Studying law in Portugal can be a good option if you want a degree in a European Union country with a long legal tradition and a clear study structure. Most students start with a bachelor's degree, then move on to a master's if they want deeper specialisation. Rules, language options and costs vary by university, so always check the programme page and the university's admissions office.
What law degrees exist in Portugal
In Portugal, law is usually taught as a cycle of higher education degrees. The exact structure can differ a little between universities, but the common path is:
- bachelor's degree in law, often the first step
- master's degree in law or a related area, after the bachelor's
- doctorate, for academic research
The bachelor's is the main starting point for new students. A master's is often for students who already have a first degree in law or a similar subject and want to specialise.
Typical entry requirements
For a bachelor's, universities usually ask for a secondary school diploma or equivalent. If you studied outside Portugal, the school diploma must usually be recognised as meeting the university's entry rules. Some universities may also ask for translated documents, proof of identity and a motivation statement.
For a master's, you usually need a relevant bachelor's degree. Some programmes may ask for specific coursework, a CV, references or a short interview.
- secondary school diploma for bachelor's entry
- bachelor's degree for master's entry
- passport or ID
- transcripts and certified translations if needed
- proof of language ability when required
If you are an EU or EEA student, the process is often simpler. If you are from outside the EU, check whether your diploma needs formal recognition and whether you need a study visa or residence permit. The national immigration authority is the best source for visa steps.
Language and English-taught options
Most law degrees in Portugal are taught in Portuguese. This is important because law depends on national legislation, court practice and legal language. If you do not speak Portuguese yet, many bachelor's options may not be a fit right away.
Some universities offer master's modules or full master's programmes in English, especially in areas like international law, European law, human rights, business law or legal research. English-taught options are more common at master's level than at bachelor's level.
- check the programme language on the official university page
- ask whether part of the teaching or reading is in Portuguese
- check if the university accepts IELTS, TOEFL or another test
- for Portuguese-taught law, ask about minimum Portuguese level
If the programme is in Portuguese, you may need a language certificate or a placement test. Requirements differ by university.
Tuition fees: what to expect
Tuition in Portugal can vary a lot by institution and by whether you are an EU or non-EU student. Public universities are usually cheaper than private ones, but fees still differ between programmes. Do not rely on old numbers from blogs, because universities can change fees from year to year.
As a rough guide, public university bachelor's tuition for EU students is often in the low thousands of euros per year. Non-EU students often pay more, sometimes significantly more. Private universities are often higher. Master's tuition also varies widely, but it is usually higher than the bachelor's and can range from moderate to high depending on the institution and programme.
- check the university's tuition page for the exact fee
- look for extra costs like registration, enrolment or examination fees
- ask if fees are paid yearly, per semester or per instalment
- check whether the fee changes for international students
For the most reliable figure, use the official programme page and the university's admissions office. If there is a scholarship, its own website will give the rules and deadlines.
Living costs in Portugal
Portugal is often seen as more affordable than many other Western European countries, but living costs still depend on the city. Lisbon and Porto are usually more expensive than smaller university towns. Your biggest monthly costs will normally be rent, food, transport and health insurance if needed.
A student budget can often fall in a broad monthly range of around 700 to 1,200 euros in larger cities, depending on rent and lifestyle. In smaller cities, it may be lower. Shared housing is usually the cheapest option.
- rent and deposit
- food and cooking at home
- public transport
- books, printing and study materials
- health insurance and visa-related costs, if relevant
Always check the city and university area before you decide. A cheaper tuition fee can still become expensive if rent is high.
Application timeline and how to start
The best time to start is usually 9 to 12 months before your intended start date. That gives you time to check entry rules, prepare documents, apply for housing and handle a visa if you need one.
- Choose a bachelor's or master's programme.
- Check language, entry and document rules on the official page.
- Prepare certified copies, translations and test results.
- Apply by the university deadline.
- If admitted, confirm your place and arrange housing and visa steps.
Deadlines are not the same everywhere. Some universities have several application rounds, while others have one main deadline. Check the programme page and admissions page for the current year.
Common questions
Can I study law in Portugal in English?
Yes, sometimes, but it is more common at master's level than at bachelor's level. Many law degrees are taught in Portuguese, so always check the programme language before you apply.
Do I need to know Portuguese?
For most bachelor's law degrees, yes. For some master's programmes, not always. But even in English-taught programmes, some reading or daily life outside class may still require Portuguese.
Will I need a visa?
If you are from outside the EU, you will often need a visa or residence process to study in Portugal. The exact rule depends on your nationality and stay length. Check the national immigration authority for the current procedure.
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 help you discover law programmes that match your profile without sending the same details to many places yourself.
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.