15 Cheapest Universities in Portugal for International Students

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In Portugal, 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 Portugal, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 83 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Portugal, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Polytechnic Institute of Tomar 1,250 Euros - 1,450 Euros 66%
Polytechnic Institute of Setubal 1,350 Euros - 2,700 Euros 63%
Politecnico de Lisboa 1,500 Euros - 6,900 Euros 59%
Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra 1,500 Euros - 3,000 Euros 59%
Polytechnic Institute of Braganca 1,568 Euros 57%
Escola Superior Náutica Infante D. Henrique 1,750 Euros 52%
University of Minho 2,250 Euros - 6,500 Euros 38%
Nursing School of Porto 2,450 Euros 33%
University of the Azores 2,500 Euros - 3,500 Euros 31%
University of Evora 2,500 Euros 31%
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria 3,000 Euros 17%
Higher Institute of Entre Douro and Vouga 3,000 Euros 17%
Fernando Pessoa University 3,000 Euros - 5,950 Euros 17%
D. Dinis Higher Institute 3,300 Euros - 3,498 Euros 9%
University of Porto 3,500 Euros - 8,000 Euros 3%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 3,608 Euros for universities in Portugal.

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1. Polytechnic Institute of Tomar

Polytechnic Institute of Tomar (IPT) was initiated in 1973 but was withheld due to the Portuguese revolution. In 1996, the Ministry of Education and Science led the institution’s establishment, primarily offering management and technology programs. Today, IPT has more than 60 courses to choose from. Aside from bachelor’s and master’s programs, it also provides short courses and postgraduate programs.

2. Polytechnic Institute of Setubal

The Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal is located in the municipality of Setúbal. This university is highly advanced and specializes in technical courses such as engineering, chemical engineering, and technology. It aims to continuously improve its campuses so it can keep up with the development of technology and provide the best possible courses for their students.

3. 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.

4. Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

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.

5. Polytechnic Institute of Braganca

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.

6. Escola Superior Náutica Infante D. Henrique

Escola Superior Náutica Infante D. Henrique is the only public university in Portugal dedicated to providing specialized education and training in marine engineering, operations, and management. The university actively participates in several social activities and research projects to help improve the country’s maritime industry and enhance the technical knowledge of the local community. It also takes part in mobility programs to allow its students to study or intern abroad. 

7. University of Minho

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.

8. Nursing School of Porto

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.

9. University of the Azores

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.

10. University of Evora

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. 

11. Polytechnic Institute of Leiria

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.

12. Higher Institute of Entre Douro and Vouga

The Higher Institute of Entre Douro and Vouga is a private institution that focuses on practical education that uses new and innovative techniques. This institution has served as a higher education university since 1990 in the region of Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal, and it is very popular among domestic students.

13. Fernando Pessoa University

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.

14. D. Dinis Higher Institute

The D. Dinis Higher Institute is located in the small town of Marinha Grande, Portugal. This higher institute of education is quite new to the field and was established in 2005. The main objective of this university is to provide high-quality education in the fields of management, engineering, and sciences.

15. University of Porto

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.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Escola Superior Náutica Infante D. Henrique 1,000 Euros - 2,400 Euros 67%
Manuel Teixeira Gomes Higher Education Institute 1,003 Euros - 3,737 Euros 67%
University of the Azores 1,180 Euros - 2,000 Euros 62%
Higher Institute of Entre Douro and Vouga 1,500 Euros - 3,000 Euros 51%
University of Beira Interior 1,500 Euros 51%
Polytechnic Institute of Braganca 1,568 Euros 49%
University of Minho 1,750 Euros - 2,500 Euros 43%
Polytechnic Institute of Setubal 2,100 Euros - 4,000 Euros 31%
Lusofona University of Porto 2,390 Euros - 4,262 Euros 22%
NOVA University Lisbon 2,400 Euros - 8,000 Euros 21%
University of the Algarve 2,500 Euros - 9,000 Euros 18%
University of Evora 2,500 Euros 18%
Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia 2,520 Euros - 4,140 Euros 17%
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria 3,000 Euros 1%
ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon 3,000 Euros - 5,000 Euros 1%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 3,027 Euros for universities in Portugal.

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1. Escola Superior Náutica Infante D. Henrique

Escola Superior Náutica Infante D. Henrique is the only public university in Portugal dedicated to providing specialized education and training in marine engineering, operations, and management. The university actively participates in several social activities and research projects to help improve the country’s maritime industry and enhance the technical knowledge of the local community. It also takes part in mobility programs to allow its students to study or intern abroad. 

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Escola Superior Náutica Infante D. Henrique should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 1,000 Euros to 2,400 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Manuel Teixeira Gomes Higher Education Institute

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Manuel Teixeira Gomes Higher Education Institute. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Manuel Teixeira Gomes Higher Education Institute is 1,003 Euros to 3,737 Euros.

The Manuel Teixeira Gomes Higher Education Institute is a young, private institution that was established in 2004 with the aim of providing good educational guidance and experience. This institution is located in Portimao, Portugal, and it is an essential educational facility in this region, providing affordable educational options for domestic and international students.

3. University of the Azores

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.

The tuition fee at University of the Azores for incoming international master’s students is 1,180 Euros to 2,000 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Higher Institute of Entre Douro and Vouga

Another affordable university to consider in Portugal is Higher Institute of Entre Douro and Vouga.

The Higher Institute of Entre Douro and Vouga is a private institution that focuses on practical education that uses new and innovative techniques. This institution has served as a higher education university since 1990 in the region of Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal, and it is very popular among domestic students.

The tuition fee in Higher Institute of Entre Douro and Vouga for master’s program for foreign students starts from 1,500 Euros.

5. University of Beira Interior

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Beira Interior 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 1,500 Euros yearly.

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. 

6. Polytechnic Institute of Braganca

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.

7. University of Minho

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.

8. Polytechnic Institute of Setubal

The Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal is located in the municipality of Setúbal. This university is highly advanced and specializes in technical courses such as engineering, chemical engineering, and technology. It aims to continuously improve its campuses so it can keep up with the development of technology and provide the best possible courses for their students.

9. Lusofona University of Porto

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.

10. 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.

11. University of the Algarve

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. 

12. University of Evora

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. 

13. 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. 

14. Polytechnic Institute of Leiria

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.

15. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Portugal 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 Portugal?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Portugal. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Portugal is the D. Dinis Higher Institute, which offers Design, Industrial Production Engineering, and Engineering and Industrial Design to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Escola Superior Náutica Infante D. Henrique offers Marine Engineering, and Deck and Bridge Operations.

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 Portugal, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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