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The Portuguese Higher Education System

There are two systems of higher education in Portugal: Uni¬versity Education and Polytechnic Education. Institutions can be state or private. The university system provides aca¬demic training to develop professional activities and encourage research and critical analysis. The polytechnic system provides technical training to develop practical skills. The degrees offered by the Portuguese higher educa¬tion system are: 1st Cycle: Graduate Degree (3 or 4 years study; between 180 and 240 ECTS); 2nd Cycle: Master’s Degree (1 or 2 years; between 90 and 120 ECTS); 3rd Cycle: PhD (3 or 4 years; between 180 and 240 ECTS).

Access to higher education is always subject to the system of numerus clausus: a limited number of vacancies determined by each institution. The higher education institution also determines the selection criteria as well as a minimum grade for applicants. This selection takes into account the grades of national and specific examinations obtained at school and other faculties (according to the field of studies).

Some advice

Before entering on the adventure of coming to study in Portugal, there are some procedures and documents that you need to prepare so everything can go as desired.

Here you have some tips about what you need to do to achieve a period of studies in Portuguese lands.

Student Visa

All foreign students coming from non-EU countries should hold a student visa obtained at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their home countries. The extension of the visa is limited to the time required to the accomplishment of the programme of studies or research work.

You must register at the Immigration Office (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) up to three days after your arrival.

If you come from an EU member State, you’re allowed to enter the country upon the presentation of a valid ID or Passport. However, the law states that for stays longer than three months, you should request the card of residence to the Immigration Office (Serviços de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) within three months after your arrival.

Health Insurance

One of the issues students face when they decide to spend a study period abroad is health care.

The European Health Care Insurance Card (CESD) allows students from another country member of the European Economic Area (EEA) or from Switzerland to get assistance in case of sickness or accident, thus taking an advantage of a wider coverage in terms of health care. The CESD, to be requested at the social security service of your country, is a proof that you are registered in that social security service and allows you to benefit from Portuguese public health care system.

Students from other countries outside EEA should ask for further information in their own country before travelling to Portugal.

It’s very important that during the stay in Portugal all students have a valid health insurance.

EURAXESS (European Research Area – Mobility of Researchers)

Offers all researchers free access to a personalized European-level support service. This centre gives support in areas related to private and professional activities, including information on legal matters, like visa and financial issues, as well as accommodation, social security, healthcare, and opportunities for language courses. It thus aims to facilitate the social and professional integration of the researchers and their family (when travelling with them), by allowing them to minimize the resources required for bureaucratic and procedural matters.

To make use of this service, you should print the “ EURAXESS Form ”, complete it, and send it scanned with a photo and with a copy of your ID card by email to: international@fe.up.pt. You may also send it by ordinary post to FEUP’s Cooperation Division:

FEUP – Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto

SICC/DCoop – Divisão de Cooperação

Área de Cooperação Inter-Universitária e Intercâmbio (sala A213)

Rua Dr. Roberto Frias

4200-465 Porto, Portugal

More information on EURAXESS can be found in the flyer.

Don’t forget to bring the following Documents:

• Letter of Acceptance of the Faculty
• Confirmation of accommodation, even if it is temporary (Hotel or Hostel)
• ID Document ( Passport/ ID card)
• Student Visa (when requested)
• European Health Insurance Card (CESD) or Private Insurance
• Two passport photos