7 Cheapest Universities in Lisbon for International Students

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In Lisbon, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Portugal without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Lisbon, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 21 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Lisbon, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Lisbon for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Lisbon ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Politecnico de Lisboa 1,500 Euros - 6,900 Euros 68%
NOVA University Lisbon 3,500 Euros - 7,500 Euros 24%
National Academy of Advanced Orchestral Studies 3,675 Euros - 4,160 Euros 20%
Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia 4,016 Euros - 4,940 Euros 13%
ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon 5,500 Euros - 7,000 Euros -20%
Autonomous University of Lisbon 6,750 Euros -47%
University of Lisbon 7,000 Euros -53%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 4,564 Euros for universities in Lisbon.

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1. Politecnico de Lisboa

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.

2. NOVA University Lisbon

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.

3. National Academy of Advanced Orchestral Studies

The National Academy of Advanced Orchestral Studies (ANSO) is one of the three musical schools operated by AMEC/Metropolitana – an institution whose primary goal is to instruct classical music. ANSO offers several specialized undergraduate programs that will award a bachelor’s degree in music. The institute is known for its world-class education. Students from across the globe compete in its annual special admission contest. And only the most talented students who have demonstrated the specific skills and possess certain qualities the school is looking for are admitted.

4. Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia

Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia (IPLUSO) is a private polytechnic university whose mission is to serve society by providing outstanding education and training and conducting relevant scientific research that can be converted into solutions for various problems faced in society. The university is also known for its extension projects to help local industries flourish by introducing new technologies and knowledge. IPLUSO also participates in several mobility programs that allow its students and faculty to study, teach, and train overseas. 

5. ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon

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.

6. Autonomous University of Lisbon

Established in 1985, Autonomous University of Lisbon is the oldest private university in Portugal. It is known for providing innovative undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields that impart an entrepreneurial perspective to its students. The university is also committed to discovering new knowledge through intensive research and disseminating it to the community to contribute to the region’s development. 

7. University of Lisbon

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Lisbon for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Lisbon ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
NOVA University Lisbon 2,400 Euros - 8,000 Euros 34%
Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia 2,520 Euros - 4,140 Euros 31%
ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon 3,000 Euros - 5,000 Euros 18%
University of Lisbon 3,250 Euros - 7,000 Euros 11%
Autonomous University of Lisbon 4,500 Euros -23%
Politecnico de Lisboa 6,100 Euros - 6,900 Euros -68%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 3,629 Euros for universities in Lisbon.

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1. NOVA University Lisbon

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, NOVA University Lisbon should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 2,400 Euros to 8,000 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia is 2,520 Euros to 4,140 Euros.

Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia (IPLUSO) is a private polytechnic university whose mission is to serve society by providing outstanding education and training and conducting relevant scientific research that can be converted into solutions for various problems faced in society. The university is also known for its extension projects to help local industries flourish by introducing new technologies and knowledge. IPLUSO also participates in several mobility programs that allow its students and faculty to study, teach, and train overseas. 

3. ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon

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 tuition fee at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon for incoming international master’s students is 3,000 Euros to 5,000 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Lisbon

Another affordable university to consider in Lisbon is University of Lisbon.

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.

The tuition fee in University of Lisbon for master’s program for foreign students starts from 3,250 Euros.

5. Autonomous University of Lisbon

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Autonomous University of Lisbon has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 4,500 Euros yearly.

Established in 1985, Autonomous University of Lisbon is the oldest private university in Portugal. It is known for providing innovative undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields that impart an entrepreneurial perspective to its students. The university is also committed to discovering new knowledge through intensive research and disseminating it to the community to contribute to the region’s development. 

6. Politecnico de Lisboa

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Lisbon?

Applying to cheap universities in Lisbon requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Portugal for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Lisbon?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Lisbon. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Lisbon is the Autonomous University of Lisbon, which offers Communication Sciences, Economy, and Management to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Autonomous University of Lisbon offers International Relations, Clinical Psychology and Counseling, and History and Heritage.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Lisbon, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Lisbon as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Lisbon for international students was helpful!