Study in Portugal

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Study in Portugal from Canada

Ranked 35th for the best education system
Affordable tuition fee
More than 78 available scholarship
High-Quality Education
Student-friendly university campuses

Why apply for Portugal Student visa?

A Portugal student visa allows International students to study and live in the country for the duration of their courses. It is a popular visa for International students interested in attending a study program or course at one of Portugal's universities.

Over 75,000 International students choose Portugal as their study abroad destination as it is ranked 35th in the world for having the best universities in the HQ higher education system. Foreign nationals can study in Portugal as it has 14 universities to pursue a university education or target non-university higher education. Portugal attracts many international students due to its renowned universities. Non-EU residents who want a student visa to Portugal can apply once they have an approved university letter. Students are allowed to settle and work in Portugal after completing their studies once they get a job offer.

Benefits of a Portugal Student Visa

Below are the benefits of a Portugal Student visa:

Affordable education
Enjoy the quality of life
Access to the Portuguese healthcare
Allows for visa-free travel to Schengen area
Family reunification
Work part-time during the academic term
Research and teaching
Tax benefits

Types of Portugal Student visa

There are two types of Portugal Student visa such as:

Short-stay (Type C): This is a short-term student visa for non-EU nationals who want to study for a short course or research project in Portugal lasting less than 90 days.
Long-Term Student Visa (Type D): This is a long-term student visa for international students and researchers who will be studying or conducting research in Portugal for over 90 days.

Want assistance to study abroad? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

Top Universities in Portugal

The following are the top universities in Portugal as per QS World Ranking 2025:

Serial number	Universities	World Rank
1	University of Lisbon	260
2	University of Porto	278
3	University of Coimbra	355
4	University of Aveiro	359
5	New University of Lisbon	388
6	University of Minho	611-620
7	ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon	661-670
8	Catholic University of Portugal	901-950

Eligibility criteria to apply for a Portugal student visa

Below are the eligibility criteria that an international student needs to fulfill to apply for a Portugal student visa:

Acceptance letter from the university
Valid passport
Proof of funds
Accommodation in the country
Health Insurance
Travel itinerary
Police clearance certificate
Application fees
Language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or C1 Advanced

Requirements to apply for a Portugal student visa

To apply for a Portugal Student visa, an applicant must fulfill the following requirements:

Complete the visa application form
Academic transcripts
Valid passport
Letter of acceptance
Proof of Health Insurance
Proof of Accommodation
Certification of clear criminal record
Proof of Health insurance
Proof of English Language requirement

How to apply for a Portugal student visa?

Step 1: Check your eligibility for the visa

Step 2: Sort out the documentation

Step 3: Submit the application form

Step 4: Wait for the decision

Step 5: Once approved, Migrate to Portugal

Study Intake in Portugal

Portuguese universities operate on a three-semester system, with courses starting with international students having a chance to apply to their chosen universities. Below is the study intake in Portugal that accepts applications:

Intake Period	Application Start Date	Application Deadline
April-May	September	August
June-July	February	July
January (Spring)	January	December – January

Processing fees of the Portugal Student Visa

Below are the processing fees for a Portugal Student visa:

Student visa	Processing fees
Short-stay student visa	€ 75
Long-stay student visa	€90

Processing time of the Portugal Student visa

Below are the processing times for student visa:

Student visa	Processing time
Short-stay student visa	15 to 30 working days
Long-stay student visa	60 working days

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is regarded as one of the best immigration company and visa consultancy companies that will offer end-to-end services to clients according to their requirements, such as:

Course Recommendation: Y-Axis gives unbiased advice on choosing the appropriate course and to choose the right path for successful career growth
Coaching: Expert PTE coaching, IELTS proficiency coaching
Free counseling: Professional counseling for your selection of appropriate course and university
Documentation: Sorting out the necessary documentation
Filing forms, documentation, and petition
Guidance to study abroad
Sign up with Y-Axis to learn more about overseas Immigration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in Portugal without IELTS?

Yes, you can study in Portugal without IELTS, as certain Portuguese universities waive the requirement of IELTS, particularly if you have completed your education in English, as you will have a strong English Language background.

Is it affordable to study in Portugal?

Studying in Portugal is quite affordable for Canadian students, particularly compared to other European destinations. Public universities generally lower tuition fees compared to private institutions. This affordability factor makes Portugal attractive for Canadian students seeking a high-quality education without incurring high costs.

Can students bring family members with them?

If the student is a Portuguese student visa holder, they can bring their dependent family members to reside with them. Students must prove they have enough funds to support themselves and their members. Family members who can come with the students in Portugal:

Spouse or registered/domestic partner
Minor children (including adopted children)
Adults (unmarried children) who are dependent on you

Note: Family members who want to settle in Portugal with the student must apply for a Portugal Family reunification visa after they have settled in Portugal

Can I stay in Portugal After completing my studies?

If you have a job offer, you can stay in Portugal after your studies. You and your employer must meet the Portugal work visa requirement to switch from a student residency to a work permit. An applicant must apply for a Portugal work visa before the Portugal student visa expires.

Are Portuguese student visa holders allowed to work while studying?

If a student has a residence permit for studying in Portugal, an applicant can work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during semester breaks and holidays. You are not allowed to work if you have a short course (up to three months) and only have a Schengen visa.