How to Study in Portugal for Free in 2025

How to Study in Portugal for Free in 2025

Hi everyone, it’s Global Scholar Shapes, and I’m your host! I hope you’re all doing well, and I hope everything is going great. Today, we’re going to see how to study in Portugal for free.

Disclaimer

This video does not guarantee you free education in Portugal. We cannot guarantee that—nobody can. These are just some tips and opportunities that, if used right, can make your education in Portugal as affordable as it can be, and if you’re really lucky, maybe even free.

Study in Europe for Free with Scholarships In 2025

Why Portugal?

Portugal is among the favorite destinations of international students for college education, and there are many reasons why. Besides its numerous higher education institutes, you can enjoy a relatively cheaper tuition cost than other European nations. Also, staying in Portugal is more affordable with its low cost of living. Just considering how much you can save is enough to choose this beautiful country.

Step 1: Earning High Grades and Preparing an Excellent Application

When looking to study in Portugal for free, make sure you have an outstanding academic background to get into your preferred university. Besides your school records, you might be required to take an admission test where your score will determine your chance of receiving an acceptance letter. You might also be required to submit a recommendation letter and any form of paperwork as a testament to your good civil records.

After compiling all necessary documents for your study abroad, make sure to have scanned copies ready. Most college applications happen online, so you will need to log into your destination university’s website and submit your application there.

Step 2: Applying to Affordable Universities in Portugal

Another crucial step to studying in Portugal for free is applying to affordable universities where even partial scholarships or grants can cover the costs. Fortunately, several universities in Portugal are budget-friendly for international students.

Among the most affordable is the University of Porto, where tuition fees start at €300, far below the average tuition cost of €1,500 in Portugal. The University of Lisbon also attracts international students with its affordable tuition costs of around €1,200.

Step 3: Applying for Scholarships in Portugal

While some universities automatically include scholarship consideration with your college application, some scholarships require you to actively apply. There are government, private, and university scholarship programs in Portugal.

Some internet searching can help you find scholarship and grant details, but you might need to contact a university department for additional information.

Tuition-Free Options for Bachelor’s Studies in Portugal

The University of Porto offers several scholarships for international students. It has Social Service scholarships available to students from any European Union countries and countries listed in cooperation protocols with the university. Meanwhile, students ineligible for social service scholarships can apply for Merit Scholarships instead. This scholarship amounts to up to five times the national minimum wage.

The University of Aveiro, on the other hand, provides incentive financing to international students. Successful applicants receive up to €1,000 tuition discounts. The Catholic University of Portugal also offers scholarship options, including the General Merit-Based Scholarships for exemplary students.

Tuition-Free Options for Master’s Studies in Portugal

The University of Aveiro offers several funding options for graduate students looking to pursue research studies, such as FCT Foundation and Erasmus programs. You can also visit the University of Coimbra’s website for a list of scholarships, including the Graduate Studies Merit Scholarship, where awardees receive up to €2,000.

The university also offers an Extraordinary Scholarship for Graduate Studies, which covers the full tuition costs.

Tuition-Free Options for PhD Studies in Portugal

The University of Aveiro can provide funding for your doctoral studies. Among the listed funding options are the Science Without Borders program, targeting PhD candidates from Brazil, and COST Action from European Cooperation in Science and Technology. Both fundings cover tuition fees, research, and other necessary attendance costs.

You can also pursue research studies at the University of Coimbra. It offers full funding through the Foundation for Science and Technology. Through these options, you can get your PhD in Portugal for free while contributing your expertise to international research studies in relevant fields.

Conclusion

Well, that’s pretty much it! I hope you enjoyed this guide. If you did, please be sure to give us a like and subscribe to our channel for more educational content.

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As always, for more comprehensive guides on studying abroad and scholarship opportunities, visit our website at GlobalScholarships.com. See you in the next one!