Study in Portugal
Europe's Sunniest Country and One of Its Most Exciting Study Destinations — Study in Portugal
Portugal has quietly become one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations — for travellers, for entrepreneurs, and increasingly for students. Over 300 days of sunshine, a stunning Atlantic coastline, a thriving creative and tech scene, and a culture that is both ancient and completely contemporary. Let us help you plan your study in Portugal: application process, visa requirements, and everything you need to know about life on the ground.
Quick Facts about Portugal
Popular City to Study in Portugal
Lisbon
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most exciting and rapidly growing cities — and the first choice for international students in Portugal. Over 300 days of sunshine per year, an Atlantic coastline minutes from the city centre, a world-class food scene, and one of Europe’s most dynamic startup and creative ecosystems. Lisbon manages to feel simultaneously ancient and completely contemporary, and it is affordable by European capital standards in a way that cities like Paris or Amsterdam simply are not.
Top University in Portugal
Quick Facts
Capital: Lisbon
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Population: 10,270,000
Official language: Portuguese
Time zone: WET (UTC+0) / WEST (UTC+1 in summer)
Popular programs in Portugal for international students:
- Management and Marketing
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Design and Creative Arts
- Information Technology
- Business Administration
- International Relations
- Architecture
- Finance
Industries and Manufacturing Areas
Government expenditure on the education system: approximately €10 billion
Key services industries: Tourism, Financial services, Information technology, Real estate, Education
Key industries: Textiles and footwear, Food and beverage, Cork products, Automotive components, Pharmaceuticals
Why Study in Portugal?
Sun, coast, and an extraordinary quality of life
Portugal consistently ranks among Europe’s most liveable countries. Lisbon enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, and the Atlantic coast is just minutes from the city centre. The combination of a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, world-class food, and a genuinely affordable cost of living by European capital standards creates a daily quality of life that is genuinely hard to find elsewhere in Western Europe. Furthermore, Portugal has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, making it one of the safest places on the continent for international students.
A thriving academic and professional environment
Portugal’s universities have strengthened their international profile significantly in recent years, attracting students from over 170 countries. European University of Lisbon, the top choice for Beyond Abroad students, is one of Portugal’s best-ranked private universities and offers a wide range of English-taught programs in Management, Marketing, Hospitality, Design, and more. Moreover, Lisbon’s booming startup ecosystem and the presence of major international companies make it an excellent place to build a professional network.
A gateway to Europe and beyond
Lisbon Airport is one of Europe’s best-connected hubs, with frequent and affordable flights across Europe, Africa, Latin America, and North America. In addition, Portugal’s central Atlantic position means that weekend trips to Spain, Morocco, the Azores, or Madeira are all genuinely achievable. The country is also a member of the Schengen Area, making travel across Europe effortless.
A culture that gets under your skin
Portugal has a cultural identity that is entirely its own — the melancholic beauty of fado, the ornate azulejo tiles on every building, the neighbourhoods of Alfama and Mouraria that feel like stepping back in time, and a warmth and openness in the people that makes international students feel at home very quickly. It is a country that surprises almost everyone who visits, and rarely lets them leave without wanting to come back.
Application Process to Study in Portugal
Basic Requirements
Basic Requirements:
- Valid passport or national ID (EU citizens)
- Academic transcripts
- Passport-size photos
Steps
Steps:
- Choose your university and program via Asia Exchange / Beyond Abroad
- Submit your application with the required documents
- Receive your Letter of Acceptance
- Apply for your student visa if required (non-EU students need a Student Visa / Residence Permit)
- Arrange accommodation. Choose a comfortable location that complements your time in Portugal.
- Arrival in Portugal! Have fun, and start making exciting memories!
Why Study Abroad with Beyond Abroad?
Just fill out an online application form and submit it with a few attachments
Your study placement can be confirmed as quickly as in a day
Once you get the confirmation, it’s a done deal!
Our on-site team helps you get the most out of your time abroad
Share life-changing experiences together
Student Visa for International Students
Visa requirements for studying in Portugal depend on your nationality and the length of your stay:
EU/EEA citizens: No visa required. You have the right to study and live in Portugal freely.
Non-EU students: Must apply for a Portuguese Student Visa (Type D) at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their home country before departure. A letter of acceptance from the university, proof of financial means, health insurance, and accommodation proof are required. Upon arrival, students must register for a Residence Permit at AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) within the first weeks of arrival.
Visa conditions and fees may change at any time. Always verify the latest requirements with the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portugal a good place to study abroad?
Portugal is one of Europe’s most rewarding study abroad destinations — and one of its most underrated. It combines high-quality English-taught university programs, an extraordinary quality of daily life, a safe and welcoming society, and one of the most beautiful and affordable capital cities in Western Europe. Students who come to Lisbon consistently describe it as one of the best decisions they have ever made.
What is the cost of living in Portugal for international students?
Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, is significantly more affordable than most Western European capitals. Students should budget approximately €900 to €1,400 per month for accommodation, food, transport, and everyday expenses. Eating out is excellent value, public transport is modern and cheap, and student housing is widely available. Compared to Paris, London, or Amsterdam, Lisbon offers a considerably higher quality of life at a substantially lower cost.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to study in Portugal?
No. Asia Exchange partner universities in Portugal offer programs taught entirely in English, so prior knowledge of Portuguese is not required. That said, Portuguese is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, and learning even the basics enriches daily life and social interactions enormously. Many universities also offer Portuguese language courses for international students who want to develop their language skills.
Is it safe to study in Portugal?
Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe, consistently ranking in the top five on the Global Peace Index. Crime rates are very low, the healthcare system is solid, and Lisbon is a city where international students feel at home and safe from day one. It is genuinely one of the most welcoming destinations for foreign students anywhere in Europe.
Are you interested about studying abroad?