16 Best Private Universities in Lisbon for International Students

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There are a lot of great countries and cities that need to be visited and discovered in your lifetime, and one of the main locations that need to be visited for your studies is Lisbon, which is one of the cities in Portugal. When visiting Lisbon, in addition to developing your skills and academic knowledge, you will become part of a new system and society that will open and enrich your cultural horizons.

Private institutions are a great way to reach your academic goals and get that well-deserved degree. To help you out, check out the list below if you’re looking to study in a private university in Lisbon. Each university page provides you with specific details on tuition, admission, language requirements, available courses, and more. So, make sure to check the university pages! Let’s dig in!

Private Universities in Lisbon

1. Catholic University of Portugal

  • Catholic University of Portugal Page
  • 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.

    2. ISPA Institute of Applied Psychology

  • ISPA Institute of Applied Psychology Page
  • ISPA Institute of Applied Psychology was established in 1962 and is the first university to provide education and training in different branches of psychology. The university also offers degrees in biosciences and education where students experience both laboratory work and field work to obtain both strong theoretical knowledge and high-level skills in their chosen disciplines. It is also known for its commitment to research and translating the knowledge acquired into solutions to help the local community.

    3. Autonomous University of Lisbon

  • Autonomous University of Lisbon Page
  • 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. 

    4. Lusiada University

  • Lusiada University Page
  • 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.

    5. Universidade Europeia

  • Universidade Europeia Page
  • Universidade Europeia is a young private university that aims to develop global professionals who are knowledgeable, skilled, and socially responsible. Its campus is located in Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon. The university offers a wide range of programs and is recognized as the best in the country for hospitality studies.

    6. Instituto Portugues de Administracao de Marketing

  • Instituto Portugues de Administracao de Marketing Page
  • Instituto Portugues de Administracao de Marketing (IPAM) is a specialized higher education school that provides excellent programs fully dedicated to marketing. Its goal is to provide students with a practice-based learning approach, opportunities for training and internship in various public and private business sectors, and to gain core capabilities deemed necessary for their future careers. Moreover, IPAM students will also benefit from gaining numerous network connections as the institute has long-term partnerships and collaborations with multiple relevant Portuguese and international companies in different industry sectors.

    7. Instituto Superior de Gestão

  • Instituto Superior de Gestão Page
  • Instituto Superior de Gestão is one of the country’s top universities for management education. The university offers multidisciplinary and innovative programs with strong connections with major entities in the business world. Students at the university undergo internships and other practical activities to develop a wide range of employable skills and gain first-hand experience in the day-to-day operations and challenges in the industry.

    8. National Academy of Advanced Orchestral Studies

  • National Academy of Advanced Orchestral Studies Page
  • 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.

    9. ISEC Lisboa – Higher Institute of Education and Sciences

  • ISEC Lisboa – Higher Institute of Education and Sciences Page
  • The ISEC Lisboa – Higher Institute of Education and Sciences was established in 1991 with the goal of providing high-quality scientific and technical training to future professionals. This university is located in Lisbon, and it provides studies in the fields of arts, science, and management. The university welcomes international students and offers studies in both English and Portuguese.

    10. Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa

  • Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa Page
  • Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa is a leading university for health sciences in Portugal. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs aimed at developing professionals who not only possess broad knowledge and skill but also genuine compassion and respect toward their fellow humans. Students and faculty at the university are also directly involved in conducting research to continue updating its courses based on the need of the industry and society. 

    11. Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia

  • Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia Page
  • 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. 

    12. Instituto Superior de Novas Profissoes

  • Instituto Superior de Novas Profissoes Page
  • Instituto Superior de Novas Profissoes (INP) is a well-established higher education school that provides top-quality programs, modern facilities, and exceptional teaching. The institute aims to cultivate individuals responsible for performing vital roles in resolving local issues and global challenges. The study programs currently offered include communication, tourism, and management. Aside from degree programs, the university also awards technical and short courses.

    13. Instituto Superior de Tecnologias Avançadas de Lisboa

  • Instituto Superior de Tecnologias Avançadas de Lisboa Page
  • The Instituto Superior de Tecnologias Avançadas de Lisboa or ISTEC is a private university in Lisbon known to provide high-quality education in the fields of informatics and engineering. It offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as professional courses. ISTEC boasts an outstanding faculty, modern facilities, and a well-developed curriculum for each of its programs.

    14. Escola Superior de Atividades Imobiliarias

  • Escola Superior de Atividades Imobiliarias Page
  • The Escola Superior de Atividades Imobiliáriass is a special and unique institution that provides programs for multiple levels of study. This university is located in Lisbon, Portugal, and was established in 1990. The main aim of this university is to train students to become specialists in the fields of real estate, business management, and other fields related to such.

    15. Sao Francisco das Misericordias Higher School of Nursing

  • Sao Francisco das Misericordias Higher School of Nursing Page
  • The Sao Francisco das Misericórdias Higher School of Nursing is a health-specialized institution that mostly focuses on the field of nursing. It is strategically located in Lisbon, the largest city in Portugal, giving students the opportunity to get their education in a culturally-rich city. The university was founded in 1991 as a coeducational, practical, and theoretical university and continues to develop its curriculum and facilities.

    16. Joao de Deus School of Education

  • Joao de Deus School of Education Page
  • João de Deus School of Education is a private academic institution for educational sciences dedicated to providing high-quality training to future educators and conducting intensive research to contribute to the cultural and educational development of the country. The university has 55 educational centers spread across Portugal offering educational programs to students of all ages. Students at the university attend different workshops, conferences, and study trips to broaden their perspectives and enhance their skill sets. 


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How much does Private Universities in Lisbon Cost?

    There are 16 private universities in Lisbon, out of which, we have tuition fee of 3 private universities available.


    As you plan your studies abroad, we hope that this article will help you in choosing a good private university.

    We know that attending a private university can be expensive, given its benefits and added perks. But remember that public universities are always an option, too, as they're affordable and can provide you with the same high-quality education. With that, feel free to check out our list of public universities in Lisbon to learn more about your options for your next academic destination.