Portugal offers international students a choice of research universities, specialized institutions, and professionally oriented polytechnics in cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and Faro. When comparing these options, students should look beyond location and rankings to consider academic strengths, teaching language, tuition fees, available funding, and the opportunities each degree can create.
This guide introduces ten of the best universities in Portugal for international students and features the real journeys of nine scholarship recipients and graduates. Their experiences explain how they matched their backgrounds to particular programs, wrote targeted motivation letters, prepared for technical interviews, competed for fully funded Erasmus Mundus and Marie Skłodowska-Curie opportunities, and found salaried doctoral positions through platforms such as Euraxess.
Their outcomes include earning a perfect thesis grade, beginning funded PhDs in the United States and France, pursuing a joint doctorate with universities in Portugal and the Netherlands, and returning home for careers in higher education. Alongside these application strategies and results, you can compare each institution’s admissions information, tuition fees, scholarships, academic focus, and international study opportunities.
| University | Selected Academic Areas |
|---|
| University of Lisbon | Engineering and Technology, Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics |
| University of Porto | Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Business, and Arts and Humanities |
| NOVA University Lisbon | Social Sciences, Business, Engineering and Technology, and Health Sciences |
| Catholic University of Portugal | Business and Economics, Law, Health Sciences, and Arts and Humanities |
| University of Aveiro | Engineering, Materials Science, Telecommunications, and Robotics |
| Polytechnic University of Lisbon | Engineering, Communication, Arts, and Health Sciences |
| University of Coimbra | Science and Technology, Medicine, Law, and Humanities |
| ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon | Business, Social Sciences and Public Policy, Technology, and Architecture |
| University of Algarve | Marine Sciences, Tourism and Management, Health Sciences, and Engineering |
| University of Minho | Engineering, Sciences, Education and Psychology, and Social Sciences and Humanities |
Top Universities in Portugal for International Students
1. University of Lisbon (ULisboa)
The University of Lisbon is one of the best universities in Portugal for international students. In 2013, the former University of Lisbon merged with the Technical University of Lisbon, and the new institution kept the University of Lisbon name. This institution offers high-quality education through its 18 schools and a wide range of research units. The university excels in several areas of study, including engineering and technology, computer science, physics, and mathematics.
With its slogan, “A university from Lisbon to the world,” ULisboa is strongly international in outlook. It is a people-oriented university that provides a great academic and living experience for international students. Its main setting is Lisbon, the cosmopolitan capital city of Portugal. ULisboa also offers sports infrastructure, museums, cultural sites, botanical gardens, and many other academic and cultural facilities.
One student’s journey: Ioanna is pursuing a double PhD in disease modelling at the University of Lisbon and Utrecht University through the EU-funded MSCA ORGESTRA doctoral network. She began looking and applying about a year before her intended PhD start, used Euraxess to find funded projects, prepared translated English-language documents early, and says applicants should make their strongest skills explicitly match the research project’s goals. Her doctoral position is funded through a fixed-term employment contract with FCiências.ID rather than a conventional scholarship. View More University of Lisbon recipients →
2. University of Porto (UP)
The University of Porto is one of Portugal’s leading public universities and is especially noted for teaching and research. Its research ecosystem includes associated research institutes such as i3S and INESC TEC, both of which contribute to research in health sciences, technology, engineering, and related fields.
It has 15 faculties, Porto Business School, and a broad network of research units and associated laboratories. The academic programs offered at the University of Porto are among the most diverse in Portugal, with hundreds of programs and courses designed to provide students with strong academic and professional skills. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, U.Porto is ranked 237th globally.
This top university in Portugal has one of the largest student communities in the country. Aside from diverse programs, the institution includes arts, music, sports, and culture in the academic experience. Its historic academic presence in Porto is supported by ongoing investment in teaching, research centers, and student facilities.
Damilola Olorunshola’s path to University of Porto: Damilola Olorunshola, a Nigerian Politics, Philosophy & Economics graduate, entered the Erasmus Mundus EIMAS master’s, whose first semester was at the University of Porto, after being selected from 500+ Nigerian applications for a 14-student cohort spanning five continents. She credits a deeply personal motivation letter connecting her experience growing up around women entrepreneurs in Lagos with her research interests in MSMEs; she tailored her documents to the programme’s modules, institutions, values, and expectations. Funded by the fully funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship, she completed the multi-university degree and earned a 1.0 (100%) grade on her fourth-semester thesis. View More University of Porto recipients →
3. NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA)
Founded in 1973, NOVA University Lisbon is one of Portugal’s newer public universities and has become a highly regarded institution with nine academic units. Its academic programs are especially strong in fields such as social sciences, business, engineering and technology, health, and science. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, NOVA is ranked 337th globally.
An entrepreneurial mindset is also cultivated among its students. Moreover, NOVA is committed to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and develops its initiatives across its academic units. Since NOVA values mutual knowledge, understanding, and respect, it encourages a close relationship among students and teachers.
Student associations are a big part of university life, which is welcoming to international students. For prospective international students who need additional preparation, NOVA offers the SUPERNOVA Foundation Programme, which helps students prepare for undergraduate studies and adapt to the Portuguese higher education system.
One student’s journey: Alexander Ryusandi Pratama entered the 120-ECTS TISE Erasmus Mundus joint master’s, whose Portugal semester is taught at NOVA University Lisbon. For the application, he broke down the program’s priorities—systems thinking, transition design, and interdisciplinary work—then matched each to evidence from his projects, research, and leadership; he also organized his documents early and rewrote his statement so its major claims were backed by concrete examples. His degree was fully funded by the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship, including tuition and living support.
View More NOVA University Lisbon recipients →
4. Catholic University of Portugal (Católica/UCP)
The Catholic University of Portugal, one of the best universities in Portugal, started with the Faculty of Philosophy in Braga in 1967. It was established by the Holy See and later recognized by the Portuguese state as a non-state institution of public interest. The Catholic University of Portugal has campuses and regional centers in Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Viseu. In addition, the mission of Católica is to provide teaching and research without neglecting social responsibility and the common good.
Católica’s faculties and schools cover areas such as education sciences, economics, arts and humanities, bioengineering, biosciences, law, theology, health sciences, and business. UCP participates in international academic events and programs such as Erasmus, and its student body includes students from more than 110 nationalities.
5. University of Aveiro (UAveiro)
The University of Aveiro is a public university that also provides polytechnic education. Founded in 1973, this institution has since been teaching in several fields of knowledge. Its academic structure includes 16 departments and four polytechnic schools, encouraging knowledge-sharing between practical teaching and research.
UAveiro is known as an innovative university in Portugal, with strengths in areas such as science, technology, engineering, materials, telecommunications, and robotics. On its campus, students can find modern buildings, green spaces, a media library, and multisport facilities. In addition, this university is located in Aveiro, a city known for its canals, coastal setting, and proximity to the Portuguese coastline.
6. Polytechnic University of Lisbon
The Polytechnic University of Lisbon, formerly known in English as the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, is a public higher education institution located across the Lisbon metropolitan area. Established in 1985, it emphasizes applied education, professional preparation, and cooperation with employers and the wider community.
The university consists of eight specialized schools: the School of Communication and Media Studies, School of Dance, Lisbon School of Education, Lisbon School of Music, Lisbon Theatre and Film School, Lisbon School of Health, Lisbon Accounting and Business School, and Lisbon School of Engineering. Together, they offer bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate programs in areas such as engineering, accounting, management, communication, education, health technology, music, dance, theatre, and film.
Programs generally combine academic study with practical and professionally oriented training. Applications from international students are handled by the individual school offering the chosen program. Since most complete degree programs are taught in Portuguese and only a limited selection of courses is available in English, prospective students should confirm the language of instruction before applying.
One student’s journey: Nilufar Khalikulova completed the 2023–2025 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Play, Education, Toys and Languages across the University of Córdoba, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, and Marmara University, with Lisbon forming part of the degree itself rather than an exchange visit. She spent several months preparing her CV, motivation letter, and academic narrative, connecting her translation background with direct teaching experience in inclusive settings; she had also earned an IELTS score of 7.5 and says that practical work with children strengthened her application. Supported by the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarship, she later returned to Uzbekistan and became an Academic Advisor at Webster University in Tashkent, with teaching also planned for the following academic year. View More Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon recipients →
7. University of Coimbra (UC)
The University of Coimbra offers an innovative academic system in a World Heritage university. This unique experience is what students can expect at the University of Coimbra, since this institution values knowledge transfer for the benefit of society and well-being. Founded in 1290, UC is one of the oldest universities in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.
In addition, UC supports innovation through structures connected with entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and business incubation, including IPN Business Incubator and other innovation partners. The University of Coimbra also regularly appears in international university rankings and continues to attract students from Portugal and abroad.
Syed Zeeshan Abid’s path to the University of Coimbra: After a BSc in Space Science and two years in scientific software roles, Syed Zeeshan Abid joined the 120-ECTS GeoPlaNet Erasmus Mundus Joint Master and studied at the University of Coimbra, ultimately completing his master’s thesis there with full funding from the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship. He said his motivation statement was the main application effort; shortlisted candidates face an interview, and his advice is to know your CV and motivation letter thoroughly, explain past research clearly, and give a concrete reason the curriculum and mobility path fit you. After the master’s, he was preparing his thesis as a first-author paper for Astronomy & Astrophysics and applying for PhD positions in planetary and stellar dynamics. View More University of Coimbra recipients →
8. ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE)
ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon was founded in 1972 and became a public foundation under a private-law regime in 2009, while maintaining its role as a public university. ISCTE is known for teaching and research in areas such as business, social sciences, public policy, technology, architecture, and digital transformation.
Through its academic programs, ISCTE cultivates transferable competencies such as strong communication, problem-solving, and a positive attitude. Aside from internationally recognized research centers, ISCTE has a wide range of study areas and emphasizes employability, applied research, and contributions to local and global sustainable development.
One student’s journey: Federica Gatti came to ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon for a PhD in Telecommunications Engineering after three years in telecom R&D, choosing an industrial-academic project that closely matched her previous work. For her fully funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network fellowship, she tailored her CV and motivation letter to the project and went through three English-language interviews; the final interview required a short technical presentation and follow-up questions, while neither the GRE nor IELTS was required. She says her hands-on optical-lab experience, telecom background, and confidence discussing the technical presentation helped her stand out. View More ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon recipients →
9. University of Algarve (UAlg)
The University of Algarve believes in “people and synergies,” encouraging closer education and more collaboration. UAlg provides high-quality teaching in many fields, including arts, communication and heritage, economics, management and tourism, science and health technologies, exact and natural sciences, social sciences and education, and engineering and technologies. Its research centers cover areas such as marine sciences, biomedicine, electronics, chemistry, arts and communication, and social sciences.
This top university in Portugal for international students welcomes about 2,000 international students from more than 101 nationalities each year, and students are greeted with a modern learning environment on its campuses in Faro and Portimão. Its proximity to Faro International Airport strengthens its international profile, helping establish it as a gateway to Portuguese higher education.
One student’s journey: Lokesh Pawar, an Indian fisheries graduate, enrolled in the International Master of Science in Marine Biological Resources and completed his first two semesters at University of Algarve as part of the joint degree. He recalled competing in a pool of more than 700 applicants and credited his relevant academic background, practical skills, well-rounded CV, and clear motivation with helping him secure a place; he chose the program after also winning another fully funded Erasmus Mundus offer because its multi-country structure and marine-science focus suited his goals. His studies were funded through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship, and he later moved through Ireland and Sweden before conducting his master’s thesis in France. View More University of Algarve recipients →
10. University of Minho (UMinho)
The University of Minho, one of the best universities in Portugal for international students, is a vibrant institution founded in 1973, with academic activity beginning in 1974. It offers degrees and specialized training courses in many areas, including the sciences, education, architecture, psychology, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
The university encourages interdisciplinary approaches and a close professor-student relationship. For international students, UMinho has a Preparation Course for International Students designed for students who completed upper-secondary education abroad and want academic preparation before starting a bachelor’s or integrated master’s degree. Its three campuses, Gualtar, Azurém, and Couros, are located in the historical cities of Braga and Guimarães and provide various cultural and sports activities, medical and psychological support, and living and mobility facilities.
FAQs: Studying in Portugal
Is Portugal a Good Place for International Students to Study?
Yes, higher education in Portugal includes both research-oriented universities and profession-oriented polytechnics. Most programs are taught in Portuguese, but several are in English, especially at the graduate level.
Tuition in Portugal varies by institution, program level, and student status. For 2025/2026, public bachelor’s and integrated master’s tuition for EU and qualifying resident students is often around €495 to €697 per year, while non-EU students under the International Student Statute usually pay higher fees set by each university and program. Private universities and some graduate programs can cost more, so students should always check each university’s current tuition page before applying. Portugal also offers higher education grants and scholarships, but eligibility depends on factors such as residence status, financial need, degree level, and the specific scholarship program.
The living cost in Portugal is relatively affordable compared with many Western European destinations, but costs depend strongly on the city and housing type. Many international students should plan for about €700 to €1,100 per month before tuition, with Lisbon and Porto generally costing more than smaller cities. Students can find accommodation through university residence halls, private rentals, and shared housing. Student cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra combine a vibrant lifestyle with the country’s historical architecture and make an exciting environment for students.
Can International Students Work in Portugal While Studying?
International students may work in Portugal as long as the work is compatible with their studies and immigration or residence conditions. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals may work without a work visa, but students staying in Portugal for more than three months should register their residence with the local municipal council.
Non-EU students generally need the appropriate study visa and residence permit and must follow current AIMA requirements when working, renewing status, or changing residence purpose. Depending on the situation, students may need valid residence documentation, an employment contract or service activity, and tax or social security registration. Before accepting work, non-EU students should confirm the current rules with AIMA and their university’s international office.
Can International Students Stay in Portugal After Graduation?
After graduation, international students may stay in Portugal if they have a valid legal basis for residence, such as work, highly qualified activity, research, self-employment, family reunification, or another eligible residence route. EU nationals can work under EU free movement rules, but they should keep their residence registration in order if they remain in Portugal long term.
For non-EU nationals, Portugal’s immigration authority is now AIMA. Graduates should therefore check AIMA and the official Portuguese visa portal for current post-study and work-residence options.
Temporary residence permits and renewals have their own validity periods, documents, and deadlines depending on the applicant’s route. Students should check the current AIMA and gov.pt guidance for exact requirements for employed workers, researchers, self-employed workers, highly qualified professionals, and EU Blue Card applicants. Most universities also have their own job boards and career platforms coordinated with the community’s needs, and there are employment centers in cities across Portugal.
We hope that this article on the best universities in Portugal for international students was helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
