Portugal is the most Western country in Europe, famed for its idyllic beaches, Mediterranean climate, and long, storied history. It is one of the oldest nations in the continent and its 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites convey the depth of natural beauty throughout the country. Tourists have long flocked to the Algarve region to the south while major cities Lisbon and Porto attract an increasing number of expats and students every year. They are no doubt tempted by the warm climate, affordable cost of living, and highly-regarded universities.
To complete an MBA in Portugal is to enjoy a truly international experience. The country’s level of English is ranked among the best in Europe and that reflects in the increasing number of English courses available to international students. The University of Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal and remains one of the most prestigious, while the Nova School of Business & Economics and the Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics are two leading European business schools. Portugal’s blend of teaching excellence, quality of life, and post-graduation job prospects make it an unbeatable international study destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How much will it cost to live and study in Portugal?
International students who pursue an MBA in Portugal are likely to pay less than in other Western European nations. The cost of an MBA in Portugal ranges from EUR€20,000 to €40,000 depending on the business school. In terms of living costs, the estimated monthly costs for one person are around EUR€540, excluding rent.
Do I need to get a visa to live and study in Portugal?
Portugal is part of the European Union and so EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to study in Portugal. However, they will need to apply for a residence permitfrom the local council office if the stay is over 90 days. Students from outside the EU/EEA need a visa to study in Portugal.
How reputable are universities in Portugal?
Some of the most prestigious universities in Portugal are the University of Lisbon, the University of Porto, and the University of Coimbra. The Lisbon MBA, a joint venture between Nova School of Business & Economics and the Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, is ranked by the Financial Times as one of the top 20 in Europe.
What is the job market like for graduates in Portugal?
Average salaries in Portugal are below the European average. It is undoubtedly a competitive job market, but with the country facing skills shortages in fields like IT, communications, and tourism, there are plenty of opportunities for skilled graduates in Portugal. Having a strong command of Portuguese and English is a great way of getting ahead of other candidates.
Are there a lot of international students in Portugal?
There are 50,000 international students in Portugal, who make up 7.8% of the total student population. This proportion of international students is higher than Spain (3.5%) and Italy (5.6%) but slightly short of European leaders Switzerland (17.7%) and the United Kingdom (18.3%).
Did You Know?
Fun Facts About Portugal
1
On the Global Peace Index 2021, Portugal ranked #4 out of 163 countries, making it one of the most peaceful countries in Europe.
2
Over 250 million people in the world speak Portuguese, making it the world's sixth-most spoken language in use today.
3
The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1290.
4
Portugal has produced several notable political leaders, such as António Guterres, (former United Nations secretary-general), José Manuel Barroso (former president of the European Commission), and Diogo de Freitas do Amaral (former president of the UN General Assembly).
5
Livraria Bertrand in central Lisbon is the oldest bookstore in the world, founded in 1732!
Which Visas & permits do in need in Portugal
International students who plan on pursuing an MBA in Portugal will most likely need a visa to study in Portugal. While a visa is not required for EU/EEA or Swiss citizens, you will need to register your stay with the local authorities. Non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizens need to apply for a student visa as well as a residence permit, by submitting documents including a valid passport, a letter of acceptance from your university, proof that you have paid the tuition fees, and proof of sufficient funds during your stay in Portugal, among others.
When it comes to working in Portugal, citizens from the EU are free to work in Portugal without a permit. However, they will need to apply for a residence permit within six months of moving to Portugal for employment. Non-EU students who wish to stay in Portugal post-graduation need to have an offer of employment to extend their residence.
Banking in Portugal
Opening a Portuguese bank account is easy, safe, and necessary when it comes to receiving your salary and paying bills. There are currently over 150 banks in Portugal, including private national banks, international banks, public retail banks, and investment banks. The majority of banks in Portugal belong to the Portuguese Banking Association, while the central bank is the Banco de Portugal.
To open a bank account in Portugal, you’ll need to provide proof of ID, proof of address, and your Portuguese NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) number. Your NIF number is used for activities like paying taxes and getting a phone subscription.
What do I need to know about healthcare in Portugal
Portugal offers a high quality of medical care, as well as efficiency and accessibility. Portugal has a nationalized healthcare system, which makes it easy for international students to access healthcare. In order to register for healthcare insurance in Portugal, you will need your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) number, and documents such as a valid passport and Portuguese residence permit or visa (if applicable). International students from the EU/EEA can also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access public healthcare.
Housing options for students in Portugal
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, making it a budget-friendly option for international students. When it comes to student housing, international students can choose from university-owned student halls of residence, renting a private room or apartment, or student halls.
A room in a university-owned hall of residence typically costs EUR€400 per month, depending on location, while student halls (usually run by international companies) start from ERU€595 per month for a standard studio. Renting a private room or apartment starts at EUR€400 per month in Lisbon and EUR€300 per month in Porto.
What are the public transport options in Portugal
Portugal has a transportation network that includes trains, buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services. Public commuters in Lisbon spend an average of 45 minutes on public transport every day. It is also very affordable – the country’s train system, for example, offers several discounts for booking in advance. A single-journey metro ticket in Lisbon costs US$1.90. Via the state-owned train operator, Comboios de Portugal (CP), you can travel across Portugal, between major cities like Lisbon, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra, Faro, and Lagos. Students between the ages of 13 and 25 receive a 25% discount.
How much does a Big Mac cost in Portugal
The Big Mac Index was invented by The Economist in 1986 as an informal way of measuring the purchasing power parity (PPP) between two currencies. The price of a Big Mac in Spain is EUR€4.10 (equivalent to US$4.40 and JP¥559). For US$50, you can buy 11 Big Macs.
Compared to other European countries, Portugal has a low cost of living – which doesn’t come at the expense of a good quality of life! For a single person, the estimated monthly costs are around EUR€540, excluding rent.
