Portugal has a growing number of master's programmes taught in English, especially in bigger universities and in fields that attract international students. You can study there in English, but you still need to check each programme carefully because language, tuition, and entry rules vary by university and by degree.
How common English-taught master's programmes are
English-taught master's degrees are more common than they used to be, but they are not the default across the whole country. You will find the strongest choice in larger cities and in universities with many international students.
- Public universities often offer some English-taught master's programmes, especially in research-heavy fields.
- Private universities and business schools may offer more programmes fully in English.
- Some programmes are mixed, with classes in English and some parts in Portuguese.
- Even when teaching is in English, daily life and internships may still need some Portuguese.
The safest way to check is to search the university's official master's catalogue or programme page.
Fields where English is most common
Some subjects are more likely to have English-taught options. This depends on the university, but these fields often have the widest choice:
- Business and management
- Economics and finance
- Engineering and technology
- Computer science and data-related subjects
- International relations and political studies
- Life sciences and some natural sciences
In humanities, education, and law, English-taught options are usually fewer. In those areas, Portuguese is more often required or strongly preferred.
Typical tuition costs
Tuition in Portugal varies a lot by university, programme, and student status. Public universities usually cost less than private ones, but English-taught programmes can still be priced above the local standard.
- For EU students, public university master's tuition is often in the low thousands of euros per year.
- For non-EU students, tuition is often higher and can range from moderate to quite expensive depending on the programme.
- Some special programmes, executive degrees, and private schools can cost much more.
- Fees may be paid yearly or by semester.
Do not rely on general estimates alone. Always check the programme page and the university's official tuition page, because fees can change from year to year.
Language requirements
For an English-taught master's, universities usually ask for proof of English. The exact requirement depends on the programme.
- Common proofs are IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, or proof that your previous degree was taught in English.
- Some programmes accept a letter from your previous university instead of a test.
- Minimum scores differ by institution and may be higher for competitive programmes.
- If you want to study in Portuguese, some programmes ask for proof of Portuguese or expect you to learn it before starting.
Check the admissions page of the exact programme. Do not assume that all master's degrees at one university use the same English rule.
How to find the right programme
Start with the university's own website. Many Portuguese universities list master's degrees by faculty or school, and you can filter by language or read the programme description.
- Look for the official programme page, not just a short summary page.
- Check the teaching language, curriculum, tuition, and application documents.
- See whether the programme is full-time, part-time, or has optional modules in Portuguese.
- Read the entry requirements carefully, especially if your bachelor's degree is from another country.
You can also use Portugal's higher education portals and university ranking pages to discover schools, but final details should always come from the university itself.
How to approach universities
Once you find a programme that fits, contact the admissions office or the programme coordinator. Keep your message short and clear.
- Say which programme you want.
- Ask if your degree matches the entry requirements.
- Ask about English proof, tuition for your student status, and the application deadline.
- Attach a short CV and your transcript if the university asks for an early check.
If the university has an admissions email, use that first. Some schools also have online enquiry forms for international applicants. Be polite, use simple English, and include your full name and country.
What else to check before you apply
Master's study is only one part of your move. You should also check practical details early, especially if you are coming from outside the EU.
- Student visa and residence rules on the Portuguese immigration authority website
- Accommodation options and monthly living costs in the city
- Health insurance requirements
- Whether the programme offers internships, research projects, or thesis supervision in English
These points can affect your budget and your timeline, so make them part of your research from the start.
Common questions
Can I study a master's in Portugal only in English?
Yes, some programmes are fully in English. But many are mixed or have some Portuguese content, so you need to check the exact programme page.
Is Portugal cheap for a master's degree?
It can be more affordable than some Western European countries, especially at public universities. Still, tuition and living costs vary a lot by city and by school.
Do I need Portuguese to live in Portugal?
Not always for the classroom, but basic Portuguese helps a lot in daily life, housing, part-time work, and internships.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.