Education in Portugal for international students at Scholarships and low tuition fee

Education in Portugal is free and compulsory up to secondary education, the 12th grade. The education in Portugal is a combination of public and private schools at all levels. The Secondary Education (Ensino Secundário) completes, almost in the 10-12th year of education , up to the age of 15-17 years.The students receive three types of education, general, technical/vocational and artistic up to this level. Programs are concluded on achieving the Certificado de Habilitações do Ensino Secundário/Diploma de Ensino Secundário (Secondary School Credential/Diploma). The higher education system is fully compatible to that applicable to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Higher education in Portugal is divided into two autonomous systems, university and polytechnic. The university focused on theoretical but highly research-oriented education in the areas like medicine, law, natural sciences, economics, psychology or veterinary . Whereas the polytechnic is a practical and professional training producing health care, accounting, Nursing technician and pre school education. But some field of studies are commonly taught including ,management,technology education, engineering, humanities, agriculture,or sports. After introduction of "The Bologna Process," for improvement of higher education in Portugal in 2006, any polytechnic or university institution of Portugal, is able to award:

• A first cycle three-four (180-240 ECTS) years course awarding degree Licenciado (Doutor or Engenheiro for a License in engineering)  both at polytechnic or university institutions.The licenciatura is now the academic title for Engenheiro Técnico.
• A second cycle Mestrado (Master),  Mestre Licenciatura with extra one or two years (90-120 ECTS) conducted at both polytechnic or university institution or, a 5 to 6 years joint degree (Mestrado Integrado) or through a longer single cycle of study in a university.
• Pós-Graduação or Especialização (Postgraduate degree), one year specific study for holders of a Licenciatura or Mestrado.
• Doutoramento (Doctorate) degree is only awarded by the universities to those who have passed the Doctoral Examination
• Agregação (Agrégation),holders of this degree can use name "Professor Doutor". The degree is awarded to the competent scientist/researchers. They have to pass some specific examinations.

University of Évora

University of the Azores

University of Beira Interior

University of Coimbra

University of Beira Interior

Admission

Admissions Conditions

General admissions schedule for the 1st study cycle

In order to be eligible for the 1st study cycle leading to an undergraduate degree through the general schedule, national and foreign students must satisfy the following conditions:

Have completed a secondary education course or legally equivalent national or foreign training course; 

Have completed all admissions exams required for the course applied for with a score equal to or greater than the minimum required (some higher education institutions accept foreign tests and exams); 

Satisfy all pre-requisites (as applicable) for the course applied for.

Special admissions schedules

In addition to the general schedule there are special admissions schedules for competitive athletes, Portuguese citizens on official missions abroad, national and foreign employees on diplomatic missions, officials of the Portuguese Forces and scholarship students under the framework of cooperation agreements signed by the Portuguese Government. 

Special contests

In addition to the general schedule and special schedules there are contests for candidates who have specific skilled conditions providing access to higher education to new audiences as part of the lifelong learning framework:

Adults older than 23 who have obtained approval in specially designed exams to assess skills for attendance in higher education; 

Holders of technology specialisation certificates (post-secondary but not higher education).

Entry into each higher education institution is subject to numerus clausus.

National Contest for Access and Admission to Higher Education

Students from an EU country may apply for ‘Licenciatura’ Degrees (1st cycle) – Bsc or Integrated Master Degrees (1st and 2nd cycles), through the National Contest for Access and Admission to Higher Education supervised by  Directorate General for Higher Education(DGES)  Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education.

Special Admission Contest for International Students

Non-Portuguese students or from a non-EU country that intend to run for a ‘Licenciatura’ Degrees (1st cycle) – Bsc or Integrated Master Degrees (1st and 2nd cycles) must apply for the Special Admission Contest for International Students, its procedures and particular conditions established and regulated through the International Student Statute.

Admission to the 2nd study cycle

The following may be eligible for entry to the 2nd study cycle leading to a master's degree:

Holders of an undergraduate or legally equivalent degree; 

Holders of a foreign higher academic degree recognised as satisfying all undergraduate degree objectives by the statutorily competent scientific organisation of the higher education establishment to be attended; 

Holders of a scholarly, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognised as proving capabilities for that study cycle by the statutorily competent scientific organisation of the higher education establishment to be attended.

The admission may be made by online applications the relevant Faculty or School of the university of  your choice.

Admission to the 3rd study cycle

The following may be eligible for entry to the 3rd study cycle leading to a doctorate:

Holders of an master's or legally equivalent degree; 

Holders of an especially relevant scholarly or scientific curriculum that is recognised as proving capabilities for that study cycle by the statutorily competent scientific organisation of the higher education establishment to be attended. 

Holders of a scholarly, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognised as proving capabilities for that study cycle by the statutorily competent scientific organisation of the higher education establishment to be attended.

Classification System

A final score 10-20  is attributed to a doctorate under the terms set by regulatory norms approved by the issuing university. 

A doctorate is conferred by university institutions from which approval has been obtained for the curricular units of the doctorate course, if applicable, and upon public decree of a thesis defence.

ERASMUS - Application process

Foreign students interested in the Erasmus mobility grant to study abroad at a Portuguese University must apply with the home University at which they are enrolled. The deadlines and conditions are established by that institution.

Which students can participate?

• Those from an eligible country of origin;


• Those who are enrolled in an official institution of higher learning that grants academic degrees, administered by an establishment recognised by the competent National Authority and with approved mobility under the Institutional Contract. These generally cover exemption from enrolment fees at the host university with all other expenses (travel, accommodations, food, etc.) remaining the student's responsibility.;


• Those who have never benefited from an Erasmus mobility, even during the complete duration of two or more past periods abroad is less than one year;


• Those who have completed at least the 1st year of study.

Deadlines 

The Application period is open at each University in accordance with the calendar published by them. Generally there is a pre-candidacy period that normally runs from April/May every year,and confirmed around September/October.

Tuition Fee

Full time students enrolled on Bachelor and Master programmes pay around 700 € to 1,250 € per year. For third level degrees (PhD courses), the average tuition fee can lead to approximately 2500- 3,000 € per academic year. An exception is Coimbra city, where tuition fees are smaller but tuition fee in private universities ranges between 3000-4000 € per year. Besides tuition fee other cost is estimated as under:

• Application 50-100 € once
• Prerequisite - Portuguese language exam (B1)** 70-100 € once
• Prerequisite - sport and physical fitness 45-100 € once
• Medical exam for confirmation of Group B, D and physical endurance of the Group C 40-60 € once
• Enrolment and registration fee 20-40  € for each semester
• Accommodation 165,90 € per month
• School materials 75,00 € per month
• Transport 22,00 € per month
• Meals 144,00 € per month
• Other expenses 88,00 € per month

Scholarships

There is no distinction in  offers of  grants and government-funded scholarships  between own students, EU students or international students.The students who apply and accepted to a course or university, that is recognised by the Portuguese Ministry of Education, are eligible for a scholarships mostly but not limited to master's degree.There are special financial aids for scientists with pre-specified topic of research and as well for women in science (regardless the domain). 

Student’s home country can be approached for financial support (scholarships).

 The  institutions that offer different kind of scholarships or financing in different domains are as under:

• FP7
• Maria  Currie,
• DGES
• FCT
• Prémio Calouste Gulbenkian
• Instituto Camões

Study Visa & Residence Permits

Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland
Students from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland do not require a visa to enter Portugal.
These students must hold a valid ID-card or passport to have the right to remain on national territory for 90 days without any other conditions. However, if the stay is longer then they must acquire a residency permit (Registration Certificate) from the City Council of the respective area of residence within 30 days after the first 3 months. Citizens of the EU must present their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) guaranteeing health care coverage to the National Health Service [Serviço Nacional de Saúde - SNS]. They should also have liability insurance to cover personal injury and property damage. 

Students from other countries

Students who are nationals of other countries must obtain a student visa before leaving their country of origin. This may be requested at the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate. Presentation of a student visa is obligatory for enrolment at the University. In addition, after arrival these students must request a residency permit with the SEF by providing the documents as follows:

• photocopy of your Passport as well as the original;
•  Statement of the reasons for your stay;
•  Proof of means of subsistence;
•  Proof of housing conditions;
•  Health insurance;
•  Copy of your Tax ID Number (NIF);
•  2 photographs.

However, this information should be directly confirmed with the SEF.
Passports and visas
It is extremely important to gather information, while in your country of origin, from the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy about the documents to be presented in Portugal.
In order to study in Portugal you will need a student visa, which may be renewed annually and obtained from the Portuguese diplomatic mission or consular office in your country of origin.

Documents to be presented to obtain a student visa:

• Original application; 
• Valid travel document (+3 months after visa validity); 
• 3 passport photos; 
• Criminal record extract; 
• Medical certificate or health insurance; 
• Proof of housing arrangements in Portugal; 
• Proof of means of subsistence in Portugal; 
• Proof of enrolment; 
• Vaccination records; 
• Notarised Transcript (authorized by the Portuguese Embassy in the country of origin) to enact credit transfers. 

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Portugal [Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros]Public Higher Education Institutes

Universities

Universidade de Coimbra

Universidade de Évora

 Universidade da Madeira

Universidade do Minho

Universidade de Aveiro
Universidade da Beira Interior

Universidade dos Açores
Universidade do Algarve

Universidade de Lisboa

Universidade do Porto

Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

Polytechnic Institutes

Escola Náutica Infante D. Henrique

Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave
Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco 

Instituto Politécnico de Leiria Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa 

Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo
Instituto Politécnico de Viseu
Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra
Instituto Politécnico do Porto
Instituto Politécnico de Beja

Other Public School

Instituto Superior de Ciências Policiais e Segurança Interna
Instituto de Estudos Superiores Militares

Air Force Academy

Naval School

Military Academy

Lisbon University Institute

Madeira Interactive Technologies Institute
Universidade Aberta (Distance Education)

Universidade de Portugal

Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra (Nursing)

Private  Higher Education Institutes

Universities

Universidade Lusíada

Universidade Lusófona

Universidade Fernando Pessoa

Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa

Universidade Católica Portuguesa

Lusíada University of Porto

Universidade Atlântica

Polytechnic institutes

Instituto Superior de Ciências Educativas 

Instituto Superior Autónomo de Estudos Politécnicos 

Institutes

Instituto Superior de Gestão

Institute of Higher Studies of Fafe
Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz

Instituto Piaget

Instituto Superior da Maia

Higher Education in Ireland for international students with low tuition fee and scholarships programs

The Higher education (Third-level education) in Ireland includes all education after second-level (mostly consists on different certificates from NFQ level 1 to NFQ level 6), in universities and colleges and further education and  Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) and other courses. The higher education is delivered in three levels as detailed hereunder:

• 1st level NFQ 7 Ordinary Bachelor Degree
• 1st level NFQ 8 Honor Bachelor Degree (Higher Diploma)
• 2nd level NFQ 9 Master's Degree  (Postgraduate Diploma)
• 3rd level NFQ 10 Doctorate Degree  (Higher Doctorate)

There were seven establishments of higher education in Ireland ranked, among the top 500 universities  worldwide, by the Times Higher Education Supplement in 2008 and at  least 3 universities are regularly included in top 500 as per ARWU since last many years.The overall responsibility, to supervise the education, rests with The Department of Education and Skills that has overall control of policy, funding and direction. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is the statutory planning and development body for higher education and research in Ireland. The HEA has wide advisory powers throughout the whole of the third-level education sector. In addition it is the funding authority for the universities, institutes of technology and other designated higher education institutions. While other important organization is  the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, Higher Education in Ireland is provided mainly by 7 Universities, 14 Institutes of Technology, including the Dublin Institute of Technology and 7 Colleges of Education. In addition, a number of other third level institutions provide specialist education in such fields as art and design, medicine, business studies, rural development, theology, music and law.

Ulster University

University College Cork

Queen's University Belfast

Dublin City University

Applications.
Applications for entry to undergraduate courses in universities, colleges of education, institutes of technology and some other institutes of higher education, are processed by the Central Applications Office (CAO). The aim of the system is to process applications centrally and to deal with them in an efficient and fair manner. The participating institutions retain the function of making decisions on admissions. The international students can directly approach  for admission in desired courses as per requirements of the university of choice.

FEE 
Tuition costs vary depending on the course, the institution and whether you are classified as an EU student or non-EU student. They also fluctuate so make sure to double-check the fees with your chosen institution before you begin the application process. Check out the details for the area you are most interested in:

• Non European Undergraduate Tuition Fees
• European Undergraduate Tuition Fees
• Non European Postgraduate Tuition Fees
• European Postgraduate Tuition Fees
• Study Abroad Tuition Fees
• English Language Tuition Fees

Scholarships

There are hundreds of scholarships available for international students from a wide variety of sources such as the Government of Ireland, the Irish higher education institutions and other organisations. Read more.

Applying for a Student Visa

You must make your visa application on-line using the AVATS on-line facility , the online visa application facility is available worldwide and must be used by all applicants.

Your application will only be processed when the on-line form is completed AND the required documentation, passport photograph and appropriate fee are received by the relevant office as indicated by the on-line system.

You should read the visa application details very carefully. If you do not provide the documentation required, your visa will be refused.
 While making an application you must:

• Complete the online application form
• Check the Irish Embassy details where your documentation is to be sent
• Provide a passport sized photo
• Ensure your passport is valid for 12 months
• Pay the application fee
• Provide a signed letter of application which explains why you require the visa
• A Letter of Acceptance from the Irish university, college or school, confirming you have been accepted and enrolled on a course of full-time education, involving a minimum of 15 hours organised daytime tuition each week.
  • This letter must name you (the applicant) and verify the title/duration of the course
  • It should also confirm the amount of fees payable for your course, and that this amount has been paid.
  • If the college has taken out medical insurance on your behalf, details of this must be contained in this letter of acceptance. If it is not arranged by the college, you must organise this yourself and provide evidence with your application. 

Evidence of Payment of Fees

Evidence that all fees have been paid prior to the visa application being submitted. These applications should contain either

• A copy of an Electronic Transfer of Funds from the applicant to the Irish Bank of the college, showing details of the beneficiary's name, address, bank details and the same details for sender and a copy of a letter/receipt from the Irish college confirming that the fee has bee received or
• A valid receipt showing that the course fees have been lodged to an approved student fees payment service.
• Where the course fees are less than €6000 fees must be paid in full to the college. Where the course fees are in excess of €6000, you must pay at least this amount. The minimum amount is an Immigration requirement. However, the college you wish to attend may require full payment of fees.
• Fees paid to the college are a matter between the student and the college. However, in the event of the visa application being refused the college should refund the fee ( minus any small administration charge) within a reasonable period.
• Show evidence of language proficiency, you must show that you have the capacity to fully partake in your chosen course through the medium of English.  INIS requires IELTS of 5 but most Irish universities and colleges generally require IELTS of 6.5 
• Make sure you keep copies of all documents submitted
• If you are applying from China, India, Nigeria, Russia, United Arab Emirates or the United Kingdom, please also check the Irish Embassy website for details of further documentation which may be required.

Finances

You must provide evidence that you have access to sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and cost of living expenses. You must show you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland without recourse to public funds, or the reliance on casual employment.  In order to provide evidence of access to sufficient finances you will need:

• A detailed statement of your bank account covering a six-month period immediately prior to your visa application, and showing sufficient funds to cover your costs. 
• Produce official confirmation that you are in receipt of a scholarship

 Note: The estimated cost of living in Ireland for a student for one academic year is €7,000. You must demonstrate that you or your sponsor has ready access to an amount of at least €7,000 for each year of your studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years. Where NON-EEA Students are studying for a period of less than 6 months the non-EEA Student must have access to €500 per month of the stay or €3000 whichever is the lesser.

Alternative Evidence of Finance – Degree Program Students

A pilot program has now been introduced that would allow degree program students to provide an alternative to bank statements as a method of proof of finances.  The alternative method is an "education bond" with a minimum value of €7,000.  The bond must be lodged to an approved student fees payment service (e.g. the electronic fee payment service offered by EduStep)

Checking on your visa status

• You should apply as early as possible for your visa as it normally takes eight weeks for it to be processed but in busy periods it may take longer than this.
• You can check online to see if your visa has been processed (using your Visa Application Number). This list is updated weekly.
• If you get approval for a visa, the Embassy to which you sent your documents will affix a visa to your passport.
• If you are refused a visa you may appeal the decision within 2 months.

Note: Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Agreement. You will, therefore, still have to apply for an Irish visa even if you have a visa for a Schengen country. 

Universities

University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4	www.ucd.ie
University College Cork, Cork	www.ucc.ie
National University of Ireland, Galway	www.nuigalway.ie
National University of Ireland, Maynooth	www.nuim.ie
University of Limerick, Limerick	www.ul.ie
Trinity College, Dublin	www.tcd.ie
Dublin City University	www.dcu.ie

National University of Ireland Recognised Colleges

Institute of Public Administration	www.ipa.ie
Milltown Institute of Theology & Philosophy	www.milltown-institute.ie
National College of Art and Design	www.ncad.ie
Royal College of Surgeons Ireland	www.rcsi.ie
Shannon College of Hotel Management	www.shannoncollege.com

Institutes Of Technology

Dublin Institute of Technology	www.dit.ie
Athlone Institute of Technology	www.ait.ie
Cork Institute of Technology	www.cit.ie
Dundalk Institute of Technology	www.dkit.ie
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology	www.iadt.ie
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology	www.gmit.ie
Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown	www.itb.ie
Institute of Technology, Carlow	www.itcarlow.ie
Institute of Technology, Sligo	www.itsligo.ie
Institute of Technology, Tallaght	www.it-tallaght.ie
Institute of Technology, Tralee	www.ittralee.ie
Letterkenny Institute of Technology	www.lyit.ie
Limerick Institute of Technology	www.lit.ie
Limerick Institute of Technology Tipperary	www.lit.ie/Tipperary
Waterford Institute of Technology	www.wit.ie

Colleges of Education

The Church of Ireland College of Education	www.cice.ie
Froebel College of Education	www.froebel.ie
Coláiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education	www.mie.ie
St. Angela’s College	www.stacs.edu.ie
St. Patrick’s College of Education	www.spd.dcu.ie
Mary Immaculate College	www.mic.ul.ie
Mater Dei Institute	www.materdei.ie

Other State-Aided Institutions

All Hallows College	www.allhallows.ie
Dublin Insitute for Advanced Studies	www.dias.ie
Garda College	www.garda.ie
Military College	www.military.ie
National College of Ireland	www.ncirl.ie
Pontifical University of Maynooth	www.maynoothcollege.ie
Royal Irish Academy of Music	www.riam.ie
St Patrick’s, Carlow College	www.carlowcollege.ie

Other State-Aided Institutions

Honorable Society of Kings Inn	www.kingsinns.ie
Law Society of Ireland	www.lawsociety.ie