Bachelor Programs in Portugal
Study in Portugal
There are more than enough reasons why Portugal is fast becoming an education haven for many internationals. Portugal is a land of knowledge and is home to some of the leading higher institutions in the world. The country and its people all contribute to the magical experience that many foreigners have come to love. Portugal is one study abroad destination, known exquisitely for the quality of the education that they have. As of 2019, there are around 132 higher learning institutions in the country. There are also more than 300,000 students attending a higher institution in Portugal, with over 50,000 of them being from all over the globe. Many of the universities in Portugal have featured in many world ranking forums for higher institutions; some of them include QS and Times Higher Education (THE). Higher institutions are also research-centered and support over 100 research programs. There are also many specialized institutions in the country that have field focus in science and technology. The system of education in the country follows the Bologna process as with other European countries, such that any degree from Portugal has international acclaim. Universities here offer programs in undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. Portuguese is the general language of instruction and most subjects are taught in the language, however, there is an increasing number of English courses and programs opening up every year. The cost of education is modestly priced and public institutions are basically inexpensive. The tuition average for both undergraduate and graduate levels is €1,500; private university education is considerably higher and can come up to €4,000. The oldest university in Portugal was established in 1290 nearly 800 years ago. Named the University of Coimbra, the school started with less than 1,000 students but now has over 30,000 students under its umbrella. The school interestingly is also now a major hub for foreign students from around the world.
About Portugal
Portugal, also known as the Portuguese republic sits on the southwestern point of Europe and makes up for more than half of the western coast of the Iberian peninsula. With a history dating back to the pre-historic settlement and outranking some of the oldest European nations, Portugal is rich with culture, history and interesting knowledge. Portugal is the most western country in Europe and has one of the most significant histories on the planet. The capital city is Lisbon and it is 4 centuries older than Rome and is the second-oldest European capital after Athens. Portugal is named after the country’s second-largest city, Porto. The city is located a few hours from Lisbon and is one of the most popular destinations in the country. The city has beautiful architecture and has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Portugal is bordered by Spain and the Atlantic ocean. Portuguese is the official language of the country and of other former Portuguese colonies like Brazil, Macau, Sao Tome, and Principe, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and others. Portuguese has also been named the 9th most influential language in the world. Portugal and England have the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world; the Anglo-Portuguese alliance which was signed in 1373 is active till present times. Both countries have entered wars to defend the other, two significant wars were the United Kingdom entering the Iberian Penninsula war and Portugal defending the UK in World War 1. Portugal has a coastline that spans 800 kilometers (497 miles) and a population of approximately 10.2 million (2018 figures). There is a population density of around 287.5 individuals per square mile, one of the lowest on the continent. Portugal’s landmass spans for 92,212 km sq and is the 109th largest country per area in the world. Portugal has maintained a unitary semi-presidential and constitutional republic system of government since 1976. Portugal is in the Eurozone and is part of the European community, they are a member of the EU (European Union), and one of the original partners of NATO. As with the majority of the countries in the EU, the Euro is the official exchange currency of Portugal. Portugal operates a very advanced and liberal society, and the country places tops in terms of socialism, democracy, their standard of living, peacefulness and human rights.About Portugal Economy
Portugal has a growing economy that has been expanding at an exponential rate. The currency used within the country is the Euro since its admittance into the European Union. Along with the many warm beaches, the major attraction of the country’s cities is the architecture that dates to the 1500s. Portugal ranks 42nd in the Global Competitiveness Report by the World Economic Forum. The majority of the trade partners of Portugal are from the countries under the EU. Though the nation was severely affected by the financial crisis of 2008 that slowed down the economic growth greatly from 2011 to 2013, there have been great positive changes since then. A gradual fall in the unemployment rate has led to Portugal being a well-developed economy today. Additionally, the country is home to different reputable companies from different industries and sectors. At the same time, the nation's education system is highly modernized with students Portugal fairing significantly higher than the OECD’s average. With many countries in the EU facing a debt crisis in 2008, Portugal took a very large hit that brought about national debts and financial crises. The impact was first felt in 2011 and lasted until 2013. One of the major leading causes of the crises was the bankruptcy of many top Portuguese banks, having accumulated massive debts and were targeted for corruption and illegal activities. The resultant fix was to seek a financial bailout from the EU in figures reaching 115 billion USD. Since 2014, the economy of Portugal has been recovering speedily starting from the gradual rise of the GDP. The current nominal GDP of the nation stands at $239,473 (2019 estimated value) and a per capita rate of $23,311. Portugal’s economy is majorly from forestry which constitutes about 34% of the country with the crucial resources being Pine trees, Eukalyptus, etc. Agriculture is also a major primary sector for Portugal with crops like olive trees, vineyards wheat, maize which is some of the principal produce from the country. More than 65% of the workforce is employed in the service sector which contributes to more than 70% of the economic output of the country. Asides this, Fisheries and Energy are also growing sectors. The industrialization has also been a major economic support for the nation and has led to a steady increase in automobiles and transport vehicles in different sectors. Portugal today enjoys a well developed and stable economy accompanied by a declining unemployment rate thanks to the government's clear thought policies and reforms.Why Study in Portugal
Novelty and Innovation
Portuguese education is the beacon of creativity and ınnovativeness. The environment in the country gives room for out of box thinking and non-conventional problem-solving. Every year, there are more than 300,000 start-up businesses and companies. These companies are also increasingly becoming tech-savvy across the nation.
Portugal has the second-best policies in the world when it comes to immigrants integration. The system is very welcoming to foreigners and the country is extremely peaceful, they have been dubbed the 5th most peaceful nation in the world.
Quality Education
There are 132 higher institutions and as of now more than 350,000 university students in Portugal. The universities in Portugal also feature in many world rankings and have come up tops among many leading institutions on the continent of Europe.
In Portugal, research and modern science are key areas of focus; the nation is poised to provide future leading solutions and inventions in science and technology.
There are over 300 research and development facilities in the country. They have also ranked second in the highest average annual growth rate in scientific and academic publications in the EU.
Open and Friendly Society
Portugal is a land of knowledge and learning and one of the best countries to explore and experience. There are many reasons why studying in Portugal might just be best for you.
Studying in Portugal broadens your horizon to a different culture, society, and language. Portuguese is the 4th most-spoken language in the world. It is also the official or work language of more than thirty-two world-renowned organizations and establishments.
World-Perspective
Universities in the country are very internationally oriented, and there is a steady increase in the number of foreign students in Portugal. 12% of the total student population in higher education institutions are from different countries.
Since 2009, there has been a significant 95% increase in international students opting to study there. Likewise, there is a 74% more increase in the number of students pursuing doctorate degrees in several institutions across Portugal.
Scholarships in Portugal
The governing body of the Directorate General of Higher Education in Portugal offers scholarships to well-performing students from different universities in the country through public sourcing for funds.
The scholarship is completely offered based on merit and is also competitive. Students from all study levels and all programs are eligible for this scholarship. International students who have good academic results can apply directly through their respective schools through the offices of social services.
Post-graduate scholarships and research funding is offered to foreign students but are limited to specific programs; mainly those associated with Portuguese history, language and culture.
Some others are offered in advanced specialized fields. The scholarship is managed by the Ministry of Foreign affairs in Portugal.
Portugal Student Visa
Following other EU counterparts, Portugal’s student visa policies are quite the same as the others. Citizens from the EU/EFTA nations do not need a visa to come to Portugal to study, however, they will need to provide a regulatory residence certificate from the local community council for study periods longer than 90 days.
On the opposite hand, citizens from nations outside the EU must arrive with a student visa into Portugal. The visa may or may not guarantee their entry, they will subsequently need a residence permit to remain in the country.
Visas are issued by the Portuguese embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of origin before they can travel to Portugal.
New students can apply for a residence permit from Immigration and Border Services in Portugal upon arrival or within two weeks of their arrival.
