Cost of Studying in Portugal 2026: Tuition Fees & Living Expenses Guide

Are you dreaming of living and studying in Portugal? You are in good company! Portugal has emerged as a premier destination for international students, offering high-quality education, a lower cost of living compared to most of Western Europe, and world-class universities.

From the vibrant, bustling streets of Lisbon and Porto to the historic academic atmosphere of Coimbra, Portugal perfectly blends academic excellence with a relaxed, sunny lifestyle and easy access to stunning beaches and natural landscapes.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down the average cost of studying in Portugal, including university tuition fees, monthly living expenses, housing prices, transport costs, and available scholarship opportunities for international students.

Key takeaways:

• Portugal offers some of the more affordable tuition fees in Western Europe, making it a popular choice for international students looking for quality education at a lower cost.
• Your biggest expenses will usually be accommodation and everyday living costs like food and transport, especially in larger cities such as Lisbon and Porto.
• Smaller student cities like Coimbra or Braga are often more budget-friendly.
• Portugal also offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for both EU and non-EU students.
• Explore Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees on Online Result to compare universities, tuition fees, and living costs across Portugal.

Average monthly student budget in Portugal

The average monthly cost of living for international students in Portugal ranges between 500 and 1,000 EUR, depending on your city, accommodation preferences, and personal lifestyle. While major hubs like Lisbon and Porto command higher rents, smaller student cities such as Coimbra, Braga, or Leiria remain significantly more affordable.

The following estimates are based on average student expenditure data sourced from Portuguese universities, verified student housing platforms, and reliable cost-of-living databases like Numbeo.

Housing remains the primary expense for students, particularly for those renting private apartments in urban centers like Lisbon or Porto. Opting for university residences or shared housing can drastically lower your monthly budget. Everyday costs like groceries, transport, and utilities are quite competitive, especially if you leverage student discounts and prepare meals at home.

Public university tuition fees for EU/EEA students in Portugal

EU/EEA citizens enjoy the significant benefit of paying the same tuition fees as domestic Portuguese students at public universities.

Unlike systems where institutions set prices arbitrarily, tuition at Portuguese public universities is government-regulated. The state establishes annual minimum and maximum fee thresholds for most Bachelor’s and integrated Master’s programmes.

For the 2025/2026 academic year, the state-regulated tuition fee bracket is approximately:

• 495–697 EUR per year for most public Bachelor’s and integrated

This regulatory structure ensures consistent and transparent tuition costs across most public universities for EU students.

Standalone Master’s degrees offer universities more autonomy in pricing, leading to greater variance between programmes. Typically, EU/EEA students should budget:

• around 500–2,500 EUR per year for many

Note that specialized fields like business administration, engineering, technology, and health sciences may carry higher premiums than standard academic tracks.

Most institutions provide the convenience of paying tuition fees in monthly installments, easing the financial burden of a large upfront payment.

Public university tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students in Portugal

Non-EU/EEA international students generally encounter higher tuition fees at public universities, as these institutions have the authority to set separate rates for students from outside the European Union.

Because these fees are not subject to government price caps, individual universities determine their own rates based on programme demand, level of study, and international recruitment objectives.

Generally, non-EU/EEA international students should prepare for the following costs:

• around 2,500–4,500 EUR per year for many
• around 3,000–7,000 EUR per year for many

Highly specialized or internationally focused degree programmes in tech, business, or health sciences may exceed standard international fee ranges.

Tuition varies by institution; for instance, certain Master’s programmes at the University of Aveiro typically range from 4,500 to 5,500 EUR annually for international students.

Students originating from CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), particularly Brazil, may qualify for reduced tuition fees or exclusive bilateral agreements.

Like their EU counterparts, international students often have the flexibility to settle their tuition fees through recurring installments throughout the academic year.

Public university tuition fees for students from Brazil who study in Portugal

Brazilian students frequently enjoy preferential treatment at Portuguese universities due to Brazil's status within the CPLP.

Many Portuguese universities offer:

• reduced tuition fees for Brazilian students
• special international student agreements
• simplified application pathways
• access through the Brazilian ENEM exam at some institutions

These agreements often result in lower tuition fees for Brazilian students compared to other non-EU international applicants.

At numerous public institutions, Brazilian students may benefit from:

• around 1,500–4,000 EUR per year for Bachelor’s degrees
• around 2,000–5,000 EUR per year for

Specific discounts depend heavily on the university and course selection. Some institutions categorize Brazilian students alongside EU students for specific degrees, while others maintain distinct CPLP fee tiers.

This financial accessibility remains a primary driver for the popularity of Portuguese higher education among Brazilian students.

Tuition fees at private universities

Private universities in Portugal typically command higher fees than public counterparts, yet remain a cost-effective alternative to institutions in Australia, the US, or the UK.

Private university tuition generally falls within this range:

• around 3,000–7,000 EUR per year for many Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
• over 10,000 EUR per year for some business, medical, health sciences, or highly specialised programmes

In contrast to public institutions, private schools determine their own fee structures without government-regulated caps, leading to significant price variation between institutions.

Many private institutions provide opportunities for financial support, including merit-based scholarships, early-bird payment discounts, and flexible payment plans.

Universities we recommend in Portugal

Discover the top-rated universities in Portugal according to global academic rankings.

Most affordable universities in Portugal

The institutions listed below are recognized as some of the most affordable options in Portugal for international students. As costs fluctuate based on nationality, degree, and specific programme, verify the latest fee information on the official university portal.

Additionally, keep an eye out for potential tuition fee reductions, merit scholarships, or special agreements tailored to students from CPLP nations like Brazil.

Costs of living in Portugal for international students

Living in Portugal is inherently more accessible due to its status as one of Europe's most affordable nations. While costs vary by region, students should plan for a monthly budget of approximately 500 – 800 EUR.

Accommodation costs

Accommodation typically constitutes the largest portion of a student's budget, with higher rates prevalent in major metropolitan areas like Lisbon and Porto. Smaller cities like Coimbra or Braga offer significantly lower rental prices.

Here is an overview of the typical monthly costs associated with various housing options:

• Student halls of residence: around 200–500 EUR/month
• Room in a shared apartment: around 250–650 EUR/month
• Studio or one-bedroom apartment: around 500–1,200 EUR/month

University-managed residences are generally the most economical choice; however, availability is limited and highly sought after, especially in Lisbon and Porto.

When pursuing private rentals, verify whether essential utilities are included. Expenses for electricity, heating, water, and internet can contribute an additional 50–150 EUR monthly, depending on seasonal usage and housing type.

• Studying in Portugal? Find your student housing with University Living—safe, simple, and easy to book.

Food costs

On average, international students in Portugal allocate between 150–300 EUR per month for groceries, depending on their shopping habits and local city prices.

Budget-friendly supermarket chains such as Lidl, Pingo Doce, Continente, Aldi, and Auchan are excellent for maintaining a healthy budget. Opting to shop at local markets and preparing meals at home is a highly effective way to manage monthly living expenses.

These figures, based on Numbeo averages, may fluctuate by city and choice of grocery chain. Costs for dining out are typically higher in major urban centers like Lisbon and Porto.

Portugal features highly accessible and student-friendly public transportation, particularly with the use of monthly passes. Lisbon and Porto are served by extensive bus, metro, tram, and train systems, whereas smaller towns are highly walkable or bicycle-friendly.

In academic towns such as Coimbra, Braga, or Leiria, students often find walking the most convenient way to navigate, as universities and city services are clustered centrally.

Additionally, Portugal boasts a reliable railway infrastructure, making regional travel and country-wide exploration straightforward and efficient during break periods.

For detailed information on current pricing and living costs across Portugal, please consult the Numbeo website.

Scholarships in Portugal for international students

Portugal offers various grants and government-backed scholarships for both EU and non-EU/EEA students. To qualify for financial aid, you must be enrolled at a higher education institution officially recognized by the Portuguese Ministry of Education.

A diverse array of funding opportunities exists, primarily targeting Master’s-level students, although various financial support programmes are available for other degree levels. Additionally, various foundations and research institutes in Portugal provide internships and funding for students.

Explore these institutions for potential scholarships or financial assistance:

• DGES - scholarships, including merit scholarships and student loans in both public and private universities
• FCT - offers several funding opportunities to doctoral students
• Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation - provides scholarship opportunities to graduate students pursuing research in Armenian studies and to students involved in research projects in the Portuguese language and culture.

You can also review the Online Result Scholarship to secure additional financial support for your educational journey in Portugal.