If you want to study in Portugal for the autumn intake, start early. The best plan is to spend the winter and spring on research, tests, and documents, then apply in the main summer window and start your visa as soon as you receive an offer.
This guide gives you a simple month-by-month timeline. Exact dates change by university and programme, so always check the university's admissions page, the programme page, and the Portuguese immigration authority for visa steps.
January to February - start your research
Use these months to narrow your choices. Make a short list of universities, degree names, and cities. Look at the programme language, entry requirements, tuition, and whether you need a test or portfolio.
- Check whether the programme is taught in English, Portuguese, or both.
- Read the entry rules for your education level.
- Check if the university wants a motivation letter, CV, references, or a transcript.
- Save the admissions page for each programme.
If you are comparing many options, make a simple table on your phone. Add the deadline, documents needed, and whether the programme has one or more rounds of selection.
February to March - plan your language test
If your programme is in English, you may need IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or another accepted test. If it is in Portuguese, you may need proof of Portuguese level. Some universities also accept a previous degree taught in English, but this is programme-specific.
- Book your test early, because seats can fill up.
- Leave time for a retake if needed.
- Check the minimum score on the university page.
- Make sure your name on the test matches your passport.
Do not guess the language proof. Always check the exact rule on the programme page, because one faculty can accept different proof from another.
March to May - prepare your application file
Use spring to collect documents. This is often the busiest part, because some papers can take time. Ask for official transcripts, diplomas, certified translations if needed, and any reference letters.
- Passport or ID
- Academic transcripts and diploma
- Language test result, if required
- CV and motivation letter
- Portfolio, if your subject needs it
Check whether the university wants scanned copies first or certified paper copies later. Some programmes also ask for an application fee. The fee, if any, is set by the university, so check the programme page.
May to July - apply in the main window
For many Portuguese universities, autumn intake applications open in late spring or early summer and close in summer. But there is no single national date for all programmes. The exact opening and closing dates depend on the university, faculty, and study level.
As a general rule, apply as soon as the portal opens if your documents are ready. Early application gives you more time to fix problems, such as missing uploads, an expired document, or a test result that does not meet the rules.
- Upload clear files in the format the portal asks for.
- Check that your name and date of birth are correct.
- Keep proof of submission.
- Watch your email, including spam.
Some programmes have more than one round. Others take students until places are filled. That is why you should always check the programme page, not only general university pages.
July to August - wait for decisions and prepare the next step
Admission decisions often arrive a few weeks after the deadline, but the timing can vary a lot. Some universities publish results in stages. Others send decisions by email or through the application portal.
When you get an offer, read it carefully. Check the reply deadline, deposit rules if any, and the documents needed for enrolment. If you do not get an offer, you may still be able to apply in a later round or to another programme, if places remain.
- Accept or decline the offer by the deadline.
- Ask for any missing document list in writing.
- Keep copies of your offer letter and payment proof.
- Check how and when to enrol.
August to September - start your visa as soon as you can
If you need a student visa or residence permit, start the process as soon as you have the documents the authority asks for. Do not wait until the last minute. Processing can take time, and the rules depend on your nationality and the type of stay.
Check the official Portuguese immigration authority and the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country for the current procedure. They will tell you which documents you need, how to book an appointment, and whether you need proof of funds, insurance, accommodation, or enrolment.
- Use the official immigration website for the current visa steps.
- Check passport validity early.
- Gather proof of funds and insurance if required.
- Book travel only after you understand your visa timing.
If your programme starts in September or October, try to leave enough time for both the visa process and arrival tasks such as housing, registration, and enrolment.
Common questions
When should I start if I want to study in Portugal next autumn?
Start in January or February. That gives you time to research programmes, book a language test, and prepare documents before applications open.
Do all Portuguese universities have the same deadline?
No. Deadlines vary by university, programme, and study level. Some open and close earlier than others. Always check the programme page.
When should I apply for the visa?
Begin as soon as you have your offer and the required documents. Check the Portuguese immigration authority and your local consulate for the current steps and processing time.
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 contacts from universities 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.