25 Best Universities In Portugal For International Students 2024

If you are looking to study in Portugal, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 83 universities and colleges in Portugal, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 83 universities in Portugal, University of Porto and University of Lisbon are the top-performing schools in Portugal. This list covers both public and private institutions in Portugal.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Portugal. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Portugal.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Portugal?

Applying to the universities in Portugal involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Portugal to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Portugal?

Tuition fees at Portugal’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 360 Euros to 16,000 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 360 Euros to 11,900 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Portugal!

As we cover the best universities in Portugal for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Portugal for International Students

One of the largest universities in Portugal, the University of Porto is a highly acknowledged institution in the country that delivers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs. More than that, they also take pride in producing excellent scientific research. Students in the university are surrounded by great learning opportunities, as the university offers various activities for them.

The University of Lisbon is one of the most famous institutions in the country. This university was established in 2013 from the merger of two of the best and biggest universities in Lisbon, which were known as the former University of Lisbon and the Technical University of Lisbon. The main goal of this brilliant institution is to instill a high level of education in today’s youth so that they can contribute to the development of the country.

NOVA University Lisbon is the youngest public university in the city of Lisbon. It was founded in 1973 to provide graduate programs to both local and international students. The university’s program offerings have since expanded to other levels, most of which are internationally recognized as excellent and innovative. Through its alumni, research, and teaching, the university aims to contribute to the growth of its home city.

The University of Coimbra was founded in 1290 making it the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world. Known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, the university was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university also conducts intensive research to continuously innovate its programs to meet the needs of modern industries and society. 

The University of Minho (Universidade do Minho) is a renowned public research university located in the northern region of Portugal. It was established in 1973 and has since grown into a leading educational institution in the country. The university is named after the historical Minho region, encompassing Braga, Guimarães, and Vila Nova de Famalicão. Moreover, the University of Minho has forged partnerships and collaborations with other institutions worldwide, promoting internationalization and enabling students and researchers to engage in academic exchanges, joint projects, and mobility programs.

The University of Aveiro is a prestigious university in Aveiro, Portugal. It was founded in 1973 and it serves as a great institution of higher education that offers graduate and postgraduate studies in the fields of art, science, and communication. The university boasts a modern campus with remarkable architecture and is fitted with the best facilities to aid in the learning of students.

The Catholic University of Portugal is a private research institution located in the heart of Lisbon. This university is special because it has campuses and headquarters in four different places, such as Lisbon, Braga, Porto, and Viseu. The aim of this university is to be spread throughout the world and develop its ideology and mentality in other countries that share the same system of belief.

The University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE) is a famous and renowned institution in the area of Lisbon, Portugal. This university was established in 1972 and it is considered a tertiary educational institution that aims to grow and produce talented prospects that will develop and lead the country in the future. The scope of departments and programs in this university is very wide and students can choose from the courses, such as science, art, education, and anthropology.

The University of Evora is the second oldest university in the country and was established in 1559 to meet the need of the southern region of Portugal for a higher education institution. The university promotes free inquiry in its programs and encourages its students to constantly ask and challenge what they are taught in their pursuit of knowledge and personal development. The university is also known for its research and extension programs focusing on the cultural, economic, and social development of the region. 

The University of Beira Interior is a public university that is internationally recognized for its academic and research programs in a wide range of fields. It has more than 600 professors to cater to its students. It also takes pride in its state-of-the-art facilities with the latest equipment for students to utilize in conducting research and studies. 

Polytechnic Institute of Porto was established in 1985 and is Portugal’s largest polytechnic university. It is also one of the country’s most popular colleges of choice for domestic and international students. The university’s programs focus on equipping students with employable skills and relevant work experience to prepare them for life after graduation.

The University of the Algarve is a public institution for higher education located in Faro, a coastal city in the south of Portugal. It is one of the top universities in the Algarve region and has appeared in multiple national and international rankings. The university is known for its outstanding academic and research programs focused on contributing to the social and economic development of the region, particularly in areas of the sea, health, food, and tourism. 

The University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTSD) is a public institution for higher learning located in Villa Real, Portugal. Located in a developing region, the university is recognized for contributing to its growth through education and research. UTAD offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels and boasts a well-designed eco-campus fitted with the latest technologies.

University of the Azores, or Universidade dos Açores (UAc) in Portuguese, is a nationally recognized public institution with years of expertise in cultivating socially accountable professionals, innovators, and leaders. The institute’s formation began in 1976, as the region of the Azores needed a higher education school that offered good quality education at affordable costs. Over the years, the university has undergone several improvements, expanded its departments, and developed advanced programs. It has also collaborated with several universities and companies to offer its students more opportunities and experiences.

Polytechnic Institute of Braganca (IPB) is a public institution that provides higher education in applied sciences. Most of its undergraduate and graduate programs are taught in Portuguese; however, the institute also offers English-taught programs for some of its most sought-after courses. IPB is highly recognized for its proven academic excellence. Its ever-increasing number of local and international students is a testament that the university is among the leading institutions that offer the highest standard of teaching in Portugal.

Situated in the capital city of Lisbon, Politecnico de Lisboa (IPL) is an outstanding Portuguese university that provides higher education in various academic disciplines. The institute aims to offer numerous career-oriented study programs to generate countless individuals who will lead in different industry sectors. IPL equally attracts local and international students. This global university currently has long-term partnerships with foreign universities and leading companies to offer its students a more diverse and top-quality education. It is also devoted to strengthening its ties with other countries.

University of Madeira, or Universidade da Madeira (UMa) in Portuguese, awards nationally recognized degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It aims to educate and train competent professionals who will contribute to resolving the global issues of society. UMa has in, so far, cultivated countless individuals who have successfully achieved their educational goals.

Home to more than 12,000 students, the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria is one of Portugal’s public institutions that deliver quality programs at different levels. This institution takes pride in having a high employability rate, as they produce graduates in the field that are widely accepted in Europe and in the globe. More than that, they have various research projects that received recognition for its results and performances.

Fernando Pessoa University (Universidade Fernando Pessoa) is a private university in Porto, Portugal. It was named after the renowned Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa and was founded in 1996. The university is known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary education, combining different areas of knowledge to provide a comprehensive learning experience. The university also promotes internationalization and offers opportunities for students to engage in international exchange programs, enabling them to study abroad and experience different academic and cultural environments.

The Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (Instituto Politécnico de Viseu) is a higher education institution in Viseu, Portugal. It is one of the best polytechnic institutes in the country that focuses on providing professional-oriented education and applied research. The institution strongly emphasizes practical learning, aiming to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their respective industries. The institute’s faculty comprises experienced professionals who bring real-world expertise and knowledge to the classroom. This blend of academic and practical expertise ensures students are receiving up-to-date education.

The Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra has a long history in the field of education, but it was only recognized as a university in 1979. This university is located in Coimbra, Portugal, and it is mostly known for having famous alumni including José Sócrates, who was the former Prime Minister of Portugal. This university has a variety of degrees and departments, of which the most famous ones are from the fields of business management, technology, and science.

The Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco) is an esteemed higher education institution in the captivating city of Castelo Branco, Portugal. The institute prides itself on its strong connection to the local community and industry, facilitating internships, practical training, and research projects that tackle real-world challenges. This emphasis on practical experience ensures that students graduate with a competitive edge in the job market.

Lusiada University is a private academic institution for liberal arts with its main campus in Lisbon and two other branch campuses in Porto and Vila Nova de Famalicao. The university is committed to supporting the cognitive, productive, personal, and social development of its students and future leaders of society. Education at the university goes beyond technical instruction by incorporating practical and experiential learning with a focus on current issues for students to gain social awareness and employable skills.

The Polytechnic Institute of Santarém is a public university established in 1979 in the region of Santarém. This university offers all levels of study in languages such as Portuguese and English. It is known to actively participate in mobility and exchange programs, allowing its students to expand their learning while discovering new cultures.

The Polytechnic Institute of Cavado and Ave is a distinguished higher education institution located in the Cavado and Ave regions of Portugal. The institute boasts modern facilities, including well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and multimedia resources that support student learning and research. Additionally, the institute provides comprehensive support services, such as academic advising, career counseling, and mentoring programs, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for student development.