You’re sitting on a café terrace in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. It’s Friday, 6 PM, the temperature is 24 degrees Celsius (in October!), and before you stretches the Tejo: a river so wide it looks like the sea. From a side street, you hear fado, the waiter brings pastéis de nata for €1.20 and a galão (the Portuguese equivalent of a café latte) for €1.50. At the next table, three people from your year at Nova SBE are debating a case study due on Monday. A student from Germany, a student from Brazil, a guy from India. You’re the only international student from your country in your year, and that’s what makes you feel special. Six months ago, you were torn between the Netherlands and Denmark. Now, watching the sunset over Lisbon, you know you made the best choice of your life.
Portugal is Europe’s fastest-growing study destination, and yet one of the most underrated by international students. While everyone considers the UK, the Netherlands, or Spain, Portugal is quietly building its reputation as one of the most exciting places to study on the continent: public universities with tuition fees from €697 per year for EU citizens, private business schools ranking in Europe’s top 25 (Nova SBE!), a growing number of English-taught programs, lower living costs than most of Western Europe, phenomenal weather 300 days a year, and a booming startup scene in Lisbon attracting tech companies from around the world.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from choosing a university (Universidade de Lisboa, Porto, Nova SBE, Católica, ISCTE), to tuition and living costs, admission with international qualifications, English-taught programs, NIF and other formalities, and post-graduation career prospects. If you’re looking for study abroad options that combine quality, affordability, and lifestyle – Portugal should be on your list. Read on.
Why Portugal? Eight Reasons
Before we dive into the details, let’s answer the fundamental question: why Portugal, when there are cheaper countries (Germany, Czech Republic) and prestigious universities closer to home (Netherlands, UK)?
1. Public university tuition is €697-1,500 per year. That’s not a typo. Universidade de Lisboa charges around €697/year for most undergraduate programs for EU citizens. Universidade do Porto – similarly. This is cheaper than KU Leuven (approx. €1,000), cheaper than University of Amsterdam (€2,530), and dramatically cheaper than anything in the UK post-Brexit.
2. Nova SBE – a world-class business school. Nova School of Business and Economics is a gem that few outside Portugal know about. Top 25 in Europe according to the Financial Times, recognized by Bloomberg as one of the best business schools globally, with a campus in Carcavelos – literally on the beach near Lisbon. Its Bachelor in Economics and Bachelor in Management programs attract students from 60+ countries.
3. The Weather. Lisbon boasts 300 sunny days a year and some of the mildest winters in Europe (12-16°C in January). Porto is slightly cooler but still warmer than anywhere north of the Alps. If cold winters get you down – in Portugal, they practically don’t exist.
4. Lower living costs than Western Europe. Lisbon and Porto are more affordable than Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, Munich, or Milan. A meal in a student canteen (cantina) for €2-4, a beer for €1.50, an espresso (bica) for €0.70. A room in a shared apartment in Porto for €300-500 per month.
5. Growing number of English-taught programs. Just 10 years ago, studying in Portugal in English was practically impossible. Today, Nova SBE, Católica Lisbon, ISCTE, and increasingly public universities like Universidade de Lisboa and Porto offer undergraduate and graduate programs entirely in English.
6. Erasmus+ – Portugal is a top destination. Portugal is one of the most popular Erasmus+ host countries in Europe. This works both ways – if you’re not ready for a full bachelor’s degree, you can try Portugal for an exchange semester, and then return for a master’s.
7. Lisbon’s startup scene. Web Summit moved to Lisbon in 2016 and is staying until at least 2028. It’s the largest tech conference in the world. Lisbon has become a European hub for startups – companies like Farfetch, Talkdesk, and OutSystems have offices here. For business and IT students, it’s a fantastic environment.
8. Portuguese language as an asset. Portuguese is spoken by 250 million people – in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and many other countries. If you study business and learn Portuguese, you open doors to the Brazilian market (the world’s 9th largest economy). This is something neither the Netherlands nor Denmark offers.
Top Universities – An Overview
The Portuguese higher education system is divided into universidades (universities – more academic, research-focused) and institutos politécnicos (polytechnics – more practical, vocational). For international students aiming for the highest quality, the key institutions are:
Universidade de Lisboa (#173 QS 2025) – the largest and highest-ranked university in Portugal. It was formed by the merger of Universidade Técnica de Lisboa and the old Universidade de Lisboa in 2013. It offers everything – from engineering (Instituto Superior Técnico, IST – Portugal’s top polytechnic) to medicine, law, economics, and humanities. IST is particularly highly regarded in engineering and computer science – it’s Portugal’s equivalent of ETH Zurich on a smaller scale. Campuses are spread throughout Lisbon. Tuition: approx. €697/year for EU citizens.
Universidade do Porto (#246 QS 2025) – the second-best university in the country, located in Porto – a city that regularly wins awards for the best European tourist destination. Porto is cheaper and calmer than Lisbon, with a strong academic tradition. Particularly strong in engineering (FEUP – Faculdade de Engenharia), medicine, and natural sciences. Tuition: approx. €697/year for EU citizens.
Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE) – the star of this guide. Part of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, but it functions practically as an independent business school. Rankings: top 25 in Europe (Financial Times European Business Schools), #1 in Portugal for business and economics. Campus in Carcavelos (20 min by train from central Lisbon) – a modern building by the ocean, with breathtaking views. Programs:
- Bachelor in Economics – 3 years, English-taught, approx. €3,500/year for EU citizens (€7,500 non-EU)
- Bachelor in Management – 3 years, English-taught, identical tuition fees
- Numerous master’s programs (Finance, Management, Economics, Data Analytics)
Nova SBE is the only Portuguese business school with Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB + EQUIS + AMBA) – held by less than 1% of business schools worldwide. Admission is competitive – acceptance rate approx. 25-35%.
Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics – private, Jesuit, prestigious. The second-best business school in Portugal after Nova SBE. Strong in finance and consulting. Bachelor in Business Administration program in English. Tuition: approx. €5,500/year for EU citizens. Campus in central Lisbon. Smaller than Nova SBE, which means a more intimate atmosphere.
ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa – public, but with the spirit of a private university. Very good in business, IT, and social sciences. A growing number of English-taught programs. Tuition: approx. €697-1,100/year for EU citizens. Campus near central Lisbon (by Entrecampos metro station). A great option if you want to study business or IT in Lisbon at public tuition rates.
Universidade de Coimbra – the oldest university in Portugal (founded 1290!) and one of the oldest in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site. The city of Coimbra is the definition of a “student city” – 40,000 students out of 140,000 inhabitants. Cheaper than Lisbon and Porto. Strong academic traditions (capas negras – black academic capes worn by students, Queima das Fitas – end-of-year festival). Strong in law, medicine, and humanities. Tuition: approx. €697/year for EU citizens. English-taught programs are limited but growing.
Costs of Study and Living – A Realistic Budget
This is the section where Portugal truly shines. Let’s start with tuition:
Public universities (EU students): €697-1,500/year. Universidade de Lisboa, Porto, Coimbra, ISCTE – all within this range. This is the official annual fee for bachelor’s degrees, identical for Portuguese and EU citizens. For comparison: studying in the Netherlands is €2,530/year, public universities in Spain – €680-3,000/year.
Business schools and private universities: Nova SBE – €3,500/year, Católica – €5,500/year, other private universities (Universidade Europeia, Lusófona) – €3,000-8,000/year. Even these “expensive” options are cheaper than most universities in the UK or the Netherlands.
Now, living costs – and here Portugal offers something hard to find in Western Europe: affordable prices in one of the continent’s most beautiful countries.
Lisbon (more expensive, but still cheaper than Amsterdam/Copenhagen/London):
- Accommodation: €400-700/month for a room in a shared apartment (districts: Arroios, Penha de França, Intendente, Graça – popular among students, closer to the center). In a dormitory (residência) €200-400/month, but places are limited.
- Food: €150-250/month. University canteen (cantina): €2-4 for a meal. Supermarkets (Pingo Doce, Continente, Lidl) – affordable. Restaurants: menú do dia for €7-10 (soup + main course + dessert + drink!).
- Transport: €30/month (Lisboa Viva sub23 – discounted ticket for those under 23 for metro, bus, tram, train).
- Phone: €10-15/month (NOS, MEO, Vodafone – prepaid cards).
- Total monthly budget: €800-1,200
Porto (cheaper):
- Accommodation: €300-500/month (districts: Cedofeita, Paranhos, Bonfim – near the university).
- Food: €120-200/month.
- Transport: €30/month (Andante sub23).
- Total monthly budget: €600-900
Coimbra (cheapest):
- Accommodation: €200-350/month.
- Food: €100-180/month.
- Total monthly budget: €450-700
Annual budget (tuition + living) in Lisbon at a public university: €10,000-15,000. At Nova SBE: €13,000-18,000. In Porto at a public university: €8,000-12,000. These are some of the lowest study costs in Western Europe. For comparison: a year in Amsterdam is €14,000-20,000, in Copenhagen €10,000-16,000 (without tuition!), in London €30,000-45,000.
English-Taught Programs – What Can You Study in English?
This is a crucial question for international students who don’t speak Portuguese. Good news: the offer of English-taught programs is growing year by year.
Full undergraduate programs in English:
- Nova SBE: Bachelor in Economics, Bachelor in Management – flagship programs, fully in English, with an international class (60+ nationalities).
- Católica Lisbon: Bachelor in Management, Bachelor in Economics – in English.
- ISCTE: selected management and IT programs have English options.
- Universidade de Lisboa (IST): some engineering programs have lectures in English, but the official language is Portuguese – check the specific program.
- Universidade do Porto: a few programs have English tracks, mainly at the master’s level.
Master’s programs in English – the offer here is much broader. Practically every major university in Portugal offers master’s degrees in English in business, IT, engineering, data science, and social sciences.
Realistic advice: if you want to pursue an English-taught bachelor’s degree in Portugal, your main options are Nova SBE and Católica (business/economics) and selected programs at ISCTE and IST. If you’re interested in medicine, law, humanities – you’ll need Portuguese.
But there’s a second approach: learn Portuguese. Portuguese is one of the easier languages for someone who knows English and basic Romance languages. 6-12 months of intensive learning (A1 → B1) is enough to start studying in Portuguese. Many universities offer free Portuguese courses for international students. And knowing Portuguese opens doors not only to Portugal but to Brazil and African markets.
Admissions – How to Apply with International Qualifications?
Admission to Portuguese universities for international students (including those from EU countries) usually follows a separate process than for Portuguese nationals.
Public universities (Universidade de Lisboa, Porto, Coimbra):
International students apply through the Concurso Especial para Estudantes Internacionais (Special Admission for International Students). Required documents:
- Academic transcripts (high school diploma + final exam results) – translated into English or Portuguese, with an apostille.
- Motivation letter (depending on the university).
- Language certificate – IELTS/TOEFL for English programs or a B1/B2 Portuguese certificate for Portuguese programs.
- Passport/ID card.
- CV (for some programs).
The Polish Matura (high school leaving exam) is accepted – your results are converted by the university to the Portuguese scale (0-20). There is no central system like UCAS – you apply directly to your chosen university. Details on converting Polish Matura results can be found here.
Nova SBE and Católica – have their own admission systems:
- Nova SBE: online application, academic results (min. 14/20 on the converted scale), motivation letter, English certificate (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+), possibly an interview. Deadlines: usually March/April (early round) and May/June (regular round). Offers within a few weeks.
- Católica: similar process – online application, results, essay, English. Higher tuition, but scholarships are available.
Academic year: starts in September/October, ends in June/July. Exams in January (winter semester) and June (summer semester). Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year usually open in January-February and close in May-June (depends on the university and round).
Language requirements:
- English programs: IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL 80-94. Nova SBE requires IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90. A comparison of tests can be found here.
- Portuguese programs: CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira) certificate at B1/B2 level, or DIPLE/DAPLE.
Preparing for IELTS/TOEFL at prepclass.io is a solid start. If you’re also considering universities requiring SAT, preparation at okiro.io will help.
Formalities – NIF, Registration, Insurance
As an EU citizen, you have the full right to study and live in Portugal without a visa. However, there are a few formalities you’ll need to take care of upon arrival.
NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) – Portuguese tax identification number. You need it for literally everything: opening a bank account, signing a rental agreement, getting a phone contract, and even for discounts in stores (Portuguese vendors ask for your NIF with every purchase – it provides a tax relief). You can obtain it at Finanças (tax authority) – you’ll need your passport and a Portuguese address (can be temporary, e.g., a hostel). The procedure takes about 30 minutes. You can also arrange it online through an agency service for approx. €30-50.
NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social) – social security number. Needed if you plan to work. Obtained at Segurança Social.
Bank account – open one at a Portuguese bank (Millennium BCP, CGD, Novo Banco) or use Revolut/N26, which work seamlessly in Portugal. You’ll need your NIF to open an account.
Health insurance – as an EU citizen, you are entitled to an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Obtaining an EHIC from your national health service before you leave gives you access to public healthcare in Portugal on the same terms as Portuguese citizens. Additionally, after obtaining your NIF and registering at a centro de saúde (health center), you’ll receive a numer utente (patient number) – this gives you full access to the Portuguese NHS (SNS).
Residency registration – as an EU citizen, you must register with the Câmara Municipal (City Council) if you stay longer than 3 months. You’ll receive a Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da UE. You’ll need: passport, NIF, proof of accommodation, and proof of university enrollment.
Student Life – Lisbon vs. Porto
Lisbon – the capital, the largest city, the center of everything. Student life revolves around several districts:
- Bairro Alto / Cais do Sodré – the epicenter of nightlife. Thursdays and Fridays – student parties in bars where beer costs €1.50-3. Pink Street in Cais do Sodré is an iconic spot.
- Santos / Alcântara – near the Católica campus, many students.
- Carcavelos – beach + Nova SBE campus. Surfing before a lecture is not a joke – you can actually do it.
- Cidade Universitária – district with the Universidade de Lisboa campus, dormitories, and canteens.
Lisbon is a city that never sleeps (at least not before 2 AM), with a fantastic culinary scene (from petiscos – Portuguese tapas – to fusion cuisine), a growing tech scene (Web Summit, Station F Lisbon), and an atmosphere that combines European flair with tropical ease.
Porto – Portugal’s second city, but with its own unique character. Smaller, more intimate, cheaper. Students of Universidade do Porto form a strong community – the tradition of queima das fitas (a festival in May) and tunas (student musical groups) is very much alive here. The Ribeira district by the Douro River (UNESCO) is one of Europe’s most beautiful places. Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the river – port wine cellars, tastings for €5-10. Porto is ideal for someone looking for authenticity, lower costs, and a calmer pace than Lisbon, but still wants a vibrant city.
Coimbra – if you want to experience the purest form of Portuguese student life. A city dominated by its university (1/4 of residents are students!). Academic traditions like nowhere else: black capes (capas), praxe (Portuguese equivalent of hazing, controversial but culturally fascinating), serenades under windows, república (traditional student housing/communes with traditions dating back to the Middle Ages). The cheapest of the three cities, but with a smaller offering of English-taught programs.
Work During and After Studies
During studies: As an EU citizen, you can work in Portugal without any restrictions – you don’t need a work permit, visa, or anything. You simply get your NIF, NISS, and start working. The minimum wage in Portugal is €820/month (gross, full-time) in 2025, which translates to approx. €5.50-6/hour. This is less than in the Netherlands (€13.68/hour) or Denmark, but living costs are also lower.
Popular student jobs: waiting tables in tourist restaurants (tips!), call centers (many international companies have centers in Lisbon – work in English, Polish, German), English lessons, marketing/social media for startups, working in hostels (Portugal is a top tourist destination).
After studies: As an EU citizen, you don’t need any special visa to stay and work. You finish your studies, find a job, and stay. The Portuguese job market is smaller than the German or British one, but it’s growing – especially in sectors:
- Tech/IT: Lisbon is a growing hub – companies like Google, Amazon, Revolut, OutSystems have offices here. Average IT salary: €30,000-45,000/year.
- Consulting/finance: Nova SBE and Católica graduates often join the Big 4, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs (offices in Lisbon).
- Tourism/hospitality: a huge sector, but with lower wages.
- Shared services centers: many international corporations (Siemens, BNP Paribas, Nestlé) have shared service centers in Lisbon – they look for people with knowledge of European languages (Polish!).
Average graduate salary in Portugal: €18,000-25,000/year (gross) – lower than in Western Europe, but growing. Nova SBE and Católica graduates earn more (€25,000-35,000 starting), and many of them go directly to offices in London, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt.
Portuguese as a superpower: If you learn Portuguese during your studies, you open doors to Brazil (200 million people, 9th largest economy in the world), Angola, Mozambique, and African markets. Companies looking for people with Portuguese + English + Polish (or another European language) are a niche where you can be unbeatable.
Erasmus+ in Portugal and Portugal as a Travel Base
Portugal is one of the most popular Erasmus+ destinations in Europe. Every year, thousands of students from across the continent come here for an exchange semester or year. This means that Portuguese universities have well-developed infrastructure for international students – International Offices, buddy programs, language courses, integration events.
If you’re unsure whether you want to commit to a full bachelor’s degree in Portugal, Erasmus is the perfect test. Go for a semester, see for yourself, and then come back for a master’s.
Portugal is also a great base for traveling:
- Cheap flights: Ryanair and Wizz Air fly from Lisbon and Porto to dozens of European cities for €20-60.
- Azores and Madeira: Portuguese islands in the Atlantic – paradise beaches, volcanoes, tropical nature. Flight from Lisbon: 2.5 hours, prices from €50 return.
- Spain: Madrid is 6 hours by bus from Lisbon (or a 1-hour flight for €30). Barcelona, Seville, Valencia – all within reach for a weekend trip.
- Morocco: ferry from Algeciras (Spain, just across the border) to Tangier. Africa at your fingertips.
- Surfing: Portugal is Europe’s surfing capital. Peniche, Ericeira, Nazaré (the world’s biggest waves) – accessible for a weekend trip from Lisbon.
How to Prepare for Your Application – Timeline
Assuming you’re aiming for the 2026/2027 academic year (starting September/October):
January-February 2026: Research universities and programs. Check language requirements. Start preparing for IELTS or TOEFL at prepclass.io. Compare options with other countries – our guide to studying abroad will help.
March-April: Take IELTS/TOEFL. Submit your application to Nova SBE (early round usually in March/April) or Católica. Start gathering documents for public universities.
May: Complete your high school leaving exams. Translate documents. Submit applications to public universities (Concurso Especial). Write your motivation letter.
June-July: Receive offers. Compare, accept the best one. Pay tuition (or the first installment).
August: Obtain your EHIC from your national health service. Book accommodation (dormitory or room – search on Idealista, Uniplaces, OLX Portugal). Buy your flight ticket.
September: Fly to Portugal. Arrange NIF, bank account, transport card. Orientation Week. Start your studies.
Check the exact deadlines on the websites of your chosen universities – each has its own calendar. Our application timeline will help you manage the entire process.
Read Also
- Study Abroad – A Comprehensive Guide for Future Students
- Motivation Letter for Studies in Europe – A Guide
- Study in Spain – IE University, ESADE, Carlos III, and Other Universities
- Scholarships for Studies in Europe – A Guide
- TOEFL vs IELTS – Which Certificate for Studies in Europe?
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary – Why Consider Portugal?
Portugal is probably the best value for money on the European study map. Public universities with tuition fees of €697/year, business schools in Europe’s top 25 (Nova SBE), lower living costs than most of Western Europe, phenomenal weather 300 days a year, the right to work as an EU citizen from day one, a growing tech scene in Lisbon, and a language that opens doors to a 250-million-person market – it’s an offer that’s hard to pass up.
If you’re interested in business and economics, Nova SBE and Católica offer an education comparable to CBS in Copenhagen or Rotterdam School of Management, but in a better climate and for a fraction of the price. If you’re looking for a solid public university with minimal tuition, Universidade de Lisboa with IST (engineering) and Universidade do Porto offer quality for €697 annually. And if you want to immerse yourself in history and academic tradition – Universidade de Coimbra (since 1290!) awaits.
Next Steps
- Research universities – visit the websites of Nova SBE, Católica, Universidade de Lisboa, and Porto. Check English-taught programs and requirements.
- Prepare for IELTS/TOEFL – start studying at prepclass.io, aiming for IELTS 6.5+ for Nova SBE, 6.0+ for public universities.
- Convert your high school results – use our guide to converting results.
- Compare with alternatives – read our guides on studying in Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK.
- Contact us – if you need help with your application, choosing a university, or exam preparation, write to College Council. We’ll help you through the entire process.
See you soon in Portugal!
