Masters Admission in Portugal 2025–2026: Complete Guide for International Students
Dreaming of studying in Europe with low tuition fees, high-quality education, and stunning coastal cities?
Portugal is one of the most affordable and welcoming destinations in Europe for international students pursuing a Master’s degree (MSc or MA).
With world-class universities like Universidade de Lisboa, Universidade do Porto, and NOVA School of Business & Economics, and programs taught in English, Portugal offers excellent value for money, safety, and quality of life.
In this complete 2025–2026 guide, you’ll learn:
- Top universities and English-taught Master’s programs
- Application deadlines and requirements
- Tuition fees and scholarships
- Student visa process for non-EU students
- Cost of living vs. stipend
- Work opportunities during and after studies
- Tips from education consultants
Perfect for students from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, and worldwide.
🇵🇹 Why Study a Master’s in Portugal?
Portugal is rapidly becoming a top choice for international students because:
- Affordable Tuition Fees: €3,000–€8,000/year (vs. €15,000+ in the US/UK)
- Many Programs in English: No need to learn Portuguese (though it helps!)
- High-Quality Education: Ranked among the best in Europe (Times Higher Education, QS)
- Safe & Welcoming Country: Low crime, friendly locals, EU member
- Schengen Access: Travel freely across 27 European countries
- Post-Study Work Visa: Stay up to 12 months to find a job
- Low Cost of Living: Rent: €400–€700/month (Lisbon/Porto)
Did you know? Portugal ranks #1 in the EU for quality of life (Numbeo 2024).
Top Universities in Portugal for Master’s Degrees
Here are the top-ranked universities offering English-taught Master’s programs:
| Universities | City | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa) | Lisbon | Engineering, Computer Science, Law, Environmental Sciences |
| Universidade do Porto (U.Porto) | Porto | Biotechnology, Data Science, Civil Engineering |
| NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA) | Lisbon | MBA, Finance, Management, Public Health |
| University of Coimbra (UC) | Coimbra | Humanities, Law, Medicine |
| ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon | Lisbon | Social Sciences, Psychology, Business |
| Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics | Lisbon | MSc in Finance, International Management |
| University of Aveiro | Aveiro | Sustainable Technologies, Materials Science |
🔗 Find Programs: https://www.studyinportugal.gov.pt
Popular Master’s Programs in English
Business & Management
- MSc in International Management (NOVA SBE)
- MSc in Finance (Católica Lisbon)
- MBA (ISCTE, Porto Business School)
- Master in Marketing Analytics
Engineering & Technology
- MSc in Computer Science (ULisboa)
- MSc in Data Science (U.Porto)
- MSc in Robotics & Automation
- MSc in Renewable Energy Systems
Social Sciences & Humanities
- MA in European Studies
- MSc in Psychology
- Master in Urban Planning
- MA in Digital Communication
Environmental & Life Sciences
- MSc in Environmental Engineering
- MSc in Biotechnology
- Master in Marine Biology
- MSc in Sustainable Development
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Average Tuition Fees (Non-EU Students):
- Public Universities: €3,000 – €8,000/year
- Private Universities: €7,000 – €15,000/year
Compare: UK (~€15,000), USA (~€25,000), Germany (free but competitive)
Scholarships for International Students
1. Government of Portugal Scholarships (DGES)
- For non-EU students
- Covers partial tuition + monthly stipend
- Apply through university admission portal
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
- Fully funded programs across Europe
- Includes travel, accommodation, insurance
- Examples: EMJM in Renewable Energy, Data Science
3. University-Specific Scholarships
- NOVA SBE: Merit-based scholarships (up to 100% fee waiver)
- Católica Lisbon: International Student Grants
- University of Porto: U.Porto Excellence Fellowships
4. External Scholarships
- Chevening (UK) – can fund study in Portugal
- Fulbright (USA) – for Americans
- India’s ICCR – limited options
Application Process & Deadlines
Most Master’s programs in Portugal have two intakes:
- Fall Intake (September): Main intake – apply by March–June
- Spring Intake (February): Limited programs – apply by October–November
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Use portals like:
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
You’ll need:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate (with transcript)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL 80+, Duolingo 105+)
- CV (EU format)
- Motivation letter
- Two recommendation letters
- Copy of passport
- Proof of funds (€9,000–€12,000/year)
Step 3: Submit Application
- Apply online via university portal
- Pay application fee (€50–€100)
- Wait 4–8 weeks for admission decision
Step 4: Accept Offer & Pay Deposit
- Confirm enrollment
- Pay first semester fee or deposit
Student Visa for Portugal (Type D)
Once accepted, apply for a National Student Visa (Type D) at the Portuguese Embassy in your country.
Required Documents:
- University admission letter
- Proof of financial means (bank statement ≥ €9,000/year)
- Health insurance (min. €30,000 coverage)
- Return flight ticket
- Accommodation proof
- Visa application form
- Passport photos
Processing Time: 30–60 days
Good news: The admission letter and scholarship can meet the financial requirement.
Cost of Living in Portugal (2025)
| Expenses Type | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared apartment) | 300–500 (Lisbon/Porto) |
| Food & Groceries | 100–200 |
| Local Transport | 40–60 |
| Utilities | 50–100 |
| Health Insurance | 50–100 (if not covered) |
| Total | €540–€960/month |
Many students work part-time (up to 20 hrs/week) to cover expenses and if you live in shared room, expenses will be reduced to 500.
Can You Work While Studying?
Yes! As a student visa holder, you can:
- Work up to 20 hours/week during term
- Work full-time during holidays
- Earn €6–€10/hour (retail, tutoring, hospitality)
After graduation, you can apply for a 1-year residence permit for job search.
Need Help?
Applying for a Master’s in Portugal can be confusing — especially with documents, visas, and scholarships.
At Target Consultant, we help students from Pakistan and worldwide :
- Find the right program
- Prepare SOPs, CVs, and motivation letters
- Apply for visas
- Secure admission offers
Book a FREE 30-minute consultation and let us guide you step-by-step.
