Admissions & Application in Portugal - Study in Portugal

Admissions & Application in Portugal

Applying to a Portuguese university is straightforward once you know which route you fall into. The system splits applicants by nationality and level: EU bachelor's students often use a national contest, while international students and most master's applicants apply directly to the university. This guide walks you through the routes, documents, language requirements, and deadlines.

Which Application Route Is Yours?

There are two main paths, and which one you use depends on your nationality and the level you are applying for.

Route 1: Concurso Nacional de Acesso (national contest)

Run by the DGES (Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior), this is the national admissions contest for public university bachelor's places. Applicants are ranked by secondary grades and national exam results and placed against numerus clausus quotas. It is built for students with Portuguese secondary qualifications, so it mainly applies to EU/EEA students who studied in Portugal or hold equivalent recognised qualifications.

Route 2: Estatuto de Estudante Internacional (international student route)

Non-EU/EEA students apply through each university's International Student Statute, directly on the university's own portal. Selection is based on your academic record and program-specific criteria rather than the national contest. This is the route most readers of this guide will use for a bachelor's.

Master's applications

For a mestrado, applicants of any nationality generally apply directly to the university or faculty, on its own application platform. Selection looks at your bachelor's degree, transcript, motivation, and any program-specific requirements.

**Bottom line:** Non-EU bachelor's applicants and almost all master's applicants apply **directly to the university**. EU bachelor's students with Portuguese-style qualifications use the national contest. Confirm on the program page.

Entry Requirements

For a bachelor's (licenciatura)

• A recognised secondary school diploma equivalent to the Portuguese one
• Transcripts with grades, often translated and apostilled
• Sometimes entrance exams or specific subject prerequisites (especially for medicine, engineering, architecture)
• A language certificate — Portuguese for Portuguese-taught programs, English for English tracks

For a master's (mestrado)

• A relevant bachelor's degree (licenciatura or equivalent), usually with a minimum grade
• Transcripts and a degree certificate, translated where needed
• A motivation letter and CV
• Sometimes letters of recommendation
• A language certificate (English for English-taught programs)
• For top business schools, possibly a GMAT or GRE

Diploma Recognition (Reconhecimento)

Foreign qualifications often need reconhecimento — recognition — so a Portuguese institution can compare them to local degrees. There are several processes (automatic, level, and specific recognition), handled by universities or the DGES depending on your case.

• For master's entry, the admitting university usually assesses your bachelor's directly as part of the application.
• For some bachelor's and regulated fields, formal recognition may be required before or after admission.

Recognition, certified translation, and apostille (or legalisation) can add several weeks, so start the moment you have your documents.

Language Requirements

If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, many universities accept a letter confirming that instead of a test — but confirm with each one, as it is not automatic. See our programs and universities guide for which schools teach in English.

Documents Checklist

Assemble these early; foreign documents usually need certified translation and often an apostille:

• Passport (photo page)
• Diploma — secondary (bachelor's) or bachelor's degree (master's)
• Academic transcripts with grades
• Language certificate (English or Portuguese)
• Motivation letter / statement of purpose (master's)
• CV in academic format (master's)
• Letters of recommendation (some master's)
• Portfolio (arts, design, architecture)
• Recognition documents where required

Deadlines and Timeline

The main intake is September/October. Dates vary by route and university:

• National contest (EU bachelor's): first phase usually opens in summer (often July-August), set by the DGES.
• International student route: deadlines vary widely — many run from spring into summer, and competitive programs close earlier.
• Master's: set by each university; check the program page.

Apply as early as you can, especially as a non-EU student — you also need time for the student visa and AIMA residence steps afterward. Our visa and arrival guide covers what comes next.

Application Fees

Most universities charge a modest application or candidacy fee — often around EUR 50-100 for the international route, similar for master's, and higher at private universities like Católica. It is separate from propinas (tuition) and generally non-refundable. Budget for it and check the payment method on the university portal.

Next Steps

1. Costs and funding — propinas, living costs, scholarships, and proof of funds
2. Visa and arrival — the student visa, AIMA residence permit, NIF, and SNS
3. Programs and universities — finalise your shortlist
4. The 10-step guide — the whole process in order