If you want to study nursing in Portugal, you usually start with a bachelor's degree and later can move to a master's if you want a more advanced role. The route is clear, but entry rules, language needs, and tuition can differ by school, so always check the university's admissions page and the programme page.
What nursing study looks like in Portugal
In Portugal, nursing is usually taught at universities or polytechnic institutions. The main first degree is a bachelor's in nursing, often taught over four years and built around classroom study, skills labs, and supervised clinical practice.
After that, you can often continue with a master's in nursing or a related specialisation. A master's is useful if you want deeper clinical knowledge, teaching, management, or research paths.
- Bachelor's - the usual starting point
- Master's - for specialisation and advanced study
- Doctoral study - less common, more research focused
Who can apply
Typical entry requirements depend on whether you apply as an EU student or a non-EU student, and on the exact school. Most universities ask for a secondary school diploma for bachelor's entry, plus proof that your subjects match the programme requirements.
You may also need a recognised entrance exam result, especially if the school follows Portuguese national access rules. Some schools accept international qualifications directly, while others ask for formal recognition of your previous studies.
- Secondary school completion for bachelor's entry
- Transcript and diploma or equivalent
- Proof of the right science subjects if the school asks for them
- Passport and identity documents
- Language proof if required
For master's entry, schools usually ask for a relevant bachelor's degree, transcript, CV, motivation letter, and sometimes references. Some programmes may also want work or clinical experience.
Language and English-taught options
Portugal is a Portuguese-speaking country, so many nursing degrees are taught in Portuguese. This is important because nursing includes clinical training, and hospitals often use Portuguese in daily work.
Some universities may offer parts of the programme in English, or have some modules in English, especially at master's level. But full English-taught nursing bachelor's options are limited. If you see an English option, check carefully whether clinical placements also require Portuguese.
If you are not fluent in Portuguese, look at these points first:
- Is the full degree in English, or only some modules?
- Do placements require Portuguese?
- What language certificate do they accept?
- Do they offer Portuguese language support?
Tuition and other costs
Tuition in Portugal can vary a lot between public and private schools, and between EU and non-EU students. Public institutions are often lower cost, while private institutions can be higher. International fees are set by each university, so never rely on one general number - always check the programme page.
As a rough planning guide, bachelor tuition at public institutions is often in the lower hundreds to a few thousand euros per year for EU students, while non-EU fees can be higher. At private institutions, annual tuition can be several thousand euros or more. For master's degrees, fees are often similar or higher, depending on the school and the number of credits.
Besides tuition, budget for these costs too:
- Application fee, if the school charges one
- Accommodation, food, and local transport
- Books, uniforms, and course materials
- Health insurance, if needed
- Residence permit and visa costs, if you are a non-EU student
For living costs, many students plan for a moderate monthly budget and adjust it for the city. Lisbon and Porto are usually more expensive than smaller cities. Check current local costs before you move, and compare student housing prices early.
How and when to apply
The application timeline depends on the institution, but many students start preparing many months in advance. If you need document recognition, a visa, or a language certificate, start early.
A practical timeline looks like this:
- 6 to 12 months before start - choose programmes and check entry rules
- 4 to 8 months before - collect transcripts, diploma, language proof, and translations if needed
- 3 to 6 months before - apply to the university and wait for results
- After acceptance - arrange accommodation, insurance, and visa or residence steps if needed
For visa and residence rules, use the Portuguese immigration authority and the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country. Rules for non-EU students can change, so check the official source, not social media.
How to choose the right programme
Before you apply, compare the content of each programme, not just the name. Nursing degrees can differ in how much clinical work they include, what specialties they cover, and whether they are designed for local or international students.
Look for these details on the university page:
- Programme length and total credits
- Language of instruction
- Clinical placement details
- Tuition for EU and non-EU students
- Entry requirements and document list
- Application dates and selection method
If you want to work as a nurse later, also check professional registration rules in Portugal. Nursing is a regulated profession, so the degree alone is not the whole story. The relevant professional body and the school can tell you what is needed after graduation.
Common questions
Can I study nursing in Portugal in English?
Sometimes, but full English-taught nursing bachelor's programmes are limited. Many degrees are in Portuguese, and clinical placements may require Portuguese even if some classes are in English.
Do I need science subjects to apply?
Often yes, but it depends on the school and the entry route. Check the university admissions page for the exact subject and grade requirements.
How do universities find international students?
Many schools search student profiles and respond to applicants who match their programme needs. They may also use their own admissions channels and international recruitment pages.
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 if you want universities to notice your profile without sending the same details many times.
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.