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Meta description: What studying in Portugal costs non-EU students in 2026/27: fees by field in Lisbon and Porto, housing, visa and residence fees and a sample budget.
Last modified: 2026-09-30

# Cost of Studying in Portugal for International Students: Tuition, Housing and a First-Year Budget

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Students from outside the EU do not pay Portugal's domestic fee of $790 (€697) at public universities; they pay a separate international fee set by each institution. For 2026/27 that usually means $3,970–7,950 (€3,500–7,000) a year for a bachelor's degree and $18,740–20,440 (€16,500–18,000) for medicine. Public master's programmes mostly cost $3,970–6,810 (€3,500–6,000) a year, while Lisbon business schools charge $15,040–20,670 (€13,249–18,200) for the whole programme. The Catholic University of Portugal puts student living costs in Lisbon at $650–1,260 (€570–1,110) a month, and the consulate expects proof of at least $12,540 (€11,040) for a year of study. The wider picture is on our [studying in Portugal](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-portugal) page.

| At a glance | 2026/27 |
| --- | --- |
| Public bachelor's degree | $3,970–7,950 (€3,500–7,000) a year; law at the University of Lisbon $1,700 (€1,500) |
| Integrated master's | architecture and pharmacy $5,110–7,950 (€4,500–7,000); dentistry $9,650 (€8,500); medicine $18,740–20,440 (€16,500–18,000) a year |
| Master's degree | U.Porto catalogue median $4,540 (€4,000) a year; Nova SBE $15,040 (€13,249) for 18 months |
| Living in Lisbon | $650–1,260 (€570–1,110) a month with a student residence room |
| Minimum funds for the visa | $1,040 (€920) a month, $12,540 (€11,040) a year; half that if you already have housing |
| Visa and residence permit | about $340 (€296) in fees in the first year |

Lisbon seen from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Photo: Jakub Hałun / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:View_from_Miradouro_de_Santa_Luzia,_Lisbon,_20250603_2016_9045.jpg), [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0).

## Why international students pay more {#section-1}

Article 9 of Decree-Law 36/2014 governs international fees. Each public institution sets its own amount based on the real cost of teaching and on fees charged elsewhere in Portugal and abroad, and it may not go below the maximum domestic fee for the same programme. The domestic bachelor's fee was $790 (€697) in 2025/26, and the University of Lisbon proposed keeping it for 2026/27. It applies only to Portuguese and EU students and to those covered by the legal exceptions.

Support is limited too. International students are entitled only to indirect social support, meaning canteens, residences and other university services; means-tested state grants are not available to them. U.Porto's fee reduction of up to 45% for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) does not cover applicants from the CIS.

International status, and the fee that comes with it, lasts until the end of the degree. Gaining a residence permit during your studies does not switch you to the domestic rate.

## Bachelor's and integrated master's fees by field {#section-2}

Annual international fees for 2026/27. University of Lisbon figures are those approved by its General Council; U.Porto figures come from its course pages.

| Field | University of Lisbon | University of Porto |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Law | $1,700 (€1,500) | $3,970 (€3,500) |
| Humanities and arts | $3,970 (€3,500) | $3,970 (€3,500) |
| Sciences, computing at the Faculty of Sciences | $3,970 (€3,500) | $4,330 (€3,810) |
| Psychology | $5,680 (€5,000) | $3,970 (€3,500) |
| Nursing | $5,680 (€5,000) | $3,970 (€3,500) |
| Economics and management | $8,520 (€7,500) at ISEG | $3,970 (€3,500) at FEP, including English-taught programmes |
| Engineering | $7,950 (€7,000) at Técnico | $6,810 (€6,000) at FEUP |
| Design | $7,950 (€7,000) at the Faculty of Architecture; $3,970 (€3,500) at Fine Arts | $3,970 (€3,500) |
| Architecture (integrated master's) | $7,950 (€7,000) | $5,110 (€4,500) |
| Pharmacy (integrated master's) | $7,950 (€7,000) | $5,110 (€4,500) |
| Veterinary medicine | $14,190 (€12,500) | $7,950 (€7,000) |
| Medicine (six years) | $20,440 (€18,000) | $18,740 (€16,500) |

Coimbra charges international students $7,950 (€7,000) a year for bachelor's and integrated master's programmes under its academic regulations, and $20,440 (€18,000) for medicine. The summary fee table on the same page gives a lower "from" figure of $3,410 (€3,000), so budget from $7,950 (€7,000) and confirm your programme's figure in the call for applications. ISEG (University of Lisbon) and Nova SBE each charge $8,520 (€7,500) a year for their English-taught bachelor's degrees (Nova notes the figure may be revised), and Católica-Lisbon $970 (€858) a month over ten payments, about $9,740 (€8,580) a year, subject to update.

Over a full degree the gaps widen. A three-year economics bachelor's costs $11,920 (€10,500) in tuition at FEP and $25,550 (€22,500) at ISEG. Six years of medicine cost $122,630 (€108,000) in Lisbon and $112,410 (€99,000) in Porto.

## Master's fees {#section-3}

Master's fees vary more because universities price each programme separately. Some 2026/27 benchmarks:

- U.Porto: catalogue median $4,540 (€4,000) a year; FEUP engineering programmes $6,810 (€6,000); English-taught management and finance at FEP $5,680 (€5,000); data science at the Faculty of Sciences $5,320 (€4,687.50); executive programmes up to $11,360 (€10,000).
- University of Lisbon: data science and computer engineering at the Faculty of Sciences $3,970 (€3,500) a year; Técnico engineering master's $7,950 (€7,000); finance at ISEG $9,080 (€8,000) in year one and $4,430 (€3,900) in year two. The university allows schools to reduce an international fee as far as the domestic level.
- Business schools: Nova SBE's Master in Management costs non-EU students $15,040 (€13,249) for the 18-month track or $18,450 (€16,249) over two years with an exchange semester; Católica-Lisbon's MSc in Business costs $17,710 (€15,600) for three semesters or $20,670 (€18,200) for four.

Choosing a programme and timing the application are covered in [master's degrees in Portugal](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-portugal).

## One-off fees and payment plans {#section-4}

| Payment | Example | Refundable? |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Application fee | Coimbra $57 (€50); Nova SBE $79 (€70); Católica-Lisbon bachelor's $200 (€180) | no |
| Registration fee with school insurance | Coimbra $23 (€20) a year; Nova SBE $43 (€37.60) | no |
| Place confirmation | Coimbra 25% of the annual fee; Nova SBE $850 (€750) for a bachelor's, $2,670 (€2,350) for a master's for non-EU students | no, but deducted from tuition |
| Checks and assessments | Coimbra medical prerequisite check $45 (€40), physical aptitude test $51 (€45) | no |

Instalments are common. Coimbra splits the annual fee into 12 payments: 25% at enrolment and 11 monthly payments from October to August. Católica-Lisbon collects bachelor's tuition in ten instalments. Keep proof of every payment, because AIMA can ask for evidence of tuition payment when you apply for residence.

Legal ways to pay a Portuguese university from Russia are described in [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## Housing and everyday costs {#section-5}

Housing is the largest cost after tuition, and it varies more between cities than between universities.

Lisbon. The Catholic University's medical school gives these monthly estimates (page updated in May 2026):

| Item | Per month |
| --- | --- |
| Room in a student residence | $340–680 (€300–600) |
| Room in a shared flat | $450–910 (€400–800) |
| Studio or one-bedroom flat | $680–1,360 (€600–1,200) |
| Groceries | $170–340 (€150–300) |
| Transport pass | $34–45 (€30–40) |
| Health insurance | $45–91 (€40–80) |
| Study materials | $34–57 (€30–50) |
| Internet and phone | $23–45 (€20–40) |

A residence room plus the other items comes to $650–1,260 (€570–1,110) a month, or $7,770–15,120 (€6,840–13,320) over 12 months.

Porto. U.Porto's social services (SASUP) charged students without a Portuguese grant $210 (€183.20) a month for a residence place in 2025/26. Residences for international master's and doctoral students cost more, from $230 (€200.80) per person in a double room to $310–320 (€271.80–277.80) for a single. Places are limited, so plan for private rent as well.

Braga and Guimarães. The University of Minho estimates student living costs at $450–570 (€400–500) a month; a canteen meal costs $3 (€2.50) and a monthly transport pass $22 (€19.20).

For a city-by-city view of universities, see [universities in Portugal for international students](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-portugal).

## Visa and residence costs {#section-6}

Degree study requires a national visa, followed by a residence permit after arrival:

- national visa: consular fee $120 (€110); in Moscow it is paid in cash in roubles, with BLS visa centre services charged separately;
- AIMA residence permit: application processing $110 (€99.80) and card issue $97 (€85.80), the 25% reduced rates applied while these services are not yet digital (fee table in force since 1 March 2026); without the reduction, $150 (€133) and $130 (€114.30);
- proof of funds: for a study visa, an amount equal to Portugal's minimum wage — $1,040 (€920) a month in 2026 — for 12 months, i.e. $12,540 (€11,040). The requirement halves to $6,270 (€5,520) if accommodation is paid or provided, and can fall by up to 90% if meals are covered too. Scholarship holders are exempt from proving funds at the consulate.

Add apostilles, translations, a criminal record certificate and health insurance. The full visa procedure is in our [Portugal student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-portugal-student-visa).

## Sample first-year budget {#section-7}

An engineering student at Técnico living in a student residence in Lisbon, using only the official figures above:

| Item | First-year total |
| --- | --- |
| Tuition | $7,950 (€7,000) |
| Living costs in Lisbon, 12 months | $7,770–15,120 (€6,840–13,320) |
| Visa and residence permit | about $340 (€296) |
| Total before flights and bank charges | about $16,060–23,410 (€14,140–20,620) |

The same student taking economics at FEP in Porto would pay $3,970 (€3,500) in tuition, and a SASUP residence place would cost about $2,500 (€2,198) for the year, well below the Lisbon scenario even after food and transport.

## Ways to reduce costs {#section-8}

1. Compare programmes, not just universities. At the University of Lisbon, international students pay five times more for economics at ISEG than for law.
2. Look beyond Lisbon. Porto, Coimbra, Braga and Guimarães are cheaper for housing.
3. Apply for institutional scholarships. Católica-Lisbon says more than half of its bachelor's students hold merit scholarships, and its TOP+ award covers 10–90% of master's tuition. Some Erasmus Mundus programmes are free for students; one hosted by U.Porto charges students no tuition fee for 2026/27. See also [scholarships abroad in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-abroad-2026).
4. Treat part-time work as a supplement. A study residence permit allows work alongside studies, but part-time pay will not cover tuition and rent.

## Budgeting mistakes {#section-9}

- Using the $790 (€697) domestic fee. International students pay from $1,700 (€1,500) a year, usually from $3,970 (€3,500).
- Planning only for year one. A full degree costs three to six times more, and international fees are reviewed every year.
- Forgetting non-refundable payments. The enrolment payment is usually kept even if your visa is refused or you change your mind.
- Counting on a residence room. Residence capacity is limited, so the budget must survive private rent.
- Treating the visa minimum as a real budget. $1,040 (€920) a month is the consulate's floor; in Lisbon it is barely enough.

## FAQ {#faq}

### How much does a year of study in Portugal cost an international student?

Tuition alone at a public university is usually $3,970–7,950 (€3,500–7,000) for a bachelor's and up to $20,440 (€18,000) for medicine. With Lisbon living costs, the first year of an engineering degree comes to roughly $16,060–23,410 (€14,140–20,620), less in Porto and smaller cities.

### Can international students study for free in Portugal?

Non-EU students practically cannot: public universities may not charge less than the maximum domestic fee, and means-tested state grants are not open to international students. Fully funded programmes such as Erasmus Mundus and large institutional scholarships are the exceptions.

### How much money do I need to show for a student visa?

For a study visa, an amount equal to 12 monthly minimum wages: $12,540 (€11,040) at the 2026 minimum wage of $1,040 (€920). The amount halves if you already have accommodation, and scholarship holders are exempt at the visa stage.

### Can I pay tuition in instalments?

Yes, many universities allow it. Coimbra splits the fee into 12 payments, with 25% due at enrolment, and Católica-Lisbon collects bachelor's tuition in ten instalments. The first payment is usually non-refundable.

### How much is student housing in Portugal?

In Lisbon, a student residence room costs $340–680 (€300–600) a month and a room in a shared flat $450–910 (€400–800). U.Porto residences charged from $210 (€183.20) a month in 2025/26, but places are scarce.

### Do tuition fees rise every year?

Universities set international fees in advance and review them annually. In May 2026 the University of Lisbon proposed keeping every international fee unchanged for 2027/28, but check the figure before each academic year.

## Sources {#section-11}

- [Decree-Law 36/2014, Articles 9 and 10 (fees and social support for international students)](https://www.ulisboa.pt/sites/default/files/documents/page/2025/consolidacao-decreto-lei-no-362014-diario-da-republica-no-482014-serie-i-de-2014-03-10-1.pdf)
- [ULisboa: international fees, approved for 2026/27 and proposed for 2027/28](https://www.ulisboa.pt/sites/default/files/documents/page/2026/deliberacaocgpropinas2026.pdf), [master's competition](https://www.ulisboa.pt/info/concurso-para-estudante-internacional-2o-ciclo)
- [U.Porto: international fees 2026/27](https://www.up.pt/portal/en/study/international-students/special-call-for-applications/), [sample FEUP course page](https://www.up.pt/portal/en/study/masters-degrees/courses/feup/22862/)
- [University of Coimbra: fees and payment rules for international students](https://www.uc.pt/estudarnauc/estudantes-internacionais/licenciaturas-e-mestrados-integrados/)
- [Nova SBE: bachelor's fees](https://www.novasbe.unl.pt/en/programs/bachelors/management/fees), [Master in Management fees](https://www.novasbe.unl.pt/en/programs/masters/management/fees)
- [Católica-Lisbon: bachelor's](https://www.clsbe.lisboa.ucp.pt/international-bachelors-degrees-business-administration/fees-and-scholarships), [MSc in Business](https://www.clsbe.lisboa.ucp.pt/master-science-business/fees-scholarships)
- [Católica Medical School: cost of living in Lisbon](https://fm.ucp.pt/cost-living)
- [SASUP: U.Porto residence prices 2025/26](https://www.up.pt/portal/pt/sasup/alojamento/precos/)
- [University of Minho: cost of living](https://www.uminho.pt/EN/student-life/cost-of-living)
- [Portuguese visa portal: means of subsistence](https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/necessary-documentation/means-of-subsistence), [fees](https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/fees)
- [AIMA: fee table from 1 March 2026](https://aima.gov.pt/pt/noticias/atualizacao-da-tabela-de-taxas)

ECB rate of 29.09.2026: €1 = $1.1355. Rounding step: $1 below $100, otherwise $10. Facts checked on 29 September 2026.

Budget planning, requirement checks, cost-based shortlisting, documents, applications and support are provided under an agreement with StudyU. The university sets tuition and decides on scholarships; the consular or migration authority decides on visas and residence. If you would like a budget for two or three specific programmes, send an [application](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Master's Degrees in Portugal for International Students: English-Taught Programmes, Fees and Admission](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-portugal)
- [Portugal Student Visa: The D4 Visa, Documents and Residence Permit](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-portugal-student-visa)
- [Universities in Portugal for International Students: Which to Choose and What They Cost](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-portugal)
- [Scholarships abroad 2026: where international students study for free](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-abroad-2026)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)
- [Studying in Portugal for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-portugal)

Updated: September 2026