Portugal is a great European country to live and also to study. Concerning university level education, Portugal has very well qualified universities in the World Ranking.

Seven Portuguese universities in the World Ranking

According to the QS World University 2021, Portugal has seven universities that are highlighted in the world ranking of the performance rating of universities.

The best Portuguese universities are:

• 1º Porto University (main city in the north of the country);
• 2º Lisbon University;
• 3º New Lisbon University (in the Portuguese capital);
• 4º Aveiro University (on the coast);
• 5º Coimbra University (in the centre of the country);
• 6º Minho University (in the interior north of the country);
• 7º Portuguese Catholic University (with different locations in several cities of the country).

European University Teaching

The European Union has made unified university studies in all its countries. University students who study in the European Union have equal access to the same level and quality of study, with degree recognition provided automatically.

Portuguese university studies, like European studies, have three degree levels:

• Bachelor’s Degree – takes 3 to 4 years, provides basic scientific training and allows the student to work in a professional career or to go on to the next university level (Master’s Degree).
• Master level – with a two year long programme, it provides a more detailed approach to certain specific scientific areas and requires a lecturing programme as well as the development and public submission of a scientific thesis, internship or scientific project.
• Doctorate level – takes three to five years, involves extensive research into a specific scientific subject and the writing of a scientific dissertation.

Many Portuguese university degrees are lectured in English, which is more convenient for foreign students.

At the end of each degree level, the university graduate is entitled to a certification attesting to the qualification level and the university degree, which is automatically accepted throughout the European Union.

Students from non-EU countries

Students from countries outside the European Union (including countries from the American continent such as Brazil, the USA and Canada) have free access to Portuguese university studies. There is no discrimination between Portuguese, European or non-European students. Foreign students have equal rights as Portuguese and European students and get the same university degree.

Foreign students are very well welcomed by the Portuguese community.

There is a network of student accommodation as well as access to the health system. All Portuguese universities have departments to support foreign students in their new life in Portugal.