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Education System

Study in Portugal

To study in Portugal is required an annual student visa (you have to go to SEF – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). Student visas may be applied in the local Portuguese consulate or embassy.

Documents to present in order to get the student visa application:

1. Application in correct form.
2. Passport or other identification travelling document (Expiration date not less than three months later than visa’s).
3. Three passport size photos.
4. Criminal register.
5. Health insurance certificate.
6. Lodging certificate in Portugal.
7. Proof of funds upon arrival in Portugal.
8. Academic registration document.
9. Vaccines bulletin.
10. Academic qualifications document (certified by the local Portuguese Embassy).

Educational System

The educational system is divided into preschool (for those under age 6, not compulsory), basic education (9 years, in three stages, compulsory), secondary education (3 years, not compulsory) and higher education (university and polytechnic).
Download: Portuguese_Educational_System

  • Educational System

    Basic education: lasts for 9 years divided into three stages of four, two and three years respectively. A Diploma/Certificate is awarded at the end of the third stage.

    Secondary education: public, private and cooperative - is optional and consists of a three-year cycle after having completed the third cycle of basic education. Access is through the Certificate of Basic Education. Courses are sanctioned by the Qualifications Certificate /Diploma, which is one of the conditions for access to higher education.

    In order to develop personal and professional competencies, legislation has been passed to approve the stimulation of post-secondary-level technological specialised courses (CET). These courses qualify for the exercise of a profession (Level IV).

    Higher education: Portugal boasts one of the world's oldest universities, the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. There are 15 public universities including the University of Porto which is Portugal's largest with 28,000 enrolled students, and several private universities. Three Portuguese universities appear in the 2010 QS World University Rankings: University of Coimbra, University of Porto and University Nova de Lisboa. The Bologna Process has been adopted since 2006 by Portuguese universities and polytechnic institutes.

    Higher education in Portugal is divided into two subsystems: university education and non-university higher education (polytechnic education), and it is provided in public and private universities and non-university higher education institutions (both public and private).

    Click on the link and you will get all the Universities and Polytechnics from Portugal.

  • Institutions that provide financial aid to foreign students

    Here are some institutions that provide financial aid to foreign students:

    Do not forget that if you expect to attend to Higher Education, you must get informed if you'll have to submit to the exams of the Competition Access to the University (like any Portuguese student), that are held annually in Portugal.

    It is recommended to collect detailed information at the local Portuguese Embassy/Consulate on the exact documents required to study in Portugal.

  • Academic qualifications

    The Portuguese higher education system is relatively uncomplicated, divided as it is into universities, polytechnics and higher education institutions, and there are public and private versions of each.

    No institution can operate without the strict accreditation of the Ministry of Education. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to change institutions between polytechnics and universities and public or private institutions and vice versa.

    In terms of qualifications, students must do a First Degree (Bachelor Degree), which is a 3 to 6 years degree course offered either at a university or at a combination of polytechnic and university. In universities not part of the Bologna process the first level stage can be up to 4 or 6 years.

    University level studies

    • University level 1st stage: the Bachelor Degree (Licenciatura)
      • Law 49/2005: The Licentiate at universities is awarded after a period of study of 6 to 8 semesters corresponding 180 to 240 credits.
    • University level second 2nd stage: the Master Degree (Mestre)
      • Law 49/2005: The Master Degree is awarded after a period of study of three to four semesters, corresponding 90 to 120 credits. The Master Degree can also be awarded after 10 to 12 semesters, corresponding 300 to 360 credits for professions that are subject to EU regulations regarding their duration.
    • University level 3rd stage: The Doctorate (Doutor)
      • The Doctorate degree is awarded by university institutions following the writing and defence of an original thesis (doctoral thesis). There is no fixed period to prepare for the Doctorate examinations. This degree is only open to holders of a Master degree or equivalent and those who have been awarded the Bachelor degree or a legally equivalent qualification with a final mark of 16. Holders of a relevant academic scientific and professional curriculum may also apply for the Doctorate degree following analysis of the curriculum by the competent academic body.

  • School Equivalence

    The Portuguese Ministry of Education grants equivalence or recognition of qualifications, studies and diplomas of foreign education systems to Portuguese qualifications, studies and diplomas at basic and secondary education level.

    For information on the process, visit the webpage (in Portuguese) of the Directorate General for Innovation and Curriculum Development (DGIDC).

    The awarding of the equivalence of foreign higher qualifications to the corresponding Portuguese qualifications is also regulated in Portugal. For more information, visit the web page of NARIC

    Required documents:
    • Certified copy of the document that shows the identity and the nationality of the applicant (in the case of Portuguese citizen the certified copy of the identity card).
    • Certified copy of the title that the applicant wants to recognise.
    • Certified copy of the studies conducted by the applicant to obtain the title. It must appear the official length, in academic years, the subjects studied and the hour load of each of them.
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV) updated.

    For further information you can consult the students' web site, in Portuguese Universia or the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education

    NOTE: The Diplomas, the Certificates of equivalences or course conclusion fees have different range prices; you have to check in your university, polytechnic or higher institution.

EU Countries

Non-EU Countries


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