Portugal is a desirable choice for international students seeking to earn their degrees in top-notch universities in this beautiful country with a vibrant culture. With its educational history stretching back hundreds of years, Portugal offers a unique blend of traditional charm and cutting-edge modernity. Anchored on a rich heritage and fully embracing contemporary international standards in education, Portugal is an educational destination you don’t want to miss.
Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, but English is also widely spoken and used as a medium of instruction in many of the country’s universities. With the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), a standardized international test that measures reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in English, international students can prove their proficiency in the language and be accepted into their Portuguese university of choice.
Let’s look at some of the universities in Portugal accepting TOEFL scores.
TOEFL Scores Accepted at Universities in Portugal
While the Portuguese language reigns supreme in Portugal, international students will find that English is essential in surviving campus life — adequate proficiency in English will ensure lessons are fully understood, and communication inside and outside the university is facilitated smoothly. Here, we’ve listed five universities accepting TOEFL scores in Portugal that you should check out.
1. Técnico Lisboa – University of Lisbon
The Técnico Lisboa, officially the Instituto Superior Técnico, is a public school of technology and engineering that was founded in 1911 and integrated into the University of Lisbon in 1930. It holds the distinction as the largest engineering school in Portugal in terms of the number of students, number of faculty, and number of scientific productions and patents. Its main campus is located in Lisbon, with two other campuses in Oeiras and Loures.
A wide variety of engineering and technology programs are offered in Técnico Lisboa, which include Aerospace Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering, among others. In partnership with Grenoble INP Institute of Engineering and Aalto University, Técnico Lisboa offers the Master of Science in Communications Engineering and Data Science program, popularly known as CoDaS, to both Portuguese nationals and international students.
The university is among the institutions in Portugal accepting TOEFL scores. A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 is required for admission into CoDaS.
2. Nova School of Business and Economics
The Nova School of Business and Economics is a Portuguese business school that is known for its top-notch business programs, which received several recognitions from university-ranking entities such as The Economist, Times Higher Education, and Eduniversal. Its parent institute is the Nova University of Lisbon.
The Nova SBE research unit, Knowledge Centers, Hubs, and Labs are ranked Excellent in Research by the Science and Technology Foundation of Portugal. These research centers are essential for the programs that the Nova SBE offers for international students, particularly those seeking a master’s degree in Business Analytics, Economics, Finance, Impact Entrepreneurship and Innovation, International Development and Public Policy, and International Finance.
A minimum CEFR English Level of B2 or an equivalent TOEFL iBT score of 72-94 or higher is required for admission into the program.
3. ISTE – University Institute of Lisbon
The University Institute of Lisbon is a public research university located in the heart of the Portuguese capital, adjoining other prestigious universities in the educational district called Cidade Universitária. It is acclaimed as one of the best business schools in Portugal.
Aside from business programs through the ISCTE Business School, the university also offers a variety of other academic programs through its three other schools, namely the School of Social and Human Sciences, the School of Sociology and Public Policy, and the School of Technology and Architecture. Of particular note is its dual degree program for Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management offered in partnership with the University of Central Florida. Graduates of the program will receive a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management degree from UCF and a Master in Hospitality and Tourism Management degree from ISCTE-IUL.
A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 is required to be considered for the program.
4. University of Évora
The University of Évora is the second oldest university in Portugal, having been established in 1559 by the Cardinal-King Henry of Portugal. It received its university status from Pope Paul IV in the same year. The university is distinguished not only by its rich heritage but also by the high quality of its teaching and the modernity of its research. It is among the top universities in Portugal accepting TOEFL scores for assessing English language proficiency.
A diverse array of programs both for graduate and undergraduate studies in the fields of Fine Arts, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Human Health and Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, and others are offered by the university, but the program for Master of Science in Archaeological Materials is a standout for international students due to the need for experts in archeological and heritage conservation across the world.
To be accepted into the MSc. ArchMat program, a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 87 is required.
5. University of Algarve
The University of Algarve is a public university with its main campus located on the southernmost coast of mainland Portugal, the Algarve. It has two other campuses in Faro and Portimão. Acclaimed for the excellence of its research, the university is recognized as one of the best places to study marine sciences in Portugal.
The programs for Master in Marine Biological Resources and Master in Applied Ecohydrology are of particular note, as these fields are important in ascertaining the survival of humanity in a post-climate change world, and there are a lot of lucrative employment opportunities in these fields.
To be accepted into the Marine Biological Resources master’s program, a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 87 is required, while the Applied Ecohydrology master’s program requires only 80 points.
6. University of Coimbra
Another great Portuguese institution accepting TOEFL scores is the University of Coimbra. It traces its roots back to 1290 through a royal charter by King Dinis, and through a series of multiple relocations was finally and permanently moved to Coimbra in 1537. As one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world, the university played a major role in the development of higher education in the Portuguese-speaking world throughout the centuries.
The university offers courses in a wide range of disciplines, including Law, Medicine, Humanities, Science, and Technology, among others. Its chief attractions for English-speaking international students are the doctoral program for Eco-Efficient Construction and Rehabilitation and the joint program for International Masters for Applied Ecology co-offered with Kiel University.
Admission into the master’s program requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 92.
FAQs about Studying in Portugal
What Type of TOEFL Exam is Accepted in Portugal?
Most universities in Portugal accept the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test). It is accepted in over 200 countries and territories around the world and is an essential admission requirement for many Portuguese universities that teach programs in the English language.
Portugal is a land of rich culture and heritage, and as proven in the recent decades, of highly modern and cutting-edge education as well. Armed with sufficient knowledge about which schools in Portugal are accepting TOEFL scores, international students can choose the program of their dreams and achieve academic success in Portugal.
Hopefully, this article on the universities in Portugal accepting TOEFL scores was helpful. You can also find more information on different European universities and scholarship opportunities on the Europe Scholarships Page!
