45 Best Private Universities in Portugal for International Students

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Portugal is one of the best countries for private universities in the world. The universities that are located here are well-ranked universities that provide great formal education with affordable tuition fees. The main attraction in Portugal is the fact that international students are welcomed not only by the universities but also by the general population.

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 Portugal. 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!

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Rank University Location
1 Lusofona University Porto, Portugal
2 Catholic University of Portugal Lisbon, Portugal
3 Fernando Pessoa University Porto, Portugal
4 ISPA Institute of Applied Psychology Lisbon, Portugal
5 Autonomous University of Lisbon Lisbon, Portugal
6 Lusiada University Lisbon, Portugal
7 Universidade Europeia Lisbon, Portugal
8 Portucalense University Porto, Portugal
9 Instituto Portugues de Administracao de Marketing Lisbon, Portugal
10 Escola Superior de Educacao de Paula Frassinetti Porto, Portugal
11 Instituto Superior Politecnico Gaya Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
12 Instituto Superior Miguel Torga Coimbra, Portugal
13 ESAD Art and Design Matosinhos, Portugal
14 Instituto Superior de Gestão Lisbon, Portugal
15 Escola Superior de Saude da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa – Alto Tamega Chaves, Portugal
16 Manuel Teixeira Gomes Higher Education Institute Portimao, Portugal
17 Escola Superior de Saúde do Alcoitão Alcabideche, Portugal
18 ISEC Lisboa – Higher Institute of Education and Sciences Lisbon, Portugal
19 Atlantica Instituto Universitario Oeiras, Portugal
20 Instituto Superior de Ciências Educativas do Douro Penafiel, Portugal
21 Santa Maria Health School Porto, Portugal
22 Escola Superior de Saúde Norte da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa Oliveira de Azemeis, Portugal
23 Artistic School of Porto Porto, Portugal
24 ISAG European Business School Porto, Portugal
25 National Academy of Advanced Orchestral Studies Lisbon, Portugal
26 Higher Institute of Entre Douro and Vouga Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
27 Instituto Superior de Tecnologias Avançadas de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
28 ISLA – Polytechnic Institute of Management and Technology Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
29 Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama Coimbra, Portugal
30 Instituto Superior de Servico Social do Porto Porto, Portugal
31 Institute of Higher Studies of Fafe Fafe, Portugal
32 Instituto Politécnico da Lusofonia Lisbon, Portugal
33 Instituto Superior de Saude do Alto Ave Amares, Portugal
34 Atlantico Business School Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
35 Escola Superior de Atividades Imobiliarias Lisbon, Portugal
36 Higher Institute of Administration and Languages Funchal, Portugal
37 Sao Francisco das Misericordias Higher School of Nursing Lisbon, Portugal
38 D. Dinis Higher Institute Marinha Grande, Portugal
39 Sao Jose Cluny College of Nursing Funchal, Portugal
40 Instituto Superior de Novas Profissoes Lisbon, Portugal
41 Joao de Deus School of Education Lisbon, Portugal
42 ESS CVP Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
43 Egas Moniz School of Health & Science Almada, Portugal
44 Instituto Superior de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo Odivelas, Portugal
45 University of Maia Maia, Portugal

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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 within Portugal to learn more about your options for your next academic destination.