Bachelor degree in Portugal

Portugal is becoming one of the most favored destinations for those willing to earn their bachelor’s degrees in Europe. The country has numerous courses available in many fields including business, engineering, information technology, tourism, health sciences, and social sciences at both universities and polytechnics in Portugal.

The duration for a bachelor’s degree in Portugal normally ranges from three to four years, which is normally referred to as Licenciatura. Because of the European education system, affordable tuition, and multicultural atmosphere, Portugal might be a good choice for those who plan to build their future in Europe. Some of the main reasons to study in Portugal for international students are:

• Many bachelor's degree programs available
• Study courses in English language
• Reasonably priced tuition fees in comparison with other European countries
• Degrees recognized in Europe
• Possibilities for international students to explore Portuguese culture and way of life

When deciding on study in Portugal as an international student, one should take into account some factors such as admission requirements, tuition fees, language of instruction, deadlines and visa requirements, which are necessary in order to choose the university and degree program. For more info about Bachelor degree in Portugal, you can contact MIE consultants.

Why Study a Bachelor Degree in Portugal?

One of the features that make Portugal appealing to students from abroad is its well-established European higher education system where bachelor’s degree is provided both in universities and polytechnics. The list of undergraduate programs comprises business administration, economics, engineering, computer science, architecture, tourism, communication, health sciences, among others.

Licenciaturas in Portugal usually imply 180-240 ECTS credits and take about three or four years. International students can enter an educational institution in accordance with admission procedures developed for the students with degrees acquired in foreign countries.

However, one should not forget about the general cost of studies and living in Portugal. Tuition fees for international students significantly differ depending on the university and program. Living expenses depend on the city and individual lifestyle. Larger cities, such as Lisbon or Porto, usually imply higher accommodation costs, while in other Portuguese cities students will pay various amounts of money.

One more advantage offered by Portugal is its favorable geographical location and involvement in European higher education system. For those who are thinking of Portugal as a study destination among other European countries, the following aspects are significant:

• Bachelor's degrees lasting three to four years: The majority of Licenciatura programs require 180-240 ECTS credits.
• University vs. polytechnic tracks: Learners have the option of pursuing a more theoretical education at universities or a practice-oriented one at polytechnics.
• Specialties to choose from: Bachelor's degrees can be obtained in the fields of business, engineering, information technology, tourism, architecture, healthcare, etc.
• English-taught programs: Some universities in Portugal provide bachelor's degrees or single subjects taught in English, but the majority of undergraduate programs are in Portuguese.
• Ways for international students to enter: International students can enroll through a special procedure designed for foreign citizens, based on their qualifications and chosen institution.
• Study in Europe: Portuguese higher education operates under the Bologna system and uses ECTS credits in order to provide academic recognition and mobility in Europe.

Best Universities for Bachelor Degrees in Portugal

There are many public universities operating in Portugal which are recognized globally and provide bachelor degree programs in various academic disciplines. Among them, one can point out the University of Lisbon and the University of Porto with a wide choice of disciplines which include engineering, sciences, business, economics, humanities and social sciences.

At NOVA University Lisbon and ISCTE students will find a variety of disciplines related to management, economics, social sciences and technologies. University of Coimbra has a great history of academics and offers a lot of different disciplines, while the University of Minho and University of Aveiro offer programs in engineering, technology, sciences and other academic disciplines.

 Future international students should keep in mind that admission requirements, tuition fees, language proficiency and other conditions of applying to each particular university may be different. Some of the best universities on Portugal are:

• University of Lisbon
• University of Porto
• University of Coimbra
• NOVA University Lisbon
• University of Minho
• University of Aveiro
• ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon

Popular Bachelor Degree Programs in Portugal

There are various options for bachelor's degrees offered in Portugal that cover a diverse array of academic and professional disciplines. Some of the fields include business, engineering, technology, tourism, health sciences, economics, and the social sciences.

 The popularity of a certain program might depend on factors such as the university offering the program, job opportunities after graduation, tuition costs, and the language in which the course is delivered. It is important for international applicants to consider the admission criteria and curricula of each program.

Fields of study that one can pursue through a bachelor's degree in Portugal include:

• Business Administration and Management
• Economics and Finance
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Engineering
• Architecture
• Tourism and Hospitality Management
• International Relations
• Communication and Media
• Psychology
• Biotechnology and Life Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Social Sciences

Admission Requirements for a Bachelor Degree in Portugal

The admission requirements to bachelor’s programs in Portugal will vary depending on the university, polytechnic institutions and program chosen. In most cases, international students will be required to have a secondary school diploma that qualifies him or her to enroll in higher education in his or her country of origin, or a secondary school diploma from Portugal.

 Students applying to Portugal universities or polytechnic schools from outside the EU will use a different process from other students and applications are usually done at the university or polytechnic institution itself. Every university or polytechnic institution can create its own application rules.

It is possible that some programs will require specific subjects or entrance examination especially when the previous education needs to qualify the applicant to pursue the chosen program. Language requirement can also be needed when the program is offered in Portuguese or English.

Foreign diplomas can be presented after official certification and in some cases even an official translation if necessary. Therefore, it is important for students to check the requirements of the chosen institution.

Some of the bachelor degree Portugal admission requirements are:

• Qualification in secondary education or equivalent
• Qualification that ensures entry into higher education in the applicant’s home country
• Transcripts and secondary education certificates
• Entrance examinations or equivalent
• Minimum academic grades as required by the university/program
• Certificate of language proficiency, if required
• Valid passport or ID document
• Educational certificates that need to be authenticated/certified, if required
• Document translation, if required
• Specific program requirements, if any
• Application form along with supporting documents
• Application fees, if applicable

Tuition Fees for Bachelor Degrees in Portugal

The cost of tuition for bachelor’s degree programs in Portugal greatly differs based on whether a student is Portuguese/EU/EEA, and the institution and program he/she will study at. The highest possible cost of tuition for bachelor’s and integrated master’s programs in public HEIs for Portuguese and EU/EEA citizens in the academic year 2025/26 is €697, and the University of Lisbon reports the same €697 fee for the 2026/27 academic year.

 International students pay institution-based fees that might be much higher than the one reported above. For instance, the University of Porto lists the tuition fee for international bachelor’s programs in the interval from €3,500 to €16,500, and the University of Algarve charges €1,500 to €4,500 for certain programs.

Cost of Living in Portugal for International Students

The cost of living in Portugal will vary significantly from city to city, from accommodation type to type, and, above all, from the individual’s lifestyle. Typically, international students who study in Lisbon and Porto usually pay more for accommodation than those who study in smaller cities; at the same time, sharing an apartment or staying in student accommodations can lower monthly costs.

 In addition to accommodation costs, there are other things that one should consider spending money on, such as food, transportation, utility payments, cell phone fees, textbooks, etc. In general, international students in Portugal may expect to spend somewhere between €700 and €1,200 per month, which may vary depending on location and lifestyle. Cost of studying in Portugal is the separate expenses from the cost of living in Portugal for an international student.

Portuguese language requirement B2

In the case of undergraduate courses that use the Portuguese language of instruction, international students will have to prove their command of Portuguese language to such an extent that they can attend classes, work on assignments, and participate in academic activities.

 The CEFR scale is usually used, and B2 level is considered a sign of upper-intermediate language proficiency. However, it may vary from one university and course to another, and the candidates must be aware whether their selected university recognizes a Portuguese language certificate at the B2 level or not. International students can study in Portugal without Portuguese language knowledge give they have a B2 in English, if they are admitted to a program taught in English.

Student Visa Requirements for Portugal

Generally, non-EU and EEA international students as well as those not from Switzerland who wish to undertake a bachelor’s degree program in a Portuguese higher education institution are required to acquire a residence visa for study purposes prior to arriving in Portugal. you can visit aima.gov.pt for more info on residence permit in Portugal.

 This procedure is carried out at the Portuguese consulate or the respective embassy or consulate where the country of citizenship of the applicant resides. Students are supposed to prove that they have been accepted into a higher education institution and that they satisfy the criteria related to accommodation, means, insurance, and criminal record. Upon arriving in Portugal, students may be able to apply for a residence permit at AIMA, allowing them to stay legally in Portugal during their education process.

The list of documents for Portugal student visa requirements are:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Completed visa application form
• Passport size photos
• Letter of university admission or acceptance
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal
• Proof of adequate financial means
• Certificate of criminal record
• Valid travel or health insurance, where necessary
• Proof of transportation or return ticket
• Proof of the fulfillment of the requirements for the study program
• Visa fee payment

Conclusion

Studying for a Bachelor's degree at Portuguese universities opens doors for international students into a varied higher education system in Europe and allows them to select from different disciplines. International students can select from universities and polytechnics that offer Bachelor's degrees in different disciplines like business, engineering, information technology, tourism, economics, and social sciences.

Before applying to any institution, it is crucial to compare different parameters of different programs in order to select one which suits the applicant academically and financially. Thus, Portugal could be a good place for international students who wish to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Europe.