Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe and has some of the best universities in the country. It has become a cultural haven for international students due to its beautiful lifestyle and cheap cost of living. In this article, we will be looking at the cheap universities in Lisbon.
Cheapest Universities in Lisbon
1. University of Lisbon
- Portuguese & EU nationals – €1,063
- International – €2,500
This is the largest university in Lisbon with approximately 400-degree programs on offer. It is a haven for international students. There are around 5000 international students studying here, from 100 countries. Its annual holding of cultural events is a testament to its dedication to its international community and the promotion of collaboration between different countries and ethnicities. Students of the University of Lisbon are privileged with experiencing the deep affiliations the university has with various museums, centred in geology, zoology, and even astronomy.
Tuition fees for Portuguese students and students from the EU are towards the higher end of what Portugal charges. However, this cheap university in Lisbon has very affordable fees for international students. This has enticed many international students to study here, in the largest city in Portugal and in one of the most esteemed universities in the country.
2. NOVA University Lisbon
- Portuguese & EU nationals – €870
- International – €7,500
NOVA is one of the newest universities in the city, as can be established from its name. Despite this it has quickly risen through the university rankings and sits at 312th on the list of best universities in the world. NOVA is a cultural pinnacle in Lisbon and relates many of its courses with cultural activities. Approximately 82 of its degree programs are taught in English, which makes it able to give a much wider learning experience to students from all countries. They pride themselves on giving all of their students, including international students, a sense of citizenship and community within Lisbon.
The tuition fees are very low for Portuguese and EU nationals, regardless of their European rankings. However, the international fees are substantial in comparison. There is a lot to be said for the level of commitment that NOVA has towards its international community and, even though the fees are relatively high, it still attracts a vast amount of students from over 100 countries.
3. University Institute of Lisbon
- Portuguese & EU nationals – €1,063
- International – €3,500-€7,000
The University Institute of Lisbon prides itself on being one of the most innovative and dynamic universities in the country. It focuses on giving its students the cultural and technical skills to enable sustainable development at a global level. Giving the students international experience is high on the list of priorities, in order to allow them to develop the necessary skills that are required for the global market. With 22% of its population being international, again, this is a university that has a long cultural reach. It is also a heavily focused research institute and this is key for students wishing to continue onto graduate programs.
The tuition fees for nationals and EU nationals are similar to other cheap universities in Lisbon. Portuguese universities keep these fees within a bracket of €950-€1,250, so it is at the higher end. The international tuition fees do vary depending on the specific course undertaken.
4. Technical University of Lisbon
- Portuguese & EU nationals – €1,250
- International – €7,000
The Technical University of Lisbon is a part of the University of Lisbon, previously mentioned. This particular university excels in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, Science, and Technology. It contains some of Portugal’s most prestigious laboratories. 31% of its international students attend a Ph.D. program giving the university a strong multi-cultural aspect.
Its tuition fees for Portuguese and EU students are at the maximum cost per year. What you are getting for your money is unparalleled compared to the cost. It is heavily focused on educational excellence. Again, the international fees are much higher; however, this is quite a standard price tag for international students wanting to study in Lisbon.
5. Autonomous University of Lisbon
- Portuguese & EU nationals – €2,000 (Approx.)
- International – €3,500 (Approx.)
The Autonomous University of Lisbon is a private institution that excels in scientific and technological education. As well as this it has created interdependency across various international societies so that it is heavily linked with international relations. Surprisingly it does not rank as high, in opinions, as the public universities of Lisbon. However, it does have an incredibly high value as an educational institution.
The tuition fees of private universities are higher than public universities. Generally, the cost of living, on campus, is more expensive as well. This cheap university in Lisbon can offer a very specific and unique experience and so, it is better suited to those wanting access to a specific degree that perhaps the public institutions do not have on offer.
6. Catholic University of Portugal
- Portuguese & EU nationals – €700
- International – €5,800
This Catholic university is a humanistic institution focused on creating educated and competent professionals. It has strong Theology-based programs. Although it is a religious university it still has just under 2000 international students. Although a student does not need to be a devout Catholic, in nature, it is important to remember that this university holds these ideologies in very high esteem and utmost respect for its culture is necessary. Those wanting to develop a career based in theology would be recommended to consider a university such as this.
If you are a resident of Portugal or an EU national, then attending this university is very cheap. Although there is a stark difference between the tuition fees of nationals and international students, it is still a reasonable price to study here if coming from outside of the EU.
7. Lusophone University
- Portuguese & EU nationals – €1,200
- International – N/A
The Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies is the largest private university in Portugal. The chain of universities was created by the private Portuguese investment group, the Grupo Lusofona, and has establishments in many Portuguese-speaking countries. Speaking Portuguese is a major objective of this university. It offers a wide variety of degree programs, from bachelors to PhDs, in many subjects.
As always, the tuition fees for Portuguese and EU students are within the usual price range. If you are wanting to study here as an international student, the cost of tuition is not readily available. It is recommended that if you want to attend this cheap university in Lisbon that you contact them directly to discuss what your tuition fees may amount to, depending wholly on the course that is undertaken.
Lisbon offers a great range of universities to choose from that have excellent world rankings. As well as this important factor, Lisbon can provide a great quality of life with its ‘outdoor culture’, stunning museums, and relatively low cost of living. These are all perfect contributors towards making a decision to become a student here.
I hope that this article on the cheap universities in Lisbon was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
