Higher Education follows the same logic as the other levels, that is, they can be part of Public or Private Education, by decision and preference of the students. Public Education continues to be reimbursed by the Portuguese State, however it has an associated monthly fee / annuity, as in Private Education, with the difference that, generally, the private have higher fees.
Higher Education is organized by a binary system consisting of:
- University Education: which presents a more theoretical teaching aspect, with a tendency to encourage more research and search for scientific knowledge
- Polytechnic Education: which presents a more practical aspect
Higher Education has a structure with 3 study cycles:
- Degree: the Bachelor’s degree is awarded if the student is approved in all the curricular units to which he / she proposed;
- Master’s degree: the master’s degree is awarded if the student is approved in all the curricular units to which he / she proposed and approval of the Master’s Thesis;
- PhD degree: a PhG degree is awarded when the student is specialized in a branch of knowledge or specialty. For approval of this degree it is necessary to prepare a Doctoral Thesis.
Those who:
- Have completed regular Secondary Education with approval (Secondary Education entitlement can be obtained through the recognition of foreign qualifications)
- Have performed the necessary entrance exams / tests
- Meet the required course entry requirements
- Have an average grade that corresponds to what is required by the course you are interested in
As a European citizen, you have the right to attend higher education with the same rights as a Portuguese citizen. Still, it’s possible to apply under the International Student Statute the:
- Portuguese citizens
- Citizens of EU Member States
- Family members of Portuguese citizens or citizens of EU Member States
There is also the possibility of integrating Higher Education in Portugal through an EU program, Erasmus+. This program is intended to help and organize exchanges of university students and PhD students between countries with the program and between these and countries partners in education, training, youth and sport.
Documents to be provided:
- Identity Card / Citizen Card (or other identification document);
- Original documents of all academic qualifications
- Create a CV (for example, the Europass CV as it is recognized throughout Europe).
- ENES form (ENES – National Secondary Education Exams) – form containing information on the apply exams carried out, as well as proof of completion of Secondary Education
Registration fees:
Higher Education in Portugal charges university fees (monetary value associated with the course and college you intend to integrate), however they vary depending on the institution and course chosen.
Duration:
Higher Education in Portugal:
- Degree: 6 to 8 months
- Master’s degree: 3 to 4 months
- PhD: 6 to 8 months
- Erasmus +: minimum 3 months up to 12 months
Appeal procedures:
Erasmus +: if you want to apply for this program, you should contact the entities (eg university) where you want to study and ask for information on documentation to be delivered and procedures.
External Link
DGES – Acesso e ingresso ao Ensino Superior
Contingente Especial para Candidatos Emigrantes Portugueses e Familiares que com eles residam
