather
• Portugal welcomes you with open arms
• It’s a small country
• It opens up doors for your future
• Portugal is a safe stable place to study.
• Due to the emphasis on education and culture, there are several ways that international students studying in Portugal can become a part of the life of Portugal. There are several sports and clubs on each individual campus and opportunities within the communities to be involved.
• The educational quality of studying in Portugal dates back to 1290AD when the ninth oldest university in the world was established and the standard of education was cultivated.
• There are two types of education offered—University and polytechnic. Within these large institutions, smaller subcategories of study make studying in Portugal ideal.
• Why study in Portugal? It isn’t just Portugal! Africa is a great tie to Portugal and it will enrich students’ lives as they study in this unique country. Brazil is another strong tie that provides great education and association with Portugal.
• With the exciting Bologna Accords and the continued union between most European nations, transferring between two, three or even four universities is possible throughout Europe. International students who wish to gain life and experience in several places instead of just one have this opportunity when they study in Portugal.

Cost of Living in Portugal

The costs of living in Portugal is meager and affordable when compared to places like the UK, USA or Australia. Although the cost of living in Portugal has increased in recent years, it’s still a relatively affordable place to live. According to research, living costs generally depend on the location and the student’s lifestyle.

Accommodation will be your biggest monthly spend, and the cheapest option is to live in your university’s halls of residence, which is likely to cost between €165-230 (~US$190-260) a month, whereas renting an apartment in private accommodation could cost in the region of €400 (~US$450) each month.

You will need around €7,800-10,200 (~US$8,830-11,550) a year to cover your living expenses. Living in large cities like Lisbon will cost you more. So, you can stay in minor cities if you want your living costs to reduce.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate applications to study in Portugal are made through a centralized online system, called Candidatura Online, which allows applicants to choose up to six programs in order of preference.

As well as submitting evidence of your secondary level qualifications, you are likely to need to sit an entrance examination in your home country; public universities use the national exam, while private universities have their own. If studying in Portuguese (as is likely) you’ll need to prove your proficiency in the language.

Prospective graduate-level students should apply directly to the universities in Portugal they wish to study at, submitting all the required documents, including proof of previous qualifications.

Tuition Fees in Portugal

Tuition fees is not the same for all universities as Portuguese universities set their own fees. It might interest you to know that public institutions are likely to charge less than private universities.

Tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s degrees average around €950-1,250 per year (~US$1,075-1,415), while fees for doctorate programs are around €2,500-3,000 per year (~US$2,830-3,400).

How to apply to Universities in Portugal

Undergraduate applications to study in Portugal are made through a centralized online system, called Candidatura Online, which allows applicants to choose up to six programs in order of preference.

As well as submitting evidence of your secondary level qualifications, you will likely need to sit an entrance examination in your home country; public universities use the national exam, while private universities have their own. If studying in Portuguese (as is likely) you’ll need to prove your proficiency in the language.

Prospective graduate-level students should apply directly to the universities in Portugal they wish to study at, submitting all the required documents, including proof of previous qualifications.

Visa Application and requirements 

Those from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who intend to study in Portugal for longer than three months must apply for a residence visa (Visto para residencia) before entering the country. This can be applied for through your nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate and requires:

• Passport valid for at least three months after the end of your course;
• A completed application form;
• Letter of acceptance from a Portuguese university;
• Academic transcript;
• Photocopy of key passport pages;
• Three passport-sized photos;
• Police record of good conduct;
• Copy of health insurance;
• Proof of sufficient funds – either a bank statement or grant/scholarship.

Your visa will cost a maximum of €170 (~US$190) and will take two or three months to be issued, so you should apply in good time. Students from within the EU should apply for an EU citizen residence card within four months of arriving in Portugal and pay a small fee for this.