Best universities in Portugal 2024

Portuguese universities have been carefully protecting the traditions of higher education established centuries ago from time immemorial, while at the same time tirelessly replenishing the arsenal of the latest tools and solutions available. It is in this country that one of the first universities of the Old World is located – the University of Coimbra, recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage: for centuries it was also considered one of the best, serving as a point of attraction for the young bourgeoisie from all over Europe.

Universities in Portugal are still well—known today: active participation in the European Commission's research, advanced innovative research and tens of thousands of foreign students studying for exchange are a sure confirmation of this. Students come here for a warm and friendly atmosphere, high-quality education at an affordable price.

• Understanding Portugal's University System In Portugal, higher education institutions are broadly categorized into:

• Universities: These institutions focus on research, academic staff preparation, and confer degrees. Specialized institutes such as legal, pharmacological, and medical fall under this category.

• Polytechnics: They emphasize preparing technical specialists and can award licentiate or master's degrees. Some polytechnics may be affiliated with universities but not the other way around. Education at Polytechnics is application-oriented, tackling practical problems and focusing on technical specialties.

Both types of institutions can receive funding either from the state or private entities like foundations or organizations.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

The higher education structure in Portugal encompasses three main levels:

• Licentiate (Undergraduate): Comparable to a bachelor's degree in other European countries, this level typically spans 3 to 4 years. The final year often involves specialization. Entry requirements include a high school diploma or its equivalent, school qualification exam results, and in certain institutions, like the University of Coimbra, Portuguese national exams. Proficiency in Portuguese (DIPLE) or English (IELTS/TOEFL) is also mandatory.
• Master (Graduate/Postgraduate): Master's programs generally last 1-2 years. Specialized programs, such as those in law and medicine, termed "Mestrado Integrado," can extend up to 6 years. Concluding the program typically requires a research project or a dissertation.
• Postgraduate: This doctoral phase caps the academic journey. Universities or their associated institutes offer these internationally recognized programs in line with the Bologna Process. Spanning 3-4 years, the curriculum is split between lectures, seminars, and intensive research or artistic projects. A minimum average diploma score of 16 is often required for admission.

Of the more than two dozen universities in Portugal, ten have won a place in the prestigious international rankings of the best universities in the world. Thus, the Catholic University of Portugal in 2022 ranked 351st according to the Times-higher Education ranking and 801st according to the best universities of clients, the Universities of Porto and Lisbon – respectively 401st and 501st according to the Times and 295th and 356th place in the top universities of clients; the University of Lisbon, in addition, ranked 197th in the USA news and World Ranking Report (2021).

The top 5 universities in Portugal traditionally include:

• University of Porto (UP)

This university, which took 301 lines in the QS World University Rankings  in 2018 and went down to 401 lines by 2022, was founded in 1911. Recently, the university has seriously expanded modern research and development, having achieved considerable success: Institutes of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Molecular Pathology and Immunology, as well as Research Institutes of Computer Systems have received international recognition.

• University of Lisbon

Located in the capital and occupying 501 lines in the Times ranking, the University of Lisbon is very young, it was founded in 2013 by combining the "old" University of Lisbon dating back to 1911 and the Technical University of Lisbon. Now it is listed in the TOP 100 of the world's best universities, and also occupies places in the profile rankings of QS World University Rankings by Subject in such areas as geographical sciences, mining, art history and design.

• University NOVA in Lisbon

Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ranks third in the national ranking and 361 in the world according to the Times. It was founded in 1973. Now there are almost 20 thousand students studying here. Among the strongest areas of NOVA are STEM disciplines (natural sciences, technical, engineering and mathematics), as well as FAME (it's about accounting, finance, management and economic research). In addition, the university offers an MBA in collaboration with the Catholic University of Portugal.

• University of Coimbra

It is considered the oldest in Portugal and claims pan-European seniority, since it was founded at the end of the XIII century. It occupies the 401-410 line according to the QS version and is located in the city of the same name (in ancient times Coimbra happened to be the capital of the county of Portugal). The student community has more than 25 thousand people, with a significant proportion of foreign students. It is structurally organized into 8 faculties and several schools where STEM, social sciences and arts disciplines are taught

• New university of Lisbon

It was founded in 1973 — it is a junior university in the capital of the country. Since 1978, all faculties have been granted autonomy. It is also known as a base for a business school organized right there.

Enrollment Procedure for International Students in Portugal Prospective international students must provide:

• Registration forms.

• Relevant educational certificates (secondary education/high school, bachelor's, or master's) and transcripts.

• Proof of Portuguese (B1-B2) or, less commonly, English (B1-B2) proficiency.

• Motivation and recommendation letters.

Depending on the program, additional tests assessing functional, physical, athletic, interpersonal, or visual abilities might be needed. Given that application requirements can vary, it's prudent to check specific details with the chosen university.

For more on global educational opportunities, explore details on universities in England.

Portugal, known for its vibrant culture, historic cities, and scenic coastlines, also boasts a robust higher education system with universities that have gained considerable recognition on the global stage. Many of these institutions, with histories dating back centuries, seamlessly blend tradition with modernity, offering a unique learning experience for students from around the world.

For international students, the cost of studying in Portuguese universities is relatively affordable compared to many other Western European countries. On average, the annual tuition fees for bachelor’s programs range from €1,000 to €7,000, while master’s and doctoral programs can cost anywhere between €1,500 to €8,000. However, these figures can vary depending on the course, university, and whether the institution is public or private. Some specialized courses, particularly in fields like medicine or engineering, might have slightly higher fees.

While the tuition fees are competitive, international students should also budget for living expenses, which can range from €500 to €1,000 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle choices. Cities like Lisbon and Porto, being major urban centers, might be on the higher end of the spectrum. It's also worth noting that many universities offer scholarship programs, grants, and financial aid options, which can further alleviate the financial burden for deserving students. Researching specific universities, understanding all associated costs, and exploring financial aid opportunities are essential steps for any international student considering pursuing higher education in Portugal.

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