Portugal is an amazing study abroad destination with a host of universities offering top-notch degree programs in every field imaginable.  In southwestern Europe is brimming with old world charm and new-world excitement, a dazzling variety of landscapes, cultural attractions galore, and some of the friendliest people in Europe. Portugal is the country of the world's third most-spoken European language and the linguistic gateway to Africa and Brazil.

Universities in Portugal have an old tradition. The first University was founded in 1289 in Coimbra, as a response to the growing need for education, dissemination of knowledge and exchange of ideas, as well as communication with other European Universities. This tradition has remained to this day in which universities are fundamental institutions in Portuguese society. There are 16 public universities and more than 30 private institutions in Portugal that offer a wide range of undergraduate, post-graduate, doctoral and research programs in virtually every field. Portugal is an amazing study abroad destination with a host of universities offering top-notch degree programs in every field imaginable.

National students from European Union (EU) countries, European Economic Area/EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland have the right to live in the national territory for a period up to 3 months without other conditions and/or formalities beyond having a valid identity card or passport.However, if their stay is longer than 3 months, they must formalize their right of residence within 30 days after the three-month stay in the country. For more information check the Foreigner’s Service (SEF – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) website.

There are Student Residences, for accommodation of students and teachers/researchers  which need to be away from their household for attendance of academic activities.

The management of the area of accommodation is the responsibility of the Student Support Office.  For more information, please refer to the pages devoted to each of the residences:

• University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro;
• University of Minho;
• University of Porto;
• University of Aveiro;
• University of Coimbra;
• University of Beira Interior;
• University of Lisbon;
• University Nova de Lisboa;
• ISCTE - Lisbon University Institute;
• University of Évora;
• University of Algarve;
• University of Madeira;
• University of Azores.

In Portugal, every university, polytechnic institute and any other higher education schools has their own students' unions. Union organizations are generally aimed to organize and promote extracurricular activities such as sports and culture events, parties, and academic festivities.

More information.

Erasmuslisboa  is an association of foreigner students created in order to support and integrate international students in Lisbon.

Some universities and high schools have their own student-houses. There are also rooms for students available on the housing market.

UniPlaces is an online platform dedicated to student accommodation. Students will not have more difficulties in booking a room or apartment in Lisbon before arrival. To view some of the offers please access the Uniplaces website.

Different student services exist:

• social service;
• health service;
• job student service;
• international office;
• sports activities.

It is best to contact those services through the website of the institution you will be studying at.

All students are covered by an academic insurance purchased at about 1,49 € (academic year) , paid together with the first instalment of the academic fee.

Students from the European Union (EU) countries and the European Economic Area (EEA) are covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles them to have access to the national social security system as any Portuguese citizen. In order to have access to this scheme, students should contact their own Social Security Office to have the respective card issued, before arriving in Portugal.

Some universities and High schools do have medical and social services where you can get help and consultation.

Portuguese university programs are extremely affordable. The average undergraduate tuition at a Portuguese college is around  1.500 € per year.

Always contact the chosen university or university college directly for more details as amounts can vary.

There are some institutions in Portugal that give scholarships to international students and it is advisable that applicants confirm every year whether these grants are available and the eligibility terms: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation;  Fulbright Commission; Instituto Camões ; Luso-American Development Foundation; Fundação Oriente. FCT grants through public calls and administers, directly or indirectly, or in cooperation with other agencies, a great variety of fellowships and grants according to the applicable Regulations.

Foreign students should consider some minimum basic costs per month of approximately €600 to €700.

Some reference prices:

Accommodation: €250 to €350;

Transportation: approximately €35;

Meal at canteen: €2,40;

Meal in a budget restaurant: €7;

Cinema: € 7/ ticket.

Some Universities have courses in English (ISCTE; Universidade Nova, Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão) and Spanish (Universidade Aberta) .

Nova University  provide support to students with special needs, with the goal of promoting their autonomy and inclusion in the academic environment. Both the Alfredo de Sousa Residence and Fraústo da Silva Residence have an individual room, with bathroom, especially equipped for handicapped students.