Portugal can be a good place to study economics if you want a European degree, a friendly student life and options in both Portuguese and English. The main choices are bachelor's and master's degrees. The exact requirements, fees and language rules depend on the university, so always check the programme page and the admissions office site.
What you can study
Most universities offer economics at two main levels:
- Bachelor's degree - usually 3 years. This is the starting point if you are finishing secondary school.
- Master's degree - usually 1.5 to 2 years. This is for students who already have a bachelor's degree, often in economics, business, finance, mathematics or a related field.
Some universities also offer related subjects such as international economics, management, finance, econometrics or development studies. Read the course description carefully, because the title can be similar but the content can be quite different.
Typical admission requirements
For a bachelor's degree, universities usually ask for:
- Completed secondary school education
- School transcripts and diploma
- Proof of language level, if the course is not in your native language
- Passport or ID
- Sometimes maths preparation or specific subject grades
For a master's degree, you usually need:
- A relevant bachelor's degree
- Transcript of records
- CV and motivation letter
- Reference letters, sometimes
- Proof of English or Portuguese, depending on the programme
If you studied outside Portugal, you may need document recognition or equivalence. The rules depend on your country and on the university. Check the official admissions page and, if needed, the Portuguese education or immigration authority pages for document guidance.
English-taught and Portuguese-taught options
Many economics programmes in Portugal are taught in Portuguese, especially at bachelor's level. At master's level, you will find more English-taught options, but not every university offers them.
When you search, look for these details:
- Language of instruction - fully English, fully Portuguese, or mixed
- Minimum language level - often IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or equivalent
- Support classes - some universities offer Portuguese language support for international students
If you are still improving your English, some universities may accept a lower level for admission and ask you to improve before classes start. Others will require the full level at the time you apply. Do not guess - check the programme page.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in Portugal can vary a lot by university and by whether you are an EU or non-EU student. A realistic way to plan is to expect a wide range and confirm the exact amount on the university page.
- Public universities often have lower tuition than private ones
- EU students usually pay less at public institutions than non-EU students, but the rule is not the same everywhere
- Non-EU students often pay higher tuition, especially at some universities and for some programmes
For economics, yearly tuition can often fall somewhere in the low thousands of euros at public universities, and higher at private universities. The exact figure may change from year to year, so check the programme or tuition page before you apply.
Living costs also depend on the city. Lisbon and Porto are usually more expensive than smaller university towns. As a rough planning idea, you should budget for:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Local transport
- Books and study material
- Health insurance and personal costs
Many students try to plan a monthly budget in the range of several hundred euros, with housing as the biggest cost. If you need a visa, the immigration authority may ask you to show proof that you can support yourself.
Application timeline
Start early. A simple timeline looks like this:
- 9 to 12 months before - research programmes, language, costs and entry rules
- 6 to 9 months before - prepare documents, translations and language tests
- 3 to 6 months before - submit your application if the programme is open
- After acceptance - apply for housing, visa or residence documents if needed
Deadlines differ by university and by intake. Some programmes have one main intake, while others may have more than one round. Always use the official admissions calendar.
How universities find candidates
Many universities in Europe do not only wait for direct applications. They also search student profiles and contact candidates who match their programme.
They usually look for:
- Your field of interest
- Your education level
- Your grades or academic background
- Your language level
- Documents that show you are ready to apply
If you want to be noticed, keep your profile clear and complete. Add your current education, expected graduation date, language level, and the programme type you want. This makes it easier for admissions offices to see if you fit their economics course.
Common questions
Can I study economics in Portugal without speaking Portuguese?
Yes, sometimes. Some master's programmes are taught in English. For bachelor's studies, Portuguese options are more common. Check the programme page for the teaching language and accepted tests.
Is a bachelor's in economics in Portugal a good first degree?
It can be. A bachelor's degree in economics may open paths into banking, policy, business analysis, data and further study. The value depends on the university, your grades and your later experience.
Do I need to apply for a visa first?
If you are from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you usually need to check visa or residence rules before you travel. The official source is the Portuguese immigration authority or the Portuguese consulate in your country. Do not rely on old forum posts.
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.
You stay in control, and you can compare offers before you decide where to apply.
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.