Top Universities in Portugal in 2024: Universities & Fees

Are you interested in studying in a country that seamlessly blends rich historical heritage with modern urban living? Would you like to explore the vibrant music and arts scene alongside your academic journey? Portugal might just be the place for you!

Portugal features universities that primarily focus mainly on research and polytechnics that emphasise practical skills. While most courses are taught in Portuguese, there is an increasing availability of English-taught programs, especially at the Master’s level.

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You’d also be delighted to know that Portugal has 8 universities listed in the QS World University Rankings 2025, ranking within the 1,000 mark.

Excited about studying in Portugal? This guide is your go-to resource for discovering the top universities in Portugal, popular courses along with the tuition fees, available scholarships, and much more.

Key Highlights

Here’s a snapshot of all the information you will read about the top universities in Portugal in this guide. 

Why Study at Top Universities in Portugal?

The University of Lisbon (ULisboa), Portugal’s largest university, was established in 1911 in the capital city. With nearly 50,000 students enrolled, it offers a wide array of subjects and holds a strong international reputation, ranked 260 in the QS University Rankings 2025.

Also, the enrollment rate in higher education in Portugal is 71.87%.

Need more reasons to study at top universities in Portugal? Let’s give you four!

1. Affordable Education

Portugal is known for its affordable studying compared to many other European countries while maintaining high educational standards. This key factor attracts Indian students to pursue master’s courses at the best public universities in Portugal for international students.

For instance, the postgraduate tuition fees in the UK range from approximately INR 9.5L to INR 32L (£9,000 to £30,000) per year, whereas in Portugal, you can pursue a master’s course starting from INR 3.1L (€3,500) per year. 

2. Unique Cultural Experiences 

Portugal offers a rich cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary culture, which you can experience while studying in this beautiful country. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a lively and historic city famous for landmarks like the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and Sao Jorge Castle.

According to Human Resources Portugal, Portugal continues to rank among the top 10 countries worldwide for proficiency in English. Furthermore, as per the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) report, Coimbra in Portugal has the highest proficiency in spoken English. This suggests that language barriers are unlikely to be an issue when studying in Portugal.

3. Safe Country to Study

As of 2024, Portugal is ranked 7th among the safest countries globally. Furthermore, Portugal has maintained a position in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index (GPI) since 2015, initially securing the 8th spot. Studying here means you’ll be in the world’s most peaceful country. 

4. Land of Beautiful Sceneries

Portugal is blessed with stunning landscapes – from the awe-inspiring Benagil Caves to the scenic Penado Geres National Park for hikers. It is no wonder Portugal is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. Studying at the best colleges in Portugal means you’ll have access to all this natural beauty. 

Now that you’re aware of the reasons to study in Portugal, continue reading to explore the top universities in the country.

List of 8 Top Universities in Portugal for International Students

Did you know that through the *Bologna Process, higher education in Portugal is standardised with other European countries? This means that Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees earned in Portugal are recognised and comparable across Europe. 

*Please note: The Bologna Process started in 1999 and involves 48 European countries and organisations like the EUA. Its goal is to improve the quality and recognition of higher education across Europe and to make it easier for students and professionals to study and work across borders.

Several top universities in Portugal welcome international students, including the University of Porto, which is recognised for hosting a diverse student body, with 10% coming from international backgrounds.

Here is a tabulated snapshot of the best universities in Portugal for international students.

Check out the details below, which include the top courses offered, entry requirements, and the average tuition fees at the 8 top universities in Portugal for international students.

1. University of Lisbon

The University of Lisbon is one of the best public universities in Portugal for international students. It hosts over 9,000 international students annually from over 100 countries, accounting for about 17.8% of its total student body. 

What’s more? There are 7 Integrated Master’s Degrees and 209 Master’s Degrees offered across various disciplines and fields of study. 25% of master’s programs are taught entirely in English. 

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the University of Lisbon: one of the top universities in Portugal. 

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Lisbon

• The International Student Statute outlines the admission requirements through the Special Admission Contest for International Students (CEAIEI).
• Must have a ‘Licenciatura’ Degree (1st Cycle or Bachelor degrees) – BSc or an equivalent degree.
• Must have a foreign higher education degree (1st Cycle) that aligns with Bologna Process standards from a participating country.
• Present an academic, scientific, or professional background that the university’s Scientific Board can recognise as equivalent to a 1st Cycle degree.

You must achieve one of the following English proficiency scores. 

2. University of Porto

Founded in 1911, the University of Porto is the second largest university in Portugal in terms of student enrollment after the University of Lisbon. It is well-known for its substantial research contributions within the country.

Master’s degrees at U.Porto last 3 to 4 semesters, which equals approximately one and a half to two years. This duration corresponds to earning 90 to 120 *ECTS credits. Most Master’s programs are structured to be completed within 120 credits.

*The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) measures the workload required for a course unit and helps recognise your academic progress across Portugal and Europe. At U.Porto, 1 ECTS credit equals 27 student work hours, including classes, tutorials, internships, projects, and other activities.

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the University of Porto. 

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Porto

• You must have a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent in the specified fields by the school/faculty.
• You should have a foreign higher education degree that aligns with the Bologna process or is recognised by the University of Porto as fulfilling the objectives of a Bachelor’s degree.
• You must demonstrate an academic or professional career recognised by the University that shows your readiness for the study cycle.

3. University of Coimbra

Next on the list of the best public universities in Portugal for international students is the University of Coimbra. Founded in 1920, the University provides various Master’s programs taught in English and other languages through collaboration agreements, international programs, and partnerships like Erasmus Mundus, MIT Portugal, UT Austin Portugal, and Carnegie Mellon Portugal.

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the University of Coimbra.

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Coimbra

• Bachelor’s degree certificate showing final grades (diploma). Include a transcript with grades for all completed courses (this is a mandatory requirement unless the primary course was completed at the University of Coimbra).
• Resume
• Proof of identification
• Motivation letter

4. University of Aveiro

The University of Aveiro (UAveiro) is a public foundation operating under private law. It is dedicated to advancing graduate and postgraduate education, research, and societal collaboration. It currently serves approximately 17,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, with 9% of them being international students.

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the University of Aveiro: one of the top universities in Portugal for international students. 

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Aveiro

• Identification Document or Citizen Card. 
• Must have a qualification certificate showing the degree you are applying for and your final grade.
• If you have a foreign qualification, include an official declaration from the university where you earned your degree stating your final grade and the grading scale used.
• Transcript of courses you have taken, with grades and credits.

You must achieve one of the following English proficiency scores if applying for a Doctoral Programme in Marketing and Strategy.

5. New University of Lisbon

NOVA University Lisbon, often called NOVA, is a public university established in 1973. It is the youngest among the public universities in the Portuguese capital, earning its nickname as the “New” University of Lisbon.

The university offers Master’s programs in various fields of knowledge, including many programs taught in English, including Law. This makes it a popular choice for international students as well.

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the New University of Lisbon.

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the New University of Lisbon

• Portrait/ID photo
• Traced copy of your identification document (ID, Citizen’s Card, or Passport).
• Curriculum Vitae (in English)
• Academic transcript with a full list of courses and grades (mandatory in English).
• Bachelor’s diploma 
• 1-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 indicates an upper intermediate level of English proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages.

You must achieve one of the following English proficiency scores. 

6. University of Minho

Established in 1973, the University of Minho has campuses at Gualtar, Azurém, and Couros, situated in the historically rich cities of Braga and Guimarães. The University provides a diverse selection of master’s programs, offering around 100 Master’s degrees and 50 PhD degrees across its 12 institutes and schools. 

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the University of Minho. 

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the University of Minho

• Transcript of records from your undergraduate degree showing passing grades and GPA scores​.
• Detailed and updated Curriculum Vitae.
• 2 letters of recommendation
• English Language Proficiency Certificate, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You must review the admission criteria for your chosen master’s program​.
• Must provide a partial transcript of records (ToR) from the current Bachelor’s degree programme, displaying the weighted average at the time of application. For University of Minho students, this can be obtained from the student portal.
• The recommended minimum language levels are B1 for Portuguese and B2 for English.
• If English is not your native language or wasn’t the language of instruction for your previous degree, you need a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5.

7. ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon

Did you know that graduates from ISCTE have an impressive employment rate, nearing 96%?

ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon is recognised as one of the top universities in Portugal for international students, providing a diverse array of programs across various fields of study at all levels of higher education. The university enrols approximately 10,000 students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with nearly 20% representing 80 different countries.

What’s more? Master’s students at the university have opportunities to actively engage in national and international research projects conducted by the institute’s research centres.

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon.

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent in the specified fields by the school/faculty.
• Identity card
• Passport
• Declaration of Honour (available on the application platform)
• University attendance in other countries (if applicable)
• Proof of language proficiency is required, according to the program’s language of instruction (minimum level B1, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). 

Please note: This requirement does not apply to students from Portuguese, Spanish, or English-speaking countries.

8. Catholic University of Portugal (UCP)

Founded in 1967, the Catholic University of Portugal is based in Lisbon and has campuses in 4 cities: Lisbon, Braga, Porto, and Viseu.

There are 7,549 postgraduate students enrolled in non-degree-granting programs. Additionally, 20,387 Master’s degrees have been awarded. The university is home to 3,870 international students and offers 18 Master’s programs fully taught in English.

Here are details of the top master’s courses offered and the average tuition fees you will pay at the Catholic University of Portugal.

Entry Requirements for Master’s Courses at the Catholic University of Portugal

• Must have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent in the fields specified by the school/faculty.
• CV in English showcasing professional experience, international exposure, and extracurricular activities, if relevant. 
• Academic transcript detailing courses, credits, and grades.
• Passport or ID card
• The Master’s degree program requires proficiency at least at the B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). 

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Intakes in Portugal in 2024

Did you know that the total number of students enrolled in higher education in Portugal reached a record high of 4,46,028 for the academic year 2022/2023?

Since you have come this far in the guide, it’s clear you’re also serious about applying to top universities in Portugal in 2024. Now that you know more about these best colleges, you’re likely wondering when and how to apply. This section has all the information you need.

Top universities in Portugal follow a bi-annual intake system, dividing the academic year into 2 main semesters: Autumn and Spring. You can choose either of these intake periods. 

Here are the intake details you must know to study in Portugal. 

Please note: You must visit university websites for specific application deadlines and details.

The 2 intakes cater to 3 application rounds. 

• Round 1 (April to May): This is the first and often most competitive round. If you plan to start in the fall semester, aim to apply well ahead of the deadline.
• Round 2 (June to July): This is a second chance for fall semester students or the main round for those aiming to start in the spring semester.
• Round 3 (August to September): This is the final round, with fewer program options available.

Which Intake Should You Choose? 

The Autumn and Spring intake periods are equally suitable options for studying at the top universities in Portugal. However, before deciding when to start your studies, consider factors such as the availability of your preferred program, entrance exam results, university acceptance rates, job prospects after graduation, and your readiness to begin university.

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5 Popular Courses at Top Universities in Portugal for International Students

Thinking about pursuing a Master’s program in Portugal? You’ll be part of a worldwide group of students attracted to the top universities in Portugal, known for their strong academics, diverse culture, and technological progress.

What’s more? The Portuguese government has introduced a salary bonus for students who complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees while residing in the country. This initiative aims to boost qualifications and is available to both Portuguese citizens and international students. The bonus duration depends on the respective study cycles, offering practical support to recent graduates.

Graduates eligible for the bonus will receive INR 63K (€697) annually for each year of their bachelor’s degree and INR 1.3L (€1,500) annually for each year of their master’s degree.

Here are the top 5 courses you can enrol at the best universities in Portugal.

1. Medicine from the University of Minho

Did you know that the School of Medicine at the University of Minho established the Clinical Skills Laboratory (LAC)? This innovative space is open every day after school hours, allowing you to enhance your clinical skills under the guidance of clinical tutors.

These are the jobs you can get after completing the course. 

2. Data Science from the University of Porto

The Master’s Degree in Data Science will help you focus on practical and applied knowledge achieved through laboratory classes, practical assignments, and collaborative projects. The course is structured to train highly skilled professionals, particularly in the analysis of large volumes of data.

These are the jobs you can get after completing the course. 

3. Architecture from the University of Lisbon

The Master’s degree in Architecture offered by the Lisbon School of Architecture aims to equip students with practical skills focused on project work. Throughout the learning process, you will learn to understand, question, and experiment with ideas, facts, and complex architectural knowledge.

These are the jobs you can get after completing the course. 

4. Biomedical Engineering from the University of Aveiro

The Master’s program in Biomedical Engineering aims to train professionals who can develop innovative technological solutions for healthcare challenges. This includes areas like medical imaging, medical instruments, medical physics, radiotherapy, biomaterials, processing and analysing biomedical signals and bioinformatics. 

These are the jobs you can get after completing the course. 

5. Fine Arts from the University of Porto

The Master’s Degree in Fine Arts focuses on enhancing skills and advancing studies in drawing, sculpture, intermedia, and painting. The program blends theoretical and practical learning, supporting individual projects and growth.

These are the jobs you can get after completing the course. 

Student Visa Application Requirements to Study in Top Universities in Portugal

If you’re a student from a non-EU country (non-EU countries are all countries that are not members of the European Union, including India) and wish to study at the top universities in Portugal, you must apply for a Portugal student visa. Also, if you are granted a study permit, you can work up to 20 hours a week while studying and full-time during holidays.

Read on to learn more about the visa information, including types of visa, application requirements and visa processing time.

Types of Student Visas in Portugal

In Portugal, there are two types of student visas: Short-stay visa (Type C) and Long-stay visa (Type D). 

Read on to learn more about both visa types.

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. A recent colour photograph (2×2 inches) must be included with the application form.
3. A notarised copy of your passport or official travel document valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in Portugal is required.
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 3 months as proof of your financial support.

Here is some additional information you must know when applying for a student visa to study at the top universities in Portugal. 

Scholarships by the Government and Top Universities in Portugal

Did you know that in 2024, 146 Indian students received Erasmus Mundus scholarships across Europe?

Yes, you read that right! Worried about the cost of studying and living in Portugal? Don’t be! There are numerous scholarships available for international students, making studying in Portugal more accessible and affordable.

Well, here is a list of the various scholarship programs offered by the top universities in Portugal and the Government for you to help finance your studies. 

Conclusion

Studying at top universities in Portugal is an exciting and rewarding experience. You will receive an excellent education and immerse yourself in a vibrant culture, making it an ideal place to study. Some of the best universities in Portugal, such as the University of Porto and the University of Lisbon, provide top-notch education and great research opportunities.

Scholarships are also available to help international students, like those offered by the Erasmus+ Programme, which provides significant financial support.

Overall, Portugal is a fantastic choice for students and professionals alike. It offers top-notch academics, career prospects, and a high quality of life. With careful planning, you can make the most of everything Portugal has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions