If you want to study international relations in Portugal, you can usually choose between a bachelor's and a master's degree. Admission is based on your school results, your previous degree, language level, and the university's own rules. Always check the programme page and the university admissions office for the exact requirements.
What you can study
International relations is often offered as part of political science, international studies, European studies, or global studies. In Portugal, the exact name and structure can change from one university to another.
- Bachelor's degree - usually 3 years.
- Master's degree - usually 1.5 to 2 years.
- Doctoral studies - if you later want to go into research or academia.
Some programmes focus more on diplomacy, EU affairs, security, economics, or area studies. Read the course list before you apply, because two programmes with the same name can be very different.
Typical entry requirements
The exact rules depend on the university and whether you apply as an EU or non-EU student. The university's admissions page is the main source to check.
- For a bachelor's - secondary school diploma, transcript, and sometimes specific subjects or grade requirements.
- For a master's - a relevant bachelor's degree, transcript, CV, motivation letter, and sometimes references.
- Language proof - English test results for English-taught programmes, or Portuguese proof if the course is taught in Portuguese.
- Extra documents - passport copy, ID, and sometimes a statement of purpose or interview.
Some universities may ask for notarised copies, translations, or an apostille. Start early, because document checks can take time.
English-taught options and language
Portugal has some English-taught international relations and related programmes, especially at master's level. At bachelor's level, many courses are in Portuguese, so read the language section carefully.
If a programme is in English, you will often need proof such as IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test. The score needed changes by university, so check the programme page.
If you already speak some Portuguese, that can help with daily life, internships, and part-time work. But do not assume you can study in English unless the university clearly says so.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in Portugal can vary a lot by institution, level, and student status. Public universities often charge lower fees than private ones, and EU and non-EU students can sometimes pay different amounts. Check the university's fee page for the current figure.
As a rough guide, you may see the following yearly ranges:
- Public universities - often a few hundred to a few thousand euros per year for bachelor's and master's programmes.
- Private universities - often several thousand euros per year, sometimes more.
- Non-EU students - may pay higher fees at some universities, but not all.
Living costs depend on the city. Lisbon and Porto are usually more expensive than smaller cities. A realistic monthly budget for housing, food, transport, phone, and basic personal costs is often around 700 to 1,200 euros, but this can be higher in popular areas and lower if you share housing. Always check current rent listings and student residence prices.
How to apply and when to start
Application timing depends on the university, but a good rule is to start 8 to 12 months before classes begin. For some programmes, especially for non-EU students, you may need even more time for documents, visas, and housing.
- Step 1 - choose the programme and check the admissions rules.
- Step 2 - prepare your diploma, transcript, translations, passport, and language proof.
- Step 3 - write your motivation letter and update your CV if needed.
- Step 4 - submit the application before the deadline on the programme page.
- Step 5 - if accepted, follow the university steps for enrolment and, if needed, your visa.
For visa rules, always check the Portuguese immigration authority or the Portuguese consulate in your country. Do not rely on old forum posts, because visa documents and processing times can change.
How universities find candidates
Universities do not always wait for applications only. Many admissions teams search student databases, education fairs, and online profiles to find people who match their programmes. That is useful if you are still comparing options or have not chosen a specific university yet.
If you want to be easier to find, make your profile clear and complete. Include:
- Your field of interest: international relations, political science, diplomacy, or related areas.
- Your current education level and grades.
- Your English level and test results, if you have them.
- Your documents, such as diploma, transcript, and CV.
- The country and level you want, for example bachelor's or master's.
Then admissions offices that search for exactly that can contact you first, instead of you having to send the same details to many places.
Common questions
Is international relations available in English in Portugal?
Yes, some programmes are offered in English, mainly at master's level. Always check the programme page, because language rules can change from one year to the next.
Can I apply without knowing Portuguese?
Sometimes yes, if the full programme is in English. But for many bachelor's courses and daily life in Portugal, some Portuguese is still very useful.
Do I need a high GPA to get in?
It depends on the university and the number of places. Some programmes are more competitive than others, so check the admissions criteria and do not guess from old examples.
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.
This can save time when you are comparing universities in Portugal and want to stay visible to the right programmes.
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.