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

The beautiful scenery, the exciting mix of old buildings and new life, and the affordable lifestyle that comes with studying in Portugal are just a list of the advantages for international students in Portugal.

With a small number of universities to choose from and the third most widely spoken language in Europe apart from English and Spanish, this country is a huge draw for international students. The excellent education and the beautiful Mediterranean climate make Portugal one of the best options for international students from all over the world.

Portugal is a country in southern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: grilled cod and sardines are national dishes, the Algarve’s beaches are a major destination, and much of the nation’s architecture dates back to 1500- 1800 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 been around 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 the reasons why I think you should study abroad in Portugal as an international student.

• Attend some of the well-ranked and famous European universities
• Availability of the most popular fields of study in Portugal
• International students who choose to study in Portugal will be impressed by the low cost of tuition and the equally affordable cost of living. On average, tuition is $1,500 USD per undergraduate year. This also depends on the grade level a student attends. The cost of living is a staggering 600-800∈ every month.
• Tourism in Portugal is full of great surprises.
• Fantastically unique food and wine.
• Opportunity to learn Portuguese, a global language
• Enjoy the lovely weather
• Portugal welcomes you with open arms.
• It’s a small country
• Open doors for your future.
• Portugal is a safe and stable place to study.
• Due to the emphasis on education and culture, there are several ways international students studying in Portugal can become a part of Portuguese life. There are various sports and clubs on each individual campus, as well as opportunities within the communities to get involved.
• The educational quality of studying in Portugal dates back to 1290AD when the ninth oldest university in the world was established and the level of education was cultivated.
• Two types of education are offered: university and polytechnic. Within these large institutions, there are smaller study subcategories that make studying in Portugal ideal.
• Why study in Portugal? It’s not just Portugal! Africa is a great link with Portugal and will enrich students’ lives by studying in this unique country. Brazil is another strong draw providing great education and association with Portugal.
• With the exciting Bologna Agreements and the continuing union between most European nations, transfer between two, three, or even four universities is quite possible throughout Europe. International students who want 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 cost of living in Portugal is extremely low and affordable compared to places like the United Kingdom, the United States, or Australia. Although the cost of living in Portugal has increased in recent years, it is still a relatively affordable place to live. According to research, the cost of living generally depends on the location and lifestyle of the student.

Accommodation will be your biggest monthly expense, and the cheapest option is to live in your university’s residence halls, which are likely to cost between €165-230 (~US$190-260) a month while renting an apartment in a hostel private 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 big cities like Lisbon will cost you more. Therefore, you can stay in lesser cities if you want to lower your living costs.

Admission requirements

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

In addition to submitting evidence of your secondary level qualifications, you will likely be required to take an entrance exam in your home country; public universities use the national exam, while private universities have their own. If you study in Portuguese (as is likely), you will need to prove your command of the language.

Prospective postgraduate students must apply directly to the universities in Portugal where they wish to study, submitting all required documents, including proof of previous qualifications.

Tuition fees in Portugal

Tuition fees are not the same for all universities, as Portuguese universities set their own fees. You may be interested 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 Ph.D. programs hover 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 Online Application, which allows applicants to choose up to six programs in order of preference.

In addition to submitting evidence of your secondary level qualifications, you will likely be required to take an entrance exam in your home country; public universities use the national exam, while private universities have their own. If you study in Portuguese (as is likely), you will need to prove your command of the language.

Prospective postgraduate students must apply directly to the universities in Portugal where they wish to study, submitting all 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 more than three months must apply for a residence visa (Vista para residency) before entering the country. This can be requested 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;
• Acceptance letter from a Portuguese university;
• academic transcript;
• Photocopy of the key pages of the passport;
• Three passport-size photos;
• Police record of good conduct;
• Copy of health insurance;
• Proof of sufficient funds, either a bank statement or scholarship/scholarship.

Your visa will cost a maximum of €170 (~US$190) and will take two to three months to issue, so apply well in advance. EU students must apply for an EU citizen residence card within four months of arriving in Portugal, and pay a small fee for it.

Is it possible to learn in Portuguese universities using the English language?

Yes, most schools in Portugal teach students in English. Some Portuguese universities teach some of their courses using the English language as the language of instruction.

In addition, some schools such as the Lisbon School of Economics and Management teach 2 undergraduate courses and 5 master’s courses in English. At the University of Porto, many master’s and doctoral programs are taught entirely in English.

What this means is that if as an international student you choose to study in English, there is a place for you in some Portuguese universities.

Can I find universities in Portugal that offer free studies for international students?

Without mincing words, there are no free universities in Portugal for Portuguese citizens or international students.

But what we are sure of is that you can be sure to find cheap and affordable universities in Portugal for international students.

Some of these cheap colleges include;

#1 University of Porto

• Founded: 1836
• Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 3,500 ($4,180), Postgraduate EUR 3,500 ($4,180)
• The University of Porto is one of the cheapest universities in Portugal for international students. Although it began as a Polytechnic Academy and Medical-Surgical School, in 1911 it was granted university status.
• In Portugal, you can estimate the University of Porto as the second largest university with a population of more than 32,500. About 18% of the total registration represents international students.
• This figure is learned in the 15 subdivision schools that include; Faculties of Architecture, Economics, Dentistry, Fine Arts, Engineering, Letters, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Psychology, Sports, Business, Biomedical Sciences, and Sciences.
• Visit the school website

#2. University of Minho

• Founded: 1973
• Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 4,500 ($5,380), Postgraduate EUR 6,500 ($7,760)

The very affordable tuition fees of the University of Minho make it one of the universities considered a free university in Portugal for international students. It has 3 campuses in Braga and 1 in Guimarães.

These campuses offer schedules in the areas of Arts and Human Sciences, Architecture, Social Sciences, Education, Psychology, Engineering, Economics and Administration, Law, Medicine, and Sciences.

Although it is one of the youngest universities in Portugal, it is one of the best institutions in the world under 50 years old. In addition, she is one of the best in the country in terms of education and influence. 

Visit the school website

#3. The University of Evora.

• Founded: 1559
• Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 2,500 ($2,985), Postgraduate EUR 2,500 ($2,985) 

The University of Évora is the second oldest university in Portugal and we consider it one of the free universities for international students.

As a renowned university, the school offers a large number of courses, such as Arts, Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Health and Human Development, and Nursing, except Medicine, Civil Law, and some Canon Law.

Évora has a student population of around 10,500 students, of which 1,000 are foreigners from more than 70 countries. 

Visit the school website

#4 University of the Algarve

• Founded: 1589
• Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 3,000 ($3,585), Postgraduate EUR 2,000 ($2,390) 

Located in the south of Portugal, it is one of the universities in Portugal that can be considered a free university for international students.

Through its 2 campuses; Faro and Portimão, UAlg hosts only a small student population with around 19% coming from over 70 countries.

We can trace this number to its cheap tuition as well as quality education. To date, it is one of the best in Portugal and in Europe in general. 

Visit the school website

#5 University of Lisbon

• Founded: 1290
• Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 3,000 ($3,585), Postgraduate EUR 5,000 ($5,970)

The University of Lisbon is undoubtedly the largest educational institution in Portugal. This university emerged as a confederation of 2 universities and currently has around 49,000+ students. 15% of the student population are foreigners. 

The university is currently listed as the 28th-best institution in the European Teaching Rankings.

This world-class institute offers more than 400-degree courses that are subdivided into faculties/schools of Fine Arts, Architecture, Law, Pharmacy, Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Letters, Psychology, Human Motricity, Social Sciences, Education, Agronomy, Geography and Territorial Planning, Social and Political Sciences, Engineering and Economics and Management.

Visit the school website

#6. University of Beira Interior

• Founded: 1979
• Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 5,000 ($5,970), Postgraduate EUR 1,500 ($1,790)

Here is a public educational institution that offers its degrees in an affordable course. We can find the University of Beira in Covilhã.

This is one of the Portuguese universities that has an expanding international society despite having a low acceptance rate. About 18% of its more than 7,100 students are international students.

We can trace this number to being attracted by the reputation of the university. This school is listed in the Young University rankings as well as the Impact Rankings.

Visit the school website

#7. ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon

• Founded: 1972
• Annual tuition fees: Undergraduate EUR 5,500 ($6,570), Postgraduate EUR 3,000 ($3,590)

Last on our list of cheap and affordable universities in Portugal that are considered free schools for international students.

Following its transformation into a foundational university, ISCTE – Instituto Universitario de Lisboa has expanded its offering to postgraduate courses.

Currently, the university has more than 9,000 students registered in the Schools of Business, Social and Human Sciences, Sociology and Public Policy, and Technology and Architecture. It also has research units in the areas of Business, International Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Socioeconomics, Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Architecture.

Visit the school website

Frequently Asked Questions about Free Universities in Portugal for International Students

If I want to work and study, can I do it as an international student in Portugal?

Absolutely.

International students are eligible to work in Portugal.

As is the case with most European universities, international or foreign students can work without restrictions. 

But working means that students outside the EU/EEA can pursue casual part-time work for up to 20 hours per week.

Working while you study is one of the ways to pay your fees if you don’t make it to tuition-free universities in Portugal for international students.

Universities Portugal: How many are there?

Portugal is home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Its universities have lived since the beginning of the 13th century. 

However, following the 2020 statistics, Portugal is home to 50 public higher education institutions. In addition to this, there are a handful of various private universities and polytechnics.

And interestingly, 12 of these higher education institutions rank at the top of the

World University Rankings list.

Is it possible to study in Portugal if you can only speak English?

No, you cannot study in Portugal using only English. But that does not mean that there are no English teaching programs in Portuguese universities.

Portuguese is actually the main language of instruction in Portuguese universities. As we said before, there are several universities that offer English teaching programs.

To simplify this piece of the puzzle, consult the brochure of your preferred university and discover the relevant courses taught in English.

If that is your preferred option, you have just been blessed!!!

Studying at a Portuguese university; What should I budget for as a cost of living?

As we said, there are no free universities in Portugal for international students. However, you can get a low tuition fee at some universities in Portugal.

Talking about the cost of tuition, tuition fees and the cost of living in Portugal are relatively much lower than in most European countries.

Since there are cheap universities in Portugal for international students, students who take advantage of that do so at considerably less cost.

The cost of studying in Portugal based on our research estimate for the academic year from a single university is around $1500 USD.

And the average cost of living at most is $900 USD per month.

Summary

Portugal is a great place to study.

Not only does it give you the chance to get a degree program from the best academic hands, but it also gives you the opportunity to learn the third most famous language in the world.

We hope you will make the most of this post about low-tuition universities in Portugal, which can be seen as free universities for international students.