12 Best Universities In Porto For International Students 2025

Porto is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Portugal. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 12 universities and colleges in Porto, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 12 universities in Porto, University of Porto and Polytechnic Institute of Porto are the top-performing schools in Porto. This list covers both public and private institutions in Porto.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Porto. 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 Porto.

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

Applying to the universities in Porto 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 Porto to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

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

Tuition fees at Porto’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 674 Euros to 13,400 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 550 Euros to 9,800 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Porto!

As we cover the best universities in Porto 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 Porto 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.

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.

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.

Portucalense University is a private academic and research institution established in 1986 in Porto, Portugal. It has a strong reputation for its modern campus and innovative programs that aims to train students who will contribute to educational, economic, and social progress in the country. The university also conducts several initiatives and projects in collaboration with different organizations within the community promoting social responsibility and solidarity. 

Located in Porto, Portugal, Escola Superior de Educacao de Paula Frassinetti (ESEPF) leads in providing top-quality programs in the region. This nationally recognized institute is highly regarded for its proven academic excellence. ESEPF guides its students to achieve their personal and educational goals throughout their studies. They are presented with countless opportunities, such as numerous academic resources, off-campus training, network connections, and exchange programs.

The Instituto Superior de Ciências Empresariais e do Turismo is located in Porto, Portugal, and was established over 30 years ago. This institution is well-known in the region for its programs in tourism. It has also produced talented alumni that have taken leadership roles in a variety of fields in Portugal.

The ISAG European Business School in Porto is one of the most recognizable universities in Portugal. This university is among the elite universities that offer programs in the fields of management and public administration, where students have the opportunity to benefit from highly credible professors and supportive staff members.

Nursing School of Porto, or Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto (ESEP) in Portuguese, is a nationally and internationally recognized higher institution that provides outstanding programs in the nursing field. ESEP is devoted to providing the highest standard of teaching and research. It has collaborated with several hospitals and clinics to offer its students the best training facilities and advanced technology. Furthermore, this specialized public university is committed to educating and training nursing students to become competent professionals responsible for the health and well-being of people and society.

The Lusofona University of Porto is a prestigious private university that is home to over 12,000 students. With this student population, it is considered the largest private university in Portugal. This university was founded in 1994 in Porto and offers various programs in important fields of study, such as law, science, and education.

The Artistic School of Porto is a leading private academic institution for art, architecture, and design. It is one of UNESCO’s affiliate universities and has made significant contributions to the region’s visual arts scene. The university combines theoretical and practical approaches in art education and encourages students to explore different perspectives and applications of art to other disciplines. 

Santa Maria Health School is a private academic institution dedicated to training competent and responsible professionals in the healthcare industry. The university collaborates with public and private organizations located within and outside of Portugal to provide high-quality healthcare services and serve as training grounds for its students. The university is also known for having its own simulation center that aims to imitate real-life situations and develop students clinical and practical skills. 

Instituto Superior de Servico Social do Porto (ISSSP) is a privately-funded institution that leads in providing study programs in social work. It is also considered one of the oldest universities to offer such degree programs. ISSSP currently has educational courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and only recruits highly-qualified professors and experts to teach its accredited programs.