Study in Portugal Consultants in India
Planning on studying in Portugal? Portugal offers affordable tuition, low living costs, a sunny climate and historic universities, in one of Europe's most welcoming countries. UniLife Abroad helps you choose the right university and apply for a Portugal student visa.
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Good reasons to study in Portugal
Portugal's higher education system has public and private institutions, made up of universities and polytechnics. Universities focus more on theory and research, while polytechnics focus on practical, job-ready education. As the westernmost country of mainland Europe, Portugal also offers a mild climate, a long coastline and historic cities full of culture.
- Affordable tuition and low living costs
- Historic, well-known universities like Coimbra, Lisbon and Porto
- Practical, job-focused degrees at polytechnics
- A sunny climate, beaches and a safe, friendly country
- Part-time work while you study
- A permit to look for work after graduation
Life and benefits of studying in Portugal
Beaches, sunshine, festivals and old cities, in one of Europe's oldest nations.
Sunny and mild
Portugal has a mild climate with long, sunny summers and short winters.
Beaches nearby
A beach is never far away, from Cascais and Porto to the Algarve.
Festivals and culture
Street festivals, fado music, food and a warm, welcoming way of life.
Europe's oldest nation
Portugal has had nearly the same borders for centuries, with castles and historic towns.
Low cost of living
Living costs are lower than in most Western European countries.
Work while studying
Students can work part-time while studying, after informing the authorities.
What our students say
Real experiences from students now studying in France, Germany, Italy and Latvia.
Confused about study abroad? Get clarity now
Explore Portugal as a study destination, discover leading Portuguese universities and get expert guidance in one free call.
Get expert helpWhy Portugal through UniLife Abroad
Honest advice and careful paperwork, from your first call to your first week in Portugal.
The right university for you
We shortlist Portuguese universities and polytechnics that match your profile and budget.
International student route
We guide you through the special admission route for international students.
Honest cost planning
We help you plan tuition, living costs and the funds needed for your visa.
Careful visa file
We check your documents, including accommodation and insurance, before you apply.
One counsellor for you
A dedicated counsellor guides you from shortlisting to your visa.
Free first consultation
Talk to a Portugal expert for free, with no pressure to sign up.
Top universities to study in Portugal
Portugal's universities are in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga, Aveiro and other cities. Here is where they are:
- Lisbon: University of Lisbon, NOVA University Lisbon, ISCTE and Universidade Católica
- Porto: University of Porto and Polytechnic of Porto
- Coimbra: University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world
- Braga and Aveiro: University of Minho and University of Aveiro
- Faro and Évora: University of the Algarve and University of Évora
Universities and colleges our students apply to. Tap a tab to switch.
Course details change every year. We check the latest details for every university on your shortlist.
Fees structure and opportunities in Portugal
The main things to know about universities, English tests, fees, intakes, living costs and work after studies.
Universities and polytechnics
Universities focus on theory and research; polytechnics offer practical, job-focused degrees.
Language
Many master's and some bachelor's programmes are in English. Others are in Portuguese, so check first.
Tuition fees
Public universities usually charge non-EU students about €2,500 to €7,000 a year. Private fees vary.
Intakes
The main intake is in September/October. Some programmes also start in February.
Living costs
About €700 to €1,000 a month. Lisbon and Porto cost more than Coimbra or Braga.
After graduation
Graduates can apply for a residence permit to look for work, usually for up to one year.
Top courses to study in Portugal
English-taught courses in engineering, IT, business, tourism, marine science and more. Tap a course to ask us about it.
Scholarships in Portugal for Indian students
Portuguese universities offer scholarships and fee reductions for strong international students.
University merit scholarships
Fee reductions or scholarships for international students with strong grades.
Polytechnic fee discounts
Some polytechnics offer lower fees or discounts for international students.
Other funding
Some foundations and EU programmes support study and research in Portugal.
Cost of studying in Portugal
Tuition fees and monthly living costs, so you can plan your budget.
| Programme | Fee |
|---|---|
| Public universities: bachelor's (non-EU) | About €2,500 to €4,500 a year |
| Public universities: master's (non-EU) | About €3,000 to €7,000 a year |
| Private universities | About €3,000 to €7,000+ a year |
| Medicine and some specialised courses | Can be €10,000+ a year |
Fees depend on the university and programme. Older guides quote lower fees, but most non-EU students now pay international fees.
| Expense | Per month |
|---|---|
| Rent (room or residence) | €250 to €600 |
| Food | €150 to €300 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | €30 to €40 |
| Phone & internet | €15 to €30 |
| Other needs | €80 to €150 |
Plan about €700 to €1,000 a month. Smaller cities like Coimbra, Braga and Leiria cost less than Lisbon and Porto.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Student visa and residence permit | Government fees apply (we share the current amount) |
| Proof of means | Enough money for your stay, linked to Portugal's minimum wage |
| Health cover | National health service registration or health insurance |
| Accommodation | Proof of where you will live |
Amounts can change. We share the latest figures when you apply.
Quick facts about studying in Portugal
The key details Indian students and parents ask about before choosing Portugal: location, money, language, fees and more, all in one place.
- Affordable fees and living costs
- Part-time work while studying
- A permit to look for work after graduation
- Visa help from our experts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Lisbon |
| Language | Portuguese (English widely spoken in cities) |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time difference | India is 5.5 hours ahead (4.5 in summer) |
| Population | About 10.6 million |
| History | University of Coimbra, founded in 1290 |
| Location | The westernmost country of mainland Europe |
| Higher education | Universities and polytechnics, public and private |
| After graduation | Permit to look for work, usually up to one year |
| Schengen travel | Travel to 29 Schengen countries |
How to apply for a Portugal student visa
Six simple steps, from your university application to your first week in Portugal.
Choose and apply
Choose your university or polytechnic and apply through the international student route.
Get accepted
Receive your letter of acceptance and pay the first tuition fee.
Prepare documents
Prepare proof of means, accommodation, health cover and a police certificate.
Apply for your visa
Apply for a residence visa for study at the Portuguese embassy or VFS centre.
Get your residence permit
In Portugal, apply for your residence permit with AIMA within the visa's validity.
Start your studies
Enrol at your university and renew your permit each year as needed.
Documents required to study in Portugal
How UniLife Abroad helps you study in Portugal
One team for admission, visa and settling in, from your first call to your first week in Portugal.
University and college selection
Guidance on choosing the right university or polytechnic in Portugal.
Course selection
Help picking programmes that match your academic profile and career interests.
Admission help
Help with applications through the international student route.
Student visa help
Help preparing a complete student visa application.
Study permit extension
Support with renewing your residence permit during your studies.
Jobs during and after studies
Help finding part-time work and jobs after you graduate.
Multiple-entry visas
Help preparing multiple-entry visa applications.
Permanent residency guidance
Advice on work permits and long-term residence options.
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Helpful guides for studying in Portugal
Why study in Portugal
Affordable fees, sunshine and historic cities.
Europe study visa interview questions
A complete list to help you prepare.
Places to visit in Portugal
Weekend trips for students.
More European destinations
Beyond Europe
What are you waiting for?
Apply to top universities in Portugal with UniLife Abroad. Call or email us with any questions.
