Study in Portugal

Schengen short-stay visa (less than 90 days).

For non-EU citizens studying in Portugal on a short course or carrying out academic research lasting less than three months, and whose countries do not have an agreement with Portugal, will need to apply for a short stay (type C) visa in their home country before travelling to Portugal. Portugal is one of 26 Schengen countries and the Schengen visa allows you to travel to Portugal and any other Schengen country for a total of 90 days.

Portuguese student visas and residence permits (longer than 90 days).

If your studies in Portugal will last longer than 90 days, as a non-EU citizen you will have to apply for a long-term Portuguese student visa to enter Portugal (Schengen Visa type D, unless your country has an agreement) and subsequently pick up your residence permit at your office. Read more in our guide to visas for Portugal.

You need to apply for a Portuguese residence permit within three months of arriving in Portugal. This will be valid for one year. If your studies in Portugal last longer than one year, you can apply to the SEF to get your Portuguese student permit renewed. Portuguese resident permits are renewable for up to five years.

Portuguese residence permit for researchers.

Non-EU nationals coming to Portugal to engage in post-doctoral research activities for longer than three months can apply for a specific residence permit for this purpose. This will enable you to engage in paid research work or work that is deemed a highly qualified activity.

You will need to apply for a Portuguese study visa with the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country.

To study in Portugal, you will also need to have gained prior acceptance onto a course at a Portuguese university or place of higher education.

For short-term (type C) visas of up to 90 days, you will need:

• A valid passport/travel ID
• Proof of financial resources to support you during your stay
• Proof of accommodation (or at least proof of sufficient finances to cover accommodation costs)
• Two current passport-sized photos
• Medical/travel insurance
• Travel itinerary
• Letter of acceptance from university or place of study
• A bank receipt to prove payment of processing fee
• Some embassies/consulates may also request a criminal record certificate

For residence permits if your study in Portugal lasts longer than 90 days, you will need to show:

• Valid passport/travel ID
• Two current passport photographs
• Valid visa (if required)
• Proof of financial resources
• Proof of accommodation
• Criminal record certificate
• Proof of enrolment at place of study
• Proof of payment of tuition fees, where applicable
• Medical insurance

We provide free online support to students for their Higher education.

In brief for Portugal application procedure:

• The student sends the required documents to us by email ( info@2theworld.co.uk ) or handing over documents to one of our branches
• Initial approval
• Pay application fee (Non Refundable)
• We will arrange the offer letter within a week
• Pay Tuition fee
• Arrange Visa letter and Accommodation letter
• Book visa application appointment
• Prepare the required documents(full guidance provided)
• Submit application to the Embassy
• Visa Decision
• Make travel arrangements

• Quality of Education
• Friendly staff and full support along with personal attention in class by lecturer
• No IELTS requirement
• Part-time work allowance
• 5 year PR route
• Cost effective fee structure

After submitting your Portuguese student visa application, the approval process can take anywhere between one and three months to process, depending on which country you are applying from.

EU students can work in Portugal without requiring a work permit. Non-EU students on Portuguese student visa and residence permits are allowed to work in Portugal subject to authorisation from the SEF. You can also request permission to undertake research work, academic teaching or engage in highly qualified activities provided you have the necessary skills and qualifications.

There are also permits available for unpaid trainees and volunteers. If you want to volunteer or undertake an unpaid internship or training position, your employer will need to contact the SEF to enquire about getting the necessary permit.

Non-EU nationals holding a valid Portuguese student permit are entitled to be joined by spouses, minor or dependent children or those of your spouse, or any minor children that have been adopted. You will need to provide evidence of their relationship and they will have to apply for the necessary visas and permits. Read more in our guide to bringing a partner or relative to Portugal.