8 Best Private Universities in Porto 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 Porto, which is one of the cities in Portugal. When visiting Porto, 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 Porto. 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!

Rank University Location
1 Fernando Pessoa University Porto, Portugal
2 Portucalense University Porto, Portugal
3 Escola Superior de Educacao de Paula Frassinetti Porto, Portugal
4 ISAG European Business School Porto, Portugal
5 Lusofona University of Porto Porto, Portugal
6 Artistic School of Porto Porto, Portugal
7 Santa Maria Health School Porto, Portugal
8 Instituto Superior de Servico Social do Porto Porto, Portugal

Private Universities in Porto

1. Fernando Pessoa University

  • Fernando Pessoa University Page
  • 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.

    2. Portucalense University

  • Portucalense University Page
  • 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. 

    3. Escola Superior de Educacao de Paula Frassinetti

  • Escola Superior de Educacao de Paula Frassinetti Page
  • 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.

    4. ISAG European Business School

  • ISAG European Business School Page
  • 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.

    5. Lusofona University of Porto

  • Lusofona University of Porto Page
  • 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.

    6. Artistic School of Porto

  • Artistic School of Porto Page
  • 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. 

    7. Santa Maria Health School

  • Santa Maria Health School Page
  • 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. 

    8. Instituto Superior de Servico Social do Porto

  • Instituto Superior de Servico Social do Porto Page
  • 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.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How much does Private Universities in Porto Cost?

    There are 8 private universities in Porto, out of which, we have tuition fee of 4 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 Porto to learn more about your options for your next academic destination.