Portugal has some English-taught bachelor's programmes, but they are still less common than in many other European countries. You will find the most options in international business, computer science, engineering, tourism, and some social science fields. If you want to study in English, you should check each university's admissions page carefully, because language rules and fees can change by programme and student status.
How common are English-taught bachelor's programmes?
In Portugal, English is much more common at master's level than at bachelor's level. That means your search may be smaller, but there are still real options, especially at private universities and some public universities with international tracks.
In general, you can expect:
- more programmes in major cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra
- more English-taught options in business, management, technology, and engineering
- fewer options in law, medicine, teaching, and many humanities fields
- some degrees taught partly in English and partly in Portuguese
Always check the programme page to see if the whole degree is in English or only some modules. Do not assume that the course title alone tells you enough.
Fields with the most English options
If you are searching for a bachelor's degree in English, start with the fields that most often offer it.
- Business and management
- Computer science and IT
- Engineering and technology
- Tourism and hospitality
- International relations and some economics programmes
These areas are more likely to attract international students, so universities often create English tracks or full English degrees. Some schools also offer joint degrees or international business-style programmes designed for mixed student groups.
If your field is less common in English, do not give up too early. Sometimes the university offers one English-taught branch, or a degree where the first year is in English and later years mix in Portuguese.
Typical tuition fees
Tuition in Portugal can vary a lot by university type, programme, and whether you are an EU or non-EU student. Public universities usually have lower fees than many private universities, but that is not always true for every programme.
As a rough guide, undergraduate tuition often falls into these broad ranges:
- public universities: often a few thousand euros per year
- private universities: often higher, sometimes several thousand euros more
- specialised international programmes: may cost more than standard degrees
For EU and EEA students, fees are often closer to the standard student rate. For non-EU students, some universities charge the same rate, while others use a separate international fee. The difference can be large, so you must check the programme page and the university's fee rules.
Also check these extra costs:
- application fee
- registration fee
- student union fee
- health insurance, if required
- books, travel, and housing
Do not rely on old forum posts or informal advice. The admissions page and the university's fee table are the safest sources.
Language requirements
For English-taught bachelor's programmes, universities usually ask for proof of English level. The exact score depends on the programme, but the common options are IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge exams, or a school document proving that your previous education was in English.
Typical things universities may ask for:
- an English certificate at the level they name on the programme page
- proof that your previous studies were in English
- a motivational statement or interview
- school transcripts and diploma documents
Some universities also ask for Portuguese language skills, even if the degree is in English. This is more common when the programme includes local internships, clinical work, or some shared courses. If you do not speak Portuguese yet, check whether the university offers language support or expects you to learn it after arrival.
For admission, the university is the final source. For visa questions, use the official Portuguese immigration or consular website, because study visa rules are separate from university entry rules.
How to find the right programme
Start with a narrow search. Use the university site, not only general search results. Look for pages titled bachelor's, undergraduate, international students, or study in English.
Good steps to follow:
- Make a list of Portuguese universities and polytechnics in the cities you can afford.
- Filter by your field of study.
- Check whether the programme is fully in English or only partly in English.
- Read the entry requirements, fee page, and document list.
- Check if the university accepts direct applications or only through a national admissions system.
You can also contact the admissions office before applying. Keep your message short. Say your field, your current education, your English level, and ask one clear question, such as whether the programme is fully taught in English and what documents you need.
If you are comparing universities, make a simple list with four things: language, tuition, location, and entry requirements. That will help you avoid wasting time on programmes that do not fit your budget or your level.
What to check before you apply
Before you send anything, read the official pages again. Small details matter.
- Is the programme fully in English?
- Is there a separate fee for non-EU students?
- Do you need Portuguese as well?
- What is the exact English score accepted?
- Which documents need translation or legalisation?
- Is there an application deadline on the university page or a national system?
If you are from outside the EU, also check residence and visa steps with the official Portuguese immigration authority or your local Portuguese embassy. Do this early, because documents and processing time can take longer than expected.
Common questions
Are there many bachelor's degrees in English in Portugal?
Not as many as master's degrees, but there are still good options. Your best chance is in business, IT, engineering, and tourism.
Will I need Portuguese?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some degrees are fully in English, but others ask for basic Portuguese later. Always check the programme page.
Can I trust tuition numbers I find online?
Use them only as a rough idea. Final tuition depends on the university and your student status, so always check the official fee page for the programme.
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 saves you time and helps universities contact you directly with programmes that match your background.
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.