Study in Portugal

Offering a mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful coastline and cities packed with historic interest and cultural experiences, Portugal – the westernmost country in mainland Europe – is surely among the continent’s most attractive destinations. Aside from the many historic sites and areas of natural beauty, the country is also known for its contemporary culture and nightlife. If you’re a fan of rock and world music, in the main cities along the coast you’ll find a remarkable number of festivals and events to suit your tastes. But if this isn’t your thing, fear not, because the diverse student communities in Portugal’s major cities will ensure there’s always something to get involved in. So, whether you’re a food lover, hiker, music fanatic, sight-seer or history buff, choosing to study in Portugal is a great option.

Country Facts

Portugal is situated in the south-western extremity of Europe, occupying the western littoral of the Iberian Peninsula. The territory also includes the Azores, Madeira and Porto Santo Islands. It is bound to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the east and north by Spain. The capital of the country is Lisbon. The population of the country is 10.4 million the official language is Portuguese, which is spoken by the entire population.

Visa, Languages, Work

Who requires a visa?
Non-EU residents who wish to visit Portugal for business or a holiday will need a Portugal Visa called a Schengen Visa. Portugal is one of the countries in the Schengen Agreement of 1995.The agreement also includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Schengen Visas are issued from the embassy of the country which will be your main destination during your stay Europe. A Portuguese Schengen Visa will enable you to visit Portugal and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days for business or travel. You are not entitled to seek employment. All countries and territories that are members of the Schengen acquis, of the EU or of EFTA. Positive visa list of countries from whose citizens no visa is required to enter the territory of the EU member states for a period of maximum 90 days.

Where to apply?
The jurisdiction of the Consular Section of the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi covers all India for short and long term visa.The residents of the States of Maharashtra and Goa and the Union Territories of Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli have to apply at VFS Mumbai Visa Application Centre .In the absence of Portuguese Missions in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka,the residents of these countries have to apply to the Embassy of France in Dhaka , Kathmandu and Colombo,which represent Portugal. The long-term national visa for residents of Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka have to be submitted to the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi.

For Prospective Applicants
The Portugal Visa Application Centre would accept applications for Airport Transit, Schengen Short Term Visa and Long Term Visa (Research, Study/Training, Work, Family Reunion and others),to submit to the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi / The Consulate General of Portugal. Applicants are requested to kindly read the information on this site carefully. The guidelines listed on this site are to help you prepare your documents as accurately as possible. This will reduce the chances of your application being delayed or declined due to inadequate or incorrect submission of documents. Please note that you may be required to appear personally in the Visa Section at the Embassy of Portugal / the Consulate General of Portugal in Goa for an interview prior to a decision being taken on your application. The Visa Application Centre shall help you to take an appointment for the same..

What documents will be required?
Depending on nationality and duration of stay, some or all of the following may be required: Passport valid for 3 months after date of return and with a least one blank visa page Completed application form duly filled in capital letters.

Two colour passport size photograph.
Copy of itinerary with confirmed reservation or acceptance letter;
Proof of departure arrangements.
Proof of sufficient means of support.
Proof of health insurance coverage.
Time required to issue visa:
5-14 days for tourist visa.
Allow up to 2-3 months for student visa.

What is the cost of a visa?
25 Euro to 170 Euro for short-term visas.

How long is the visa valid for?
A short-term visa is valid for a total stay of up to 30 or 90 days (depending on visa), over the period of one year. A student visa is valid for the duration of the course of study.

Higher Education System

Higher education in Portugal is divided into two subsystems: university education and non-university higher education (polytechnic education), and it is provided in autonomous public universities, private universities, polytechnic institutions and private higher educational institutions of other types. The two systems of higher education are linked and it is possible to transfer from one to the other. It is also possible to transfer from a public institution to a private one and vice-versa. University institutions may award “Licenciado”, “Mestre” and “Doutor” degrees while Polytechnic institutions award 1st cycle – “Licenciado” and 2nd cycle – “Mestre” degrees.

Popular Programs

Levels of study available are :

  first degrees: Bacharelato (three years of study) and Licenciatura (four to six years of study);
  postgraduate courses: Mestrado (four semesters, advanced degree in a scientific area through practical research);
  doctoral studies: Doutoramento (several years of personal study for a thesis);
  Postdoctoral programmes: Agregação (reserved for Doutoramento, the highest level of study).

Test Requirements

Students Applying to undergraduate education in Portugal,the main prerequisite is a Secondary School Leaving Certificate. In addition, students pass an entrance examination. All but a very few courses in Portuguese higher education are given in Portuguese. Therefore, students are also required to speak and have a very good understanding of the Portuguese language. Some schools in Portugal offer language learning programs where students can improve their language skills. Public schools in Portugal have competitive admissions. Courses differ in the level of competition and may require more or fewer applicants for admission. Medicine is among the most sought after programs of study in Portugal, and is therefore very competitive. Polytechnics are generally less competitive and private institutions set their own entrance requirements, and are often far easier to gain admission. For entry into postgraduate study in Portugal, students need a bachelor or master degree, depending on what level of study they are applying for. Portugal is generally very good at recognizing foreign qualifications. To date, Portugal recognizes PhDs from other Bologna member states and is intending to give automatic recognition to all first and second cycle degrees from the same.

Accommodation

Student accommodation is a term used in debates over the impact of student housing in the Portugal, especially with regard to the recent expansion of numbers in Higher Education. As increasing numbers of young people attend universities, institutionally-owned halls of residence have become increasingly incapable of coping with the demand for housing. At the same time, house-sharing has become considered a normal and sometimes desirable part of the student experience. In most university towns today, students only stay in halls for their first year, then move out into private student accommodation. Home stay is a popular form of accommodation as it provides an opportunity to practice newly acquired language skills and affords an insight into the Portuguese lifestyle. Portuguese people are known for their hospitality, and our host-families particularly enjoy meeting people from around the world and making students feel part of the family. In many towns, this trend has led to the emergence of student areas. These tend to be low-rent areas which are situated near to city centres, and often have plenty of leisure facilities within walking distance. On the other hand, they tend to have lower rents. Student areas are often perceived negatively by local or neighbouring populations, and the perceived negative social or economic impact of students on their chosen neighborhoods has led to tension in so-called town-gown relations. Accommodation Facility for Portuguese Higher Education Institutions The majority of Portuguese Higher Education Institutions offer accommodation in Student Residences. These are usually spread out around the city/town. Higher Education Institution campuses which include housing facilities are rare in Portugal. Although the easiest and often cheapest option for students is to stay in Students Residence, you may want to rent your own room/flat. If so, check:

  Local newspapers
  Internet
  Pin-walls inside Higher Education Institutions buildings.

Sharing a flat with other students is very common in Portugal. Prices vary significantly depending on the city and the area. Prices range roughly from 150 Euro up to 350 Euro depending on location, facilities, and the landlord's common sense!

Other facilities
  Situated in a good residential area, hospitable, communicative and with clean, quality lodgings.
  Only Portuguese is spoken.
  Travel distance using public transport: 10 to 30 minutes
  The student's preferences are accommodated as much as possible.
  Bed & Breakfast - These are lower cost hotels. They are fully furnished, and almost like apartments. The price starts from 60 Euro per night.
  Apartment - This is a more costly option, yet also offers a bit more luxury. Available only for long-term students.
  Hotels - Porto offers a wide array of hotels in terms of price, location and style.

Included: Breakfast, Single rooms (double rooms are available on request for two persons booking a course together). You are issued your own front door key. Rooms are generally furnished with a bed, a desk with a reading light and a wardrobe. Bathroom shared with the host family. Laundry either at home at an extra charge or at commercial laundry services. There is weekly cleaning of your room; bed linen is changed every 2 weeks; bed linen is provided, please bring your own towels.

General Tips
  Try to see the room in person before renting it. Pictures on the internet are often misleading.
  If possible, contact other students of your institution to get advice on how to find a room to rent in the city where you plan to study next. If you are lucky, he/she will even offer you his/her room for the following semester.
  Bear in mind that in Portugal it is still very common for old people to rent a room in their own house/apartment. If you want to avoid this kind of accommodation, look for flats.

About Portugal

Portugal,officially the Portuguese Republic,is a unitary semi-presidential republic. It is located in South-Western Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, and it is the western most country of mainland Europe, being bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east.

Portugal is an amazing study abroad destination with a host of universities offering top-notch degree programs

But that is not all! Portugal is the country of the world third most-spoken European language and the linguistic gateway to Africa and Brazil.Plus,our universities have a wide selection of student housing available at very affordable prices.

Culture

Portuguese culture is based on a past that dates back to prehistoric times and has been heavily influenced by a rich variety of countries and customs over years.The eras of the Roman and Moorish invasions as well as the ancient societies before that have all left traces in a rich legacy archaeological remains that can be found throughout Portugal.The ancient cave paintings at Escoural,the Roman township of Conimbriga,The Temple of Diana in evora and the typical Moorish architecture of the Southern towns olhao and Tavira are just some examples of extraordinary culture gems that can be found in the country.

Traditional Dances
Each region of Portugal has its own style of dance and songs with the most traditional tunes played at a slower rhythm compared to those heard in spain.Some of the best example of the regional dances are the vira,chla,corridinho,Tirana, where couples perform a lively dance usually to a fast beat of hand-clapping, guitars and accordions.Many of these dances reflect the courting and matrimonial traditions of the area and are often passionate and exciting to watch.

Music
The music of Portugal includes many different styles and genres,as a result of its history.These can be broadly divided into classical music,traditional/folk music and popular music and all of them have produced internationally successful acts, with the country seeing a recent expansion in musical styles,especially in popular music.In traditional/folk music, fado has had a significant impact, with Amalia Rodrigues still the most recognizable Portuguese name in music,and with more recent acts,like Dulce Pontes and Mariza. Regional folk music remains popular too,having been updated and modernized in many cases, especially in the northeastern region of Tras-os-Montes.Some more recent successful fado/folk-inspired acts include Madredeus and Deolinda, the later being part of a folk revival that has led to a newfound interest in this type of music.

Visual Arts
Sculpture has found rich expression in Portugal over the centuries.From the 12th to the 14th century,sculptors carved ornate limestone tombs,including notable monuments such as the tombs of the kings at Alcobaca. Following the extraordinarily inventive Manueline period, during the Renaissance and baroque periods,sculptors in Portugal did their finest work for the church,producing finely carved reliefs, altarpieces, and pulpits.Painting in Portugal dates from prehistoric times;some of southwestern Europe finest Paleolithic cave paintings can be seen at Escoural.The foremost painter of Portugal golden age was Nuno Goncalves,whose powerful realism was widely influential. In the 20th century Portuguese-born abstract painter Maria Elena Vieira da Silva achieved international renown.

Architecture
Architecture of Portugal refers to the architecture practiced in the territory of present-day Portugal since before the foundation of the country in the 12th century.The term may also refer to buildings created under Portuguese influence or by Portuguese architects in other parts of the world, particularly in the Portuguese Empire.Portuguese architecture,like all aspects of Portuguese culture,is marked by the history of the country and the several peoples that have settled and influenced the current Portuguese territory.These include Romans, Suebians among other related Germanic peoples,Visigoths and Arabs,as well as the influence from the main European artistic centres from which were introduced to the broad architectural styles:Romanesque, Gothic,Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassicism.Among the main local manifestations of Portuguese architecture are the Manueline, the exuberant Portuguese version of late Gothic;and the Pombaline style,a mix of late Baroque and Neoclassicism that developed after the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.

Literature
The beginnings of Portuguese literature are to be found in medieval Galician poetry,originally developed in Galicia and northern Portugal.The Golden Age is located in the Renaissance, with the writings of Gil Vicente,Bernardim Ribeiro, Sa de Miranda and especially the great epic poet Luis de Camoes,author of national and epic poem The Lusiads.The seventeenth century was marked by the introduction of the Baroque in Portugal and is generally regarded as the century of literary decadence,despite the existence of writers like Father Antonio Vieira,Padre Manuel Bernardes and Francisco Rodrigues Lobo. The writers of the eighteenth century to counteract a certain decadence of the baroque stage, made an effort to recover the level of the Golden Age -The Neoclassicism,through the creation of academies and literary Arcadias.

Language
Language is probably one of the biggest areas affecting expats moving to Portugal.Thousands of residents live outside the main centres, often causing them to feel isolated and without recourse to social opportunities.In many Portuguese towns, there are schools or organizations which offer free or low-cost Portuguese language classes,from beginners to more advanced speakers.The local tourism office, school or library will usually have details of these.Most courses are held in the evenings,last between one and three hours, and are taught by a variety of Portuguese teachers in a number of different styles.Learning the language is a key element to feeling more at home in Portugal,managing one way through the system and, of course,being able to share conversation with the locals.It is also a key element to help new arrivals integrate themselves more smoothly, and feel like less of an outsider.

Structure of Studies

1st Cycle
First-cycle studies leading to the professional title of a Bachelors. Bachelor degree programmes,at least 6 semesters, leading to the professional title of Bachelor or at least 7 semesters.This is the Polish equivalent of the Bachelor degree. These are focused on preparing students for future employment,or for continued education within Master degree programmes. To obtain this degree, students must earn at least 180 ECTS credits.The duration of this course is 3 to 4 Years.

2nd Cycle
Second-cycle studies - Called as Master degree programme (1.5 to 2 years) following the first cycle studies and leading to the professional title of Master.These are focused on theoretical knowledge as well as application and development of creative skills.Master degree holders may enter a doctoral programme (third-cycle studies).To obtain this degree,students must earn 90-120(Transfer and Acumulation System) ECTS credits.The duration of the course is 1.5 to 2 years.

Long cycle studies
It is also known as the Single long-cycle studies.These study program basically based on an integrated study program,which contains both basic studies and in-depth specialization.The Master degree programmes which consist 10 to 12 semesters leading to the professional title of magister or an equivalent degree.Its depends on the study course profile.To obtain this degree,students must earn at least 300 ECTS credits (10-semesters studies) or at least 360 ECTS credits(12-semesters studies).

3rd cycle studies
3RD Cycle Studies are also called as Doctoral degree programmes.The total duration of these Programmes is 6 to 8 semesters.These Programmes are accessible to graduates of the Master degree and leading to the PhD degree.These Programmes are offered by the university-type schools as well as some research institutions which belong to the departments of the Portugal Academy of Sciences, along with research and development institutions. The PhD degree is awarded to candidates who submit and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation before the thesis committee, and who pass the doctoral examination.

Under Graduate Degree

What is Meant by Undergraduate Degree
An Undergraduate degree is a colloquial term for an academic degree taken by a person who has completed undergraduate courses. It is usually offered at an institution of higher education,such as a university.The most common type of this degree is the bachelor degree, which typically takes at least three or four years to complete.A bachelor degree is usually earned for an undergraduate course of study that nominally requires three to five years of study.In some cases,it may also be the name of a second graduate degree,such as a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.),Bachelor of Civil Law, the Bachelor of Music,the Bachelor of Philosophy, or the Bachelor of Sacred Theology,degree which in some countries are only offered after a first graduate/bachelor degree.

Undergraduate Education
Undergraduate Education is the post-secondary education previous to the postgraduate education.It includes all the academic programs up to the level of a bachelor degree. For example,in the United States an entry level university student is known as an undergraduate, while students of higher degrees are known as graduates. In some other educational systems and subjects,undergraduate education is post-secondary education up to the level of a master degree;this is the case for some science courses in Britain and some medicine courses in Europe.

Undergraduate or 1st Cycle Studies
First-cycle studies leading to the professional title of a Bachelors.Bachelor degree programmes,at least 6 semesters, leading to the professional title of Bachelor or at least 7 semesters.This is the Polish equivalent of the Bachelor degree.These are focused on preparing students for future employment, or for continued education within Master degree programmes. To obtain this degree, students must earn at least 180 ECTS credits. The duration of this course is 3 to 4 Years.

Portugal Undergraduate Degree
Both university and polytechnic institutions confer the degree of licenciado (bachelor). In polytechnic education, the cycle of studies that leads to the degree of licenciado has 180 credits and a normal length of six curricular semesters of students work. In certain cases namely those covered by internal legislation or by European legislation,the cycle of studies can have up to 240 credits with a normal length of up to seven or eight curricular semesters of students work.In university education, the cycle of studies that leads to the degree of licenciado has from 180 to 240 credits and a normal length between six to eight curricular semesters of students work. In the first cycle of studies the degree of licenciado is conferred,by universities or polytechnics institutions, to those that, after concluding all the curricular units that integrate the study programme of the licenciatura course, have obtained the established number of credits.

Post Graduate Degree

Post Graduate Education
Post graduate Education involves learning and studying for degrees, professional or academic certificates, or other qualifications for which a first or Bachelor degree generally is required, and it is normally considered to be part of Higher Education. The organization and structure of postgraduate Education varies in different countries,as well as in different institutions within countries. This article outlines the basic types of courses and of teaching and examination methods,with some explanation of their history.

Post Graduate Degree
A master degree is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.Within the area studied, graduates are posited to possess advanced knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and applied topics, high order skills in analysis,critical evaluation or professional application, and the ability to solve complex problems and think rigorously and independently. The degree is awarded upon graduation from a university.

Post Graduate Degree as 2nd Cycle Studies
Second-cycle studies - Called as Master degree programme (1.5 to 2 years) following the first cycle studies and leading to the professional title of Master. These are focused on theoretical knowledge as well as application and development of creative skills. Master degree holders may enter a doctoral programme (third-cycle studies).To obtain this degree,students must earn 90-120(Transfer and Acumulation System ) ECTS credits. The duration of the course is 1.5 to 2 years. Post Graduate Degrees In Portugal
Both university and polytechnic institutions confer the degree of mestre (master).The cycle of studies that leads to the degree of mestre has from 90 to 120 credits and a normal length of between three to four curricular semesters of students work or in exceptional circumstances,60 credits and a duration of two semesters,resulting from a stable and consolidated practice in that specific field at international level.In polytechnic education,the cycle of studies that leads to the mestre degree must ensure predominantly that the student acquires a professional specialization.In university education, the mestre degree may also be conferred after an integrated cycle of studies, with 300 to 360 credits and a normal length of 10 to 12 curricular semesters of students work,in cases for which the access to the practice of a certain professional activity depends on that length of time established by legal EU standards or resulting from a stable practice consolidated in the European Union.In this cycle of studies the degree of licenciado is conferred to those who have obtained 180 credits corresponding to the first six semesters of work.

Medical Studies

Doctorate Education
A doctorate Education is an academic degree or professional degree that, in most countries, qualifies the holder to teach at the university level in the specific field of his or her degree, or to work in a specific profession.In some countries, the highest degree in a given field is called a terminal degree. The term doctorate comes from the Latin docere,meaning to teach.

Doctorate Studies also called as 3rd cycle Studies
3RD Cycle Studies are also called as Doctoral degree programmes.The total duration of these Programmes is 6 to 8 semesters. These Programmes are accessible to graduates of the Master degree and leading to the PhD degree.These Programmes are offered by the university-type schools as well as some research institutions which belong to the departments of the Portugal Academy of Sciences, along with research and development institutions. The PhD degree is awarded to candidates who submit and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation before the thesis committee, and who pass the doctoral examination.

Doctorate Studies in Portugal
The doutor (doctor) degree is conferred by universities and university institutes. The degree of doutor is conferred to those that, after concluding all the curricular units that integrate the study programme of the doutoramento (doctorate) course, when applicable, and have successfully defended their thesis in the public act.

Cities

The country is located on the coast of south-western Europe. The eastern part of the country is bordered by Spain and the western side is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can experience and feel the true culture and heritage of the country at all the major Cities in Portugal. Portugal Republic is divided into three parts; the Mainland, Madeira Island and the Island of Azores comprising18 districts and 2 independent regions. Some of the cities in Portugal are as follows.

Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. The city was built during the 18th century and since then it has been the major city of the country. The most populated and happening Portugal city is located on the south-western part of the country. Lisbon has always been the centre for culture, tourism and business.It is the westernmost large city located in continental Europe, as well as its westernmost capital city and the only one along the Atlantic coast. Lisbon lies in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus,and has a population of 547,631 within its administrative limits on a land area of 84.8 square kilometers (32.7 sq mi). The urban area extends beyond the administrative city limits with an estimated population of 2.7 million, on an area of 958 square kilometers (370 sq mi), making it the 11th most populous urban area in the European Union. Lisbon is recognized as a global city because of its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education and tourism. It is one of the major economic centres on the continent, with a growing financial sector and one of the largest container ports on Europe Atlantic coast.

Porto
Porto is another major city of Portugal. The city has been recognized as the one of the cultural capitals of Europe. Porto, the second largest city of Portugal is also the capital of Douro region. World famous for its production of fine port wine, the busy city of Porto sprawls along the hills overlooking the Douro River in northern Portugal.At the heart of Porto is the charming pedestrian zone, the Ribeira, an atmospheric place on the river, buzzing in live music, cafes, restaurants and street vendors. Dominating this popular tourist setting is the Ponte Dom Luis,a metal,double-deck arch bridge that links Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, well-known for its port wine cellars.

Amadora
The city of Amadora is situated in the north-western side of Lisbon. The city has huge population and is the smallest municipality of the country. Amadora is a municipality and urbanized city in the northwest of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The municipal population is 175,872, with an area of 23.77 square kilometers (9.18 sq mi): it is one of the most densely populated municipalities in Portugal. Most of shanty towns still existent in Lisbon Metropolitan Area are located in this municipality. One of the largest urban communities in Portugal, Amadora forms a conurbation with the Lisbon, sharing the same subway, bus and train networks. It is essentially a suburban extension of the capital, dominated by large apartment blocks, commercial parks and industrial areas. Amadora public transport network is extremely far-reaching and reliable, being fully integrated with the transportation network of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. It has 2 metro stations, the commuter Sintra train line with 3 stations, 2 bus services and 4 motorways around the city.