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Emrul Hasan
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-Knock! Knock!
-Who’s there?
-Hey dreamer! How are you?
-Ugh exhausted.
-I know. As I saw, you were trying to find information about the places where you were going to further your education. There is nothing more frustrating than asking and asking whether to post on groups, call seniors, or just comment here and there to obtain suggestions from reliable sources. As they say in Portuguese – “Vai muito do dizer ao fazer!” “There’s a long way from saying to doing!”
In order to assist you, I've compiled various useful information about studying in Portugal. Don't miss this, it's worth listening to carefully!
Portugal
Portugal has gorgeous beaches and scenic landscapes, and it is largely a coastal country. Traditionally, it has been a land of knowledge and innovation. Portugal offers a wide selection of public and private institutions offering courses and disciplines in a number of disciplines that draw international students. The country of Portugal, located in south-western Europe, offers not only idyllic beaches but also an extensive list of nearly 5000 university degree programs, buddy.
-Hold on! Having found this information, I have already searched about Portugal.
-My bad! I see you're nearly there then. Now I will elaborate on what the 3Es are, which are: Education, Environment, and Eligibility.
-Yes!. My interests lie in those areas.
-Okay, let's see how this goes.
Education
⦁ Programs
Portugal's higher education system follows the traditional three-cycle structure, with undergraduate (bachelor's), graduate (master's), and postgraduate (doctoral) certifications.
Bachelor:
There are 49 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and 20 Bachelor of Arts programs (B.A.) [3]
⦁
Both universities and polytechnics confer bachelor’s degrees in Portugal. In the polytechnic system, the completion of a bachelor’s certification requires 180 ECTS (European credits) and usually consists of six semesters or three years of study. At Portuguese universities, depending on your program you may be required to obtain between 180 and 240 ECTS, usually six to eight semesters or three to four years of study. [5]
Masters:
There are 144 Master of Science (M.Sc.), 29 Master of Arts (M.A.), 9 Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), and 9 Master of Laws programs (LL.M.) [2]
Both Portuguese universities and polytechnics offer master's degrees. Those who earn a master’s degree from a polytechnical institution are aiming for professional specialization, whereas those with a master's degree from a university are looking for innovation and more research-based courses.
In both types of institutions, students must obtain 90 to 120 ECTS within three to four semesters (one to two years), although for some more specialized programs, such as medicine or law, obtaining a master's degree may require longer study time. Applicants must obtain the required number of credits, as well as defend their dissertations, project results, or traineeship reports in public before completing their certification. [5]
⦁
Ph.D.:
There are 62 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and 55 Doctorate (Doctorate) programs. [4]
You can obtain a Ph.D. or a Doctorate degree from a university or university institute in Portugal. Research degrees in these fields are offered by established academics. A doctoral student must defend their thesis in public at the end of their degree. There is no minimum requirement for the duration of a doctorate. [5]
⦁ Universities
Portugal has traditional universities as well as polytechnic schools that specialize in more practical training. In Portugal, both public and private institutions exist. Portugal currently has 14 public universities, 36 private universities, 20 public polytechnics, and 64 private polytechnics. [5] The main difference between universities and polytechnics lies in the fact that universities are more focused on theoretical education, while polytechnics are dedicated to vocational studies.
Examples of top universities in Portugal:
⦁ Instituto Superior Técnico
NOVA IMS
Polytechnic of Leiria
ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management
Polytechnic Institute of Bragança [2]
⦁ Entry requirements
If you are applying to a program in Portugal, you might have to submit the following documentation:
⦁ A completed application form;
⦁ Transcripts of academic records;
⦁ A motivational letter stating why you want to attend the university;
⦁ For a Bachelor’s, you will need to have passed the university entrance exam;
⦁ For some degrees you will also require a portfolio of your work; and
⦁ Proof of payment of the application fee (50 EUR). [1]
Bachelor’s degrees in Portugal:
To study at the Bachelor’s level in Portugal, students will need to present a transcript of upper secondary education, and in some institutions, foreign students must also pass an entrance exam. Non-EU students can take the exam at the Portuguese embassy in their home country if it’s required.
Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Portugal:
A bachelor's or equivalent degree is required to apply to a master's program. Applicants for a Ph.D. should have a master's degree. As a result of the Bologna Process, Portugal's universities recognize bachelor's and master’s degrees from other countries without any conversions.
⦁ Language requirements
Most Portuguese universities only offer courses in Portuguese at the bachelor's level. Bachelor's programs typically require Portuguese proficiency tests. Higher education institutions generally require a minimum proficiency level of B1/B2. If English is not your first language, you may need to demonstrate your proficiency in the language for second and third-cycle programs (Master's and PhDs). These research-oriented programs cater to international students and often provide courses or instruction in English. The following English proficiency tests are usually accepted by schools as proof of your proficiency:
⦁ TOEFL;
⦁ IELTS;
⦁ CAE/CPE; and
⦁ PTE A.
Language requirements can vary significantly between institutions and between programs. [1]
⦁ Fees & Fundings
International students who are not legally residing in Portugal or who do not benefit from ‘equal rights and duties’ status pay higher fees than national students, and higher education institutions are free to decide on the amounts charged. [1] If you enroll in a part-time program at a Portuguese university, the tuition will be approximately 70% of what you would pay if you were enrolled full-time. Depending on the bilateral agreement between their home university and the Portuguese university, exchange students may be exempt from paying tuition fees. Average tuition fees for private universities in Portugal are slightly higher than public universities and average between €3500 to €3900 per year for all study levels.
Average costs of studying at a public university in Portugal are:
⦁ Bachelor's and Masters - €1,250 per year
⦁ PhDs - €2,500 - 3,000 per year [2]
⦁ Scholarship
Portugal offers many public and private scholarships to international students. Scholarships and grants are typically made available to master’s students, but some funding is also made available for bachelor’s students. Public funding for non-EU students is available through support from three key institutions:
⦁ The Instituto Camoes, which offers scholarships for studies in Portuguese language and culture;
⦁ The Directorate-General of Higher Education (DGES); which offers merit-based scholarships for all study programs and study levels through individual institutions; and
⦁ The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), which offers project-based research grants in the fields of science and technology. [2]
⦁ Popular Subjects
There are a particularly large number of Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. programs offered in Portugal in fields such as Biotechnology, Medicine, Social Sciences, and Arts. However, as Portugal has been welcoming more international students each year, Portuguese universities have been introducing English-taught degrees in most disciplines, from Computer Science to Business.
Here are some of the most popular study options in Portugal:
⦁ Masters in International Business in Portugal
⦁ Masters in Finance in Portugal
⦁ Masters in Information Sciences in Portugal
⦁ Masters in General Engineering in Portugal [2]
Environment
⦁ Accommodation
Portugal has 12 major cities where most universities are located. The quality of the academic training you receive will vary depending on where you study. Find out more about what studying in Portugal is like by checking these major student cities:
⦁ Study in Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital, largest, and one of the oldest cities in Portugal, with over 500,000 residents. A number of private institutions as well as three public universities are located in the city. The University of Lisbon is the largest public university in Portugal.
⦁ Study in Porto
Portugal's second-largest city, Porto has a population of about 275,000. An iconic city, UNESCO has designated its historical city center a World Heritage Site. In the city is the University of Porto, which enrolls around 28,000 students each year. Instituto Politecnico do Porto is a public polytechnic with a wide variety of study options in the city. [6]
⦁ Health & Safety
Portugal has a nationalized healthcare system, which makes accessing healthcare in Portugal easier. In most situations, international students planning on studying or visiting Portugal will be required to provide proof of international medical health insurance coverage that will cover them during their time abroad in order to get a visa.
The Portugal visa insurance requirements at a glance are:
⦁ Non-EU students staying under 90 days will not typically need a visa for study or travel in Portugal.
⦁ Non-EU students staying more than 90 days, will need to apply for a visa and show proof of international health insurance coverage. [6]
⦁ Transport & Travel
There are six main types of trains in Portugal:
⦁ Regional;
⦁ InterRegional;
⦁ Intercities;
⦁ Alfa Pendular;
⦁ Fertagus; and
⦁ Celta.
Train transportation in Portugal is very affordable compared to a lot of western European countries. Youth tickets have a 25% discount if you travel with Alfa Pendular or Intercidades tickets up to the age of 25. The networks of the bus companies cover most of the country’s main towns and local destinations. [7] Most public transportation companies in Portugal have websites and mobile apps with up-to-date information on timetables, routes, and ticketing. You can also pick up a Viva Viagem card in Lisbon, which gives you reduced fares on all public transportation in the city. The card costs €0.50, is valid for one year and can be topped up in denominations of €5–€20. [8]
⦁ Budget
Portugal is a more affordable study abroad destination compared to many other European countries. Students from abroad can find a variety of housing options in Portugal, including university halls, private apartments, and student apartments run by private companies. The average prices for student housing and accommodation options are:
⦁ University-owned student halls of residence: Averaging from 400 EUR per month (sometimes lower depending on location);
⦁ Renting a private room or apartment: Starting from 400 EUR per month in Lisbon, and 300 EUR in Porto;
⦁ Student halls run by international operators: Starting from 595 EUR per month for a standard studio room.
The cost of living in Portugal can vary significantly depending on where you live. Lisbon, at the seaside, or the Algarve, a tourist hot spot, may have higher prices than other regions of Portugal. [5]
Eligibility
⦁ Student jobs
Students from outside the EU/EEA can take up part-time employment (up to 20 hours/week) or in full-time employment during vacations. [2] The minimum wage for unskilled work in Portugal is between €5 to €6 and the basic salary is €600. Companies and establishments do not segregate based on nationality or ethnicity when it comes to working in Portugal. Jobs are offered freely to deserving candidates based on merit or the company’s needs. [9]
⦁ Communication
Approximately 260 million people speak Portuguese worldwide, making it the sixth most spoken language in the world and the second most spoken language after Spanish. Portuguese is the best method of understanding the local culture firsthand and will allow you to participate and understand life in Portugal on a deeper level. [5]
⦁ Visas and Permits
You can apply for a student visa at the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country. For study purposes, you can apply for one of the following visas for Portugal:
⦁ short-term student visa – for students who apply for a short study or language course that lasts between 3 months and one year.
⦁ residence visa plus a residence permit – for students who apply for an academic study degree that's longer than one year. [5]
⦁ Permanent Settlement
Portuguese students are enchanted by the country's favorable climate, low cost of living, hospitable locals, and charming lifestyle after completing their studies. If you wish to stay in Portugal, you should be armed with the basic knowledge so that you can make better and more informed decisions about your work options in the country. For non-EU students who wish to extend their stay in Portugal after their student visas expire, they will need an offer of employment.
You must switch from your student permit to another residence permit before it expires. The application will not be considered if submitted more than 30 days after the end of the authorized period of stay. After five years of legal and uninterrupted residence in Portugal, it will be possible for non-EU residents to apply for permanent residence in Portugal with a temporary residence permit and proof that they have lived in Portugal continuously. [5]
-Wow, that's really cool. Having mastered the drills, I can now move on.
-That's right, Buddy!
-Is there more?
-Right. The following facts about Portugal are so interesting:
⦁ The excellent universities
⦁ The low cost of living
⦁ It opens up doors for your future
⦁ The great Portuguese food
⦁ The weather, obviously!
Portuguese universities ranking in U-Multirank:
⦁ In 2020, U-Multirank presents data on 27 Portuguese higher education institutions: both universities as well as polytechnic institutes.
⦁ In a global comparison, Portuguese institutions are very strong in the dimension of Regional Engagement. They publish much of their research with other universities in their region.
⦁ Nova University Lisbon (13), University of Minho (11), and the University of Lisbon (9) have the highest number of top group positions (‘A’ scores) of all Portuguese institutions. In addition, four (4) Portuguese HEIs score eight (8) top positions. [1]
-I appreciate your help, buddy. It is now time to prepare.
-Put on your seatbelts.
The choice of a study abroad country can be difficult. With so many options available now to earn a degree, we often find it difficult to make a decision. It was my intention to convince you that Portugal might be an excellent place to study. As a new student in Portugal, you will be welcomed with several customs and traditions, called "praxes" - which invite you to socialize.
Feel the buzz, buddy.
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Rini Raziun
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