Portugal is situated in the south-western extremity of Europe, occupying the western littoral of the Iberian Peninsula. The territory also includes the Azores, Madeira and Porto Santo Islands. It is bound to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the east and north by Spain. The capital of the country is Lisbon. The population of the country is 10.4 million the official language is Portuguese, which is spoken by the entire population.

Higher education in Portugal is divided into two subsystems: university education and non-university higher education (polytechnic education), and it is provided in autonomous public universities, private universities, polytechnic institutions and private higher educational institutions of other types. The two systems of higher education are linked and it is possible to transfer from one to the other. It is also possible to transfer from a public institution to a private one and vice-versa. University institutions may award “Licenciado”, “Mestre” and “Doutor” degrees while Polytechnic institutions award 1st cycle – “Licenciado” and 2nd cycle – “Mestre” degrees.

Levels of study available are :

• first degrees: Bacharelato (three years of study) and Licenciatura (four to six years of study);
• postgraduate courses: Mestrado (four semesters, advanced degree in a scientific area through practical research);
• doctoral studies: Doutoramento (several years of personal study for a thesis);
• Postdoctoral programmes: Agregação (reserved for Doutoramento, the highest level of study).

Students Applying to undergraduate education in Portugal,the main prerequisite is a Secondary School Leaving Certificate. In addition, students pass an entrance examination. All but a very few courses in Portuguese higher education are given in Portuguese. Therefore, students are also required to speak and have a very good understanding of the Portuguese language. Some schools in Portugal offer language learning programs where students can improve their language skills. Public schools in Portugal have competitive admissions. Courses differ in the level of competition and may require more or fewer applicants for admission. Medicine is among the most sought after programs of study in Portugal, and is therefore very competitive. Polytechnics are generally less competitive and private institutions set their own entrance requirements, and are often far easier to gain admission. For entry into postgraduate study in Portugal, students need a bachelor or master degree, depending on what level of study they are applying for. Portugal is generally very good at recognizing foreign qualifications. To date, Portugal recognizes PhDs from other Bologna member states and is intending to give automatic recognition to all first and second cycle degrees from the same.

Student accommodation is a term used in debates over the impact of student housing in the Portugal, especially with regard to the recent expansion of numbers in Higher Education. As increasing numbers of young people attend universities, institutionally-owned halls of residence have become increasingly incapable of coping with the demand for housing. At the same time, house-sharing has become considered a normal and sometimes desirable part of the student experience. In most university towns today, students only stay in halls for their first year, then move out into private student accommodation. Home stay is a popular form of accommodation as it provides an opportunity to practice newly acquired language skills and affords an insight into the Portuguese lifestyle. Portuguese people are known for their hospitality, and our host-families particularly enjoy meeting people from around the world and making students feel part of the family. In many towns, this trend has led to the emergence of student areas. These tend to be low-rent areas which are situated near to city centres, and often have plenty of leisure facilities within walking distance. On the other hand, they tend to have lower rents. Student areas are often perceived negatively by local or neighbouring populations, and the perceived negative social or economic impact of students on their chosen neighborhoods has led to tension in so-called town-gown relations. Accommodation Facility for Portuguese Higher Education Institutions The majority of Portuguese Higher Education Institutions offer accommodation in Student Residences. These are usually spread out around the city/town. Higher Education Institution campuses which include housing facilities are rare in Portugal. Although the easiest and often cheapest option for students is to stay in Students Residence, you may want to rent your own room/flat. If so, check:

• Local newspapers
• Internet
• Pin-walls inside Higher Education Institutions buildings.

Sharing a flat with other students is very common in Portugal. Prices vary significantly depending on the city and the area. Prices range roughly from 150 Euro up to 350 Euro depending on location, facilities, and the landlord’s common sense!

Other facilities

• Situated in a good residential area, hospitable, communicative and with clean, quality lodgings.
• Only Portuguese is spoken.
• Travel distance using public transport: 10 to 30 minutes
• The student’s preferences are accommodated as much as possible.
• Bed & Breakfast – These are lower cost hotels. They are fully furnished, and almost like apartments. The price starts from 60 Euro per night.
• Apartment – This is a more costly option, yet also offers a bit more luxury. Available only for long-term students.
• Hotels – Porto offers a wide array of hotels in terms of price, location and style.

Included: Breakfast, Single rooms (double rooms are available on request for two persons booking a course together). You are issued your own front door key. Rooms are generally furnished with a bed, a desk with a reading light and a wardrobe. Bathroom shared with the host family. Laundry either at home at an extra charge or at commercial laundry services. There is weekly cleaning of your room; bed linen is changed every 2 weeks; bed linen is provided, please bring your own towels.

General Tips

• Try to see the room in person before renting it. Pictures on the internet are often misleading.
• If possible, contact other students of your institution to get advice on how to find a room to rent in the city where you plan to study next. If you are lucky, he/she will even offer you his/her room for the following semester.
• Bear in mind that in Portugal it is still very common for old people to rent a room in their own house/apartment. If you want to avoid this kind of accommodation, look for flats.

Portugal,officially the Portuguese Republic,is a unitary semi-presidential republic. It is located in South-Western Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, and it is the western most country of mainland Europe, being bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east.

Portugal is an amazing study abroad destination with a host of universities offering top-notch degree programs

But that is not all! Portugal is the country of the world third most-spoken European language and the linguistic gateway to Africa and Brazil.Plus,our universities have a wide selection of student housing available at very affordable prices.

Portuguese culture is based on a past that dates back to prehistoric times and has been heavily influenced by a rich variety of countries and customs over years.The eras of the Roman and Moorish invasions as well as the ancient societies before that have all left traces in a rich legacy archaeological remains that can be found throughout Portugal.The ancient cave paintings at Escoural,the Roman township of Conimbriga,The Temple of Diana in evora and the typical Moorish architecture of the Southern towns olhao and Tavira are just some examples of extraordinary culture gems that can be found in the country.

Traditional Dances

Each region of Portugal has its own style of dance and songs with the most traditional tunes played at a slower rhythm compared to those heard in spain.Some of the best example of the regional dances are the vira,chla,corridinho,Tirana, where couples perform a lively dance usually to a fast beat of hand-clapping, guitars and accordions.Many of these dances reflect the courting and matrimonial traditions of the area and are often passionate and exciting to watch.

Music

The music of Portugal includes many different styles and genres,as a result of its history.These can be broadly divided into classical music,traditional/folk music and popular music and all of them have produced internationally successful acts, with the country seeing a recent expansion in musical styles,especially in popular music.In traditional/folk music, fado has had a significant impact, with Amalia Rodrigues still the most recognizable Portuguese name in music,and with more recent acts,like Dulce Pontes and Mariza. Regional folk music remains popular too,having been updated and modernized in many cases, especially in the northeastern region of Tras-os-Montes.Some more recent successful fado/folk-inspired acts include Madredeus and Deolinda, the later being part of a folk revival that has led to a newfound interest in this type of music.

Visual Arts

Sculpture has found rich expression in Portugal over the centuries.From the 12th to the 14th century,sculptors carved ornate limestone tombs,including notable monuments such as the tombs of the kings at Alcobaca. Following the extraordinarily inventive Manueline period, during the Renaissance and baroque periods,sculptors in Portugal did their finest work for the church,producing finely carved reliefs, altarpieces, and pulpits.Painting in Portugal dates from prehistoric times;some of southwestern Europe finest Paleolithic cave paintings can be seen at Escoural.The foremost painter of Portugal golden age was Nuno Goncalves,whose powerful realism was widely influential. In the 20th century Portuguese-born abstract painter Maria Elena Vieira da Silva achieved international renown.

Architecture

Architecture of Portugal refers to the architecture practiced in the territory of present-day Portugal since before the foundation of the country in the 12th century.The term may also refer to buildings created under Portuguese influence or by Portuguese architects in other parts of the world, particularly in the Portuguese Empire.Portuguese architecture,like all aspects of Portuguese culture,is marked by the history of the country and the several peoples that have settled and influenced the current Portuguese territory.These include Romans, Suebians among other related Germanic peoples,Visigoths and Arabs,as well as the influence from the main European artistic centres from which were introduced to the broad architectural styles:Romanesque, Gothic,Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassicism.Among the main local manifestations of Portuguese architecture are the Manueline, the exuberant Portuguese version of late Gothic;and the Pombaline style,a mix of late Baroque and Neoclassicism that developed after the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.

Literature

The beginnings of Portuguese literature are to be found in medieval Galician poetry,originally developed in Galicia and northern Portugal.The Golden Age is located in the Renaissance, with the writings of Gil Vicente,Bernardim Ribeiro, Sa de Miranda and especially the great epic poet Luis de Camoes,author of national and epic poem The Lusiads.The seventeenth century was marked by the introduction of the Baroque in Portugal and is generally regarded as the century of literary decadence,despite the existence of writers like Father Antonio Vieira,Padre Manuel Bernardes and Francisco Rodrigues Lobo. The writers of the eighteenth century to counteract a certain decadence of the baroque stage, made an effort to recover the level of the Golden Age -The Neoclassicism,through the creation of academies and literary Arcadias.

Language

Language is probably one of the biggest areas affecting expats moving to Portugal.Thousands of residents live outside the main centres, often causing them to feel isolated and without recourse to social opportunities.In many Portuguese towns, there are schools or organizations which offer free or low-cost Portuguese language classes,from beginners to more advanced speakers.The local tourism office, school or library will usually have details of these.Most courses are held in the evenings,last between one and three hours, and are taught by a variety of Portuguese teachers in a number of different styles.Learning the language is a key element to feeling more at home in Portugal,managing one way through the system and, of course,being able to share conversation with the locals.It is also a key element to help new arrivals integrate themselves more smoothly, and feel like less of an outsider.

1st Cycle

First-cycle studies leading to the professional title of a Bachelors. Bachelor degree programmes,at least 6 semesters, leading to the professional title of Bachelor or at least 7 semesters.This is the Polish equivalent of the Bachelor degree. These are focused on preparing students for future employment,or for continued education within Master degree programmes. To obtain this degree, students must earn at least 180 ECTS credits.The duration of this course is 3 to 4 Years.

2nd Cycle

Second-cycle studies – Called as Master degree programme (1.5 to 2 years) following the first cycle studies and leading to the professional title of Master.These are focused on theoretical knowledge as well as application and development of creative skills.Master degree holders may enter a doctoral programme (third-cycle studies).To obtain this degree,students must earn 90-120(Transfer and Acumulation System) ECTS credits.The duration of the course is 1.5 to 2 years.

Long cycle studies

It is also known as the Single long-cycle studies.These study program basically based on an integrated study program,which contains both basic studies and in-depth specialization.The Master degree programmes which consist 10 to 12 semesters leading to the professional title of magister or an equivalent degree.Its depends on the study course profile.To obtain this degree,students must earn at least 300 ECTS credits (10-semesters studies) or at least 360 ECTS credits(12-semesters studies).

3rd cycle studies

3RD Cycle Studies are also called as Doctoral degree programmes.The total duration of these Programmes is 6 to 8 semesters.These Programmes are accessible to graduates of the Master degree and leading to the PhD degree.These Programmes are offered by the university-type schools as well as some research institutions which belong to the departments of the Portugal Academy of Sciences, along with research and development institutions. The PhD degree is awarded to candidates who submit and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation before the thesis committee, and who pass the doctoral examination.

Make sure you have the following before leaving home

Before coming to Portugal, make sure all documents you sent to the university you will be studying in (application form, your school history and study plan) are in order.

Identity card or passport which, according to the Universidade de Lisboa, you should carry with you at all times.

Address of where you will be staying. You can book a room in a students dorm in advance, by contacting the university international relations department.

European Health Insurance Card or private health insurance.

Vaccination record card,updated with a tetanus shot.

All foreign exchange students coming from non – EU countries should hold a study visa obtained at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their home country, which is valid for one year. As far as students coming from EU member states are concerned,they are allowed in the country upon the presentation of a valid ID card or passport and their entry in Portugal is not subject to any control.

However, the law states that for stays longer than 3 months these students should request to the Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras a residence permit within 3 months after their arrival. All EU citizens are entitled to this permit,which is valid for one year and can be extended for equal periods.This request should be submitted to the Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras.

Two passport-type photos.

Check list: what do to after getting here?

Contact the university international relations department, which will introduce you to the university and the teachers.

Get in touch with other students by contacting the students union, which often carries out several welcoming activities in September/October for new students to get to know the university and each other.

Seek out every opportunity to learn Portuguese, through formal courses or informal learning.

Take walks to get to know the city you will be living in,after you have settled in.

What is Meant by Undergraduate Degree

An Undergraduate degree is a colloquial term for an academic degree taken by a person who has completed undergraduate courses. It is usually offered at an institution of higher education,such as a university.The most common type of this degree is the bachelor degree, which typically takes at least three or four years to complete.A bachelor degree is usually earned for an undergraduate course of study that nominally requires three to five years of study.In some cases,it may also be the name of a second graduate degree,such as a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.),Bachelor of Civil Law, the Bachelor of Music,the Bachelor of Philosophy, or the Bachelor of Sacred Theology,degree which in some countries are only offered after a first graduate/bachelor degree.

Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate Education is the post-secondary education previous to the postgraduate education.It includes all the academic programs up to the level of a bachelor degree. For example,in the United States an entry level university student is known as an undergraduate, while students of higher degrees are known as graduates. In some other educational systems and subjects,undergraduate education is post-secondary education up to the level of a master degree;this is the case for some science courses in Britain and some medicine courses in Europe.

Undergraduate or 1st Cycle Studies

First-cycle studies leading to the professional title of a Bachelors.Bachelor degree programmes,at least 6 semesters, leading to the professional title of Bachelor or at least 7 semesters.This is the Polish equivalent of the Bachelor degree.These are focused on preparing students for future employment, or for continued education within Master degree programmes. To obtain this degree, students must earn at least 180 ECTS credits. The duration of this course is 3 to 4 Years.

Portugal Undergraduate Degree

Both university and polytechnic institutions confer the degree of licenciado (bachelor). In polytechnic education, the cycle of studies that leads to the degree of licenciado has 180 credits and a normal length of six curricular semesters of students work. In certain cases namely those covered by internal legislation or by European legislation,the cycle of studies can have up to 240 credits with a normal length of up to seven or eight curricular semesters of students work.In university education, the cycle of studies that leads to the degree of licenciado has from 180 to 240 credits and a normal length between six to eight curricular semesters of students work. In the first cycle of studies the degree of licenciado is conferred,by universities or polytechnics institutions, to those that, after concluding all the curricular units that integrate the study programme of the licenciatura course, have obtained the established number of credits.

Post Graduate Education

Post graduate Education involves learning and studying for degrees, professional or academic certificates, or other qualifications for which a first or Bachelor degree generally is required, and it is normally considered to be part of Higher Education. The organization and structure of postgraduate Education varies in different countries,as well as in different institutions within countries. This article outlines the basic types of courses and of teaching and examination methods,with some explanation of their history.

Post Graduate Degree

A master degree is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.Within the area studied, graduates are posited to possess advanced knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and applied topics, high order skills in analysis,critical evaluation or professional application, and the ability to solve complex problems and think rigorously and independently. The degree is awarded upon graduation from a university.

Post Graduate Degree as 2nd Cycle Studies

Second-cycle studies – Called as Master degree programme (1.5 to 2 years) following the first cycle studies and leading to the professional title of Master. These are focused on theoretical knowledge as well as application and development of creative skills. Master degree holders may enter a doctoral programme (third-cycle studies).To obtain this degree,students must earn 90-120(Transfer and Acumulation System ) ECTS credits. The duration of the course is 1.5 to 2 years.

Post Graduate Degrees In Portugal

Both university and polytechnic institutions confer the degree of mestre (master).The cycle of studies that leads to the degree of mestre has from 90 to 120 credits and a normal length of between three to four curricular semesters of students work or in exceptional circumstances,60 credits and a duration of two semesters,resulting from a stable and consolidated practice in that specific field at international level.In polytechnic education,the cycle of studies that leads to the mestre degree must ensure predominantly that the student acquires a professional specialization.In university education, the mestre degree may also be conferred after an integrated cycle of studies, with 300 to 360 credits and a normal length of 10 to 12 curricular semesters of students work,in cases for which the access to the practice of a certain professional activity depends on that length of time established by legal EU standards or resulting from a stable practice consolidated in the European Union.In this cycle of studies the degree of licenciado is conferred to those who have obtained 180 credits corresponding to the first six semesters of work.

Doctorate Education

A doctorate Education is an academic degree or professional degree that, in most countries, qualifies the holder to teach at the university level in the specific field of his or her degree, or to work in a specific profession.In some countries, the highest degree in a given field is called a terminal degree. The term doctorate comes from the Latin docere,meaning to teach.

Doctorate Studies also called as 3rd cycle Studies

3RD Cycle Studies are also called as Doctoral degree programmes.The total duration of these Programmes is 6 to 8 semesters. These Programmes are accessible to graduates of the Master degree and leading to the PhD degree.These Programmes are offered by the university-type schools as well as some research institutions which belong to the departments of the Portugal Academy of Sciences, along with research and development institutions. The PhD degree is awarded to candidates who submit and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation before the thesis committee, and who pass the doctoral examination.

Doctorate Studies in Portugal

The doutor (doctor) degree is conferred by universities and university institutes. The degree of doutor is conferred to those that, after concluding all the curricular units that integrate the study programme of the doutoramento (doctorate) course, when applicable, and have successfully defended their thesis in the public act.

HOW TO APPLY AT A UNIVERSITY

Portugal,the westernmost country in mainland Europe,is a desirable place to live. But the country offers more than just the prospect of a golden tan, with a wide range of higher education courses available.Higher education is divided into two main bodies:Universities – teaching is traditionally based on theory and research,with degrees such as medicine,law,natural sciences, economics and psychology taught there. Polytechnics – provide vocational training that lead into a profession. Nursing, healthcare, accounting and teaching degrees are only offered by polytechnic institutions.

How To Apply

The application process for studies at universities and polytechnics in Portugal varies depending on whether you intend to enroll in a program as an undergraduate (first cycle) student or graduate (second and third cycle) student, and the responsible body of the institution. How to apply for undergraduate (first cycle) degrees at public institutions in Portugal In order for you to apply for first cycle programs at public institutions in Portugal, you will have to follow 2 main steps as explained below:

You must first get your upper secondary school studies and your school leaving certificate officially recognized as you will have to present these documents during the application process.

Submit your application through the Portuguese online centralized system .

How to apply for graduate (second and third cycle) degrees at public institutions and for any type of degree at private institutions in Portugal

You will have to submit your application to the school of your choice.

Along with your application, you will also have to attach evidence of your previous studies, as your university or polytechnic will evaluate whether you qualify for the program you applied for.

You may need to have your documents translated if requested by the institution you are applying for.

Entry requirements

Most universities ask prospective students to sit an entrance examination, public universities use a national exam, whereas private institutions set their own. Universities will also require you to have minimum qualifications in order to apply, usually including an internationally recognized undergraduate degree. When applying to a higher education institution, it is worth contacting your chosen university international office for advice on studying in Portugal. All the relevant application information should be available online. Funding to study in Portugal EU students are eligible to apply for grants in the same way as Portuguese students. Grants will be available from individual institutions and, to be eligible, students must apply to a course or university that is recognized by the Portuguese Ministry of Education.

Application Requirements

Undergraduate studies (first cycle)

Students seeking to study first cycle (undergraduate) degrees at universities and polytechnics in Portugal, must:

Have completed upper secondary education

Have passed the university entrance examination in their home country

Meet the study program pre-requisites if required. A pre-requisite is a subject any applicant must meet before being allowed to register for a course. For example,students seeking to study music in Portugal,will be required to pass an aptitude exam in music.

Master studies (second cycle)

If you are applying for a master program at university in Portugal,you are required to be in possession of a relevant bachelor or equivalent degree diploma.

Doctoral studies (third cycle)

In the event you are applying for doctoral studies at university in Portugal, you are required to be in possession of a relevant diploma or master degree program.

Language requirements for studies at universities and colleges in Portugal

Since the language of instruction at Portuguese universities and colleges is Portuguese, you are required to prove your level of command of the Portuguese language. You may do so by presenting the results you received at school examinations if you studied Portuguese as part of your study program or by presenting Portuguese language courses diplomas. In general, most institutions require a minimum level of command corresponding to the B1/B2 level according to the European language passport. Please, note that the Portuguese language requirement usually applies to studies at the first cycle (undergraduate). Master and research programs may not require any knowledge of Portuguese since they are often designed for international students. Minimum grade point requirement to access higher education studies in Portugal

Each year,the Portuguese Ministry of Education publishes the number of available study places at public universities and polytechnics.Private institutions in Portugal have limited study places as well.This is the reason why applicants are ranked based on their grade point average from their previous studies.Therefore,always check with your Portuguese school about the minimum passing grade you need to meet, especially if you are applying for first cycle (undergraduate) programs.

Student visas

As an EU citizen, you are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as you:

Are studying for more than three months;

Are enrolled at an approved university/other institution;

Have sufficient income (from any source) to live without needing income support.

Have full health insurance cover.

The country is located on the coast of south-western Europe. The eastern part of the country is bordered by Spain and the western side is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can experience and feel the true culture and heritage of the country at all the major Cities in Portugal. Portugal Republic is divided into three parts; the Mainland, Madeira Island and the Island of Azores comprising18 districts and 2 independent regions. Some of the cities in Portugal are as follows.

Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. The city was built during the 18th century and since then it has been the major city of the country. The most populated and happening Portugal city is located on the south-western part of the country. Lisbon has always been the centre for culture, tourism and business.It is the westernmost large city located in continental Europe, as well as its westernmost capital city and the only one along the Atlantic coast. Lisbon lies in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus,and has a population of 547,631 within its administrative limits on a land area of 84.8 square kilometers (32.7 sq mi). The urban area extends beyond the administrative city limits with an estimated population of 2.7 million, on an area of 958 square kilometers (370 sq mi), making it the 11th most populous urban area in the European Union. Lisbon is recognized as a global city because of its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education and tourism. It is one of the major economic centres on the continent, with a growing financial sector and one of the largest container ports on Europe Atlantic coast.

Porto

Porto is another major city of Portugal. The city has been recognized as the one of the cultural capitals of Europe. Porto, the second largest city of Portugal is also the capital of Douro region. World famous for its production of fine port wine, the busy city of Porto sprawls along the hills overlooking the Douro River in northern Portugal.At the heart of Porto is the charming pedestrian zone, the Ribeira, an atmospheric place on the river, buzzing in live music, cafes, restaurants and street vendors. Dominating this popular tourist setting is the Ponte Dom Luis,a metal,double-deck arch bridge that links Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, well-known for its port wine cellars.

Amadora

The city of Amadora is situated in the north-western side of Lisbon. The city has huge population and is the smallest municipality of the country. Amadora is a municipality and urbanized city in the northwest of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The municipal population is 175,872, with an area of 23.77 square kilometers (9.18 sq mi): it is one of the most densely populated municipalities in Portugal. Most of shanty towns still existent in Lisbon Metropolitan Area are located in this municipality. One of the largest urban communities in Portugal, Amadora forms a conurbation with the Lisbon, sharing the same subway, bus and train networks. It is essentially a suburban extension of the capital, dominated by large apartment blocks, commercial parks and industrial areas. Amadora public transport network is extremely far-reaching and reliable, being fully integrated with the transportation network of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. It has 2 metro stations, the commuter Sintra train line with 3 stations, 2 bus services and 4 motorways around the city.