HOW TO APPLY AT A UNIVERSITY
Portugal,the westernmost country in mainland Europe,is a desirable place to live. But the country offers more than just the prospect of a golden tan, with a wide range of higher education courses available.Higher education is divided into two main bodies:Universities – teaching is traditionally based on theory and research,with degrees such as medicine,law,natural sciences, economics and psychology taught there. Polytechnics – provide vocational training that lead into a profession. Nursing, healthcare, accounting and teaching degrees are only offered by polytechnic institutions.
How To Apply
The application process for studies at universities and polytechnics in Portugal varies depending on whether you intend to enroll in a program as an undergraduate (first cycle) student or graduate (second and third cycle) student, and the responsible body of the institution. How to apply for undergraduate (first cycle) degrees at public institutions in Portugal In order for you to apply for first cycle programs at public institutions in Portugal, you will have to follow 2 main steps as explained below:
You must first get your upper secondary school studies and your school leaving certificate officially recognized as you will have to present these documents during the application process.
Submit your application through the Portuguese online centralized system .
How to apply for graduate (second and third cycle) degrees at public institutions and for any type of degree at private institutions in Portugal
You will have to submit your application to the school of your choice.
Along with your application, you will also have to attach evidence of your previous studies, as your university or polytechnic will evaluate whether you qualify for the program you applied for.
You may need to have your documents translated if requested by the institution you are applying for.
Entry requirements
Most universities ask prospective students to sit an entrance examination, public universities use a national exam, whereas private institutions set their own. Universities will also require you to have minimum qualifications in order to apply, usually including an internationally recognized undergraduate degree. When applying to a higher education institution, it is worth contacting your chosen university international office for advice on studying in Portugal. All the relevant application information should be available online. Funding to study in Portugal EU students are eligible to apply for grants in the same way as Portuguese students. Grants will be available from individual institutions and, to be eligible, students must apply to a course or university that is recognized by the Portuguese Ministry of Education.
Application Requirements
Undergraduate studies (first cycle)
Students seeking to study first cycle (undergraduate) degrees at universities and polytechnics in Portugal, must:
Have completed upper secondary education
Have passed the university entrance examination in their home country
Meet the study program pre-requisites if required. A pre-requisite is a subject any applicant must meet before being allowed to register for a course. For example,students seeking to study music in Portugal,will be required to pass an aptitude exam in music.
Master studies (second cycle)
If you are applying for a master program at university in Portugal,you are required to be in possession of a relevant bachelor or equivalent degree diploma.
Doctoral studies (third cycle)
In the event you are applying for doctoral studies at university in Portugal, you are required to be in possession of a relevant diploma or master degree program.
Language requirements for studies at universities and colleges in Portugal
Since the language of instruction at Portuguese universities and colleges is Portuguese, you are required to prove your level of command of the Portuguese language. You may do so by presenting the results you received at school examinations if you studied Portuguese as part of your study program or by presenting Portuguese language courses diplomas. In general, most institutions require a minimum level of command corresponding to the B1/B2 level according to the European language passport. Please, note that the Portuguese language requirement usually applies to studies at the first cycle (undergraduate). Master and research programs may not require any knowledge of Portuguese since they are often designed for international students. Minimum grade point requirement to access higher education studies in Portugal
Each year,the Portuguese Ministry of Education publishes the number of available study places at public universities and polytechnics.Private institutions in Portugal have limited study places as well.This is the reason why applicants are ranked based on their grade point average from their previous studies.Therefore,always check with your Portuguese school about the minimum passing grade you need to meet, especially if you are applying for first cycle (undergraduate) programs.
Student visas
As an EU citizen, you are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as you:
Are studying for more than three months;
Are enrolled at an approved university/other institution;
Have sufficient income (from any source) to live without needing income support.
Have full health insurance cover.