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Last Updated: February 2026
Study in Portugal 
Get a free 15-minute call with our Portugal study experts. No obligation—perfect for Nepali students planning 2026.
Source: DGES, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tuition €3,000–€7,000; proof €920/mo. Verify at dges.gov.pt, vistos.mne.gov.pt, portugal.gov.pt.
By San Marina Education Consultancy · QEAC & PIER Certified Education Consultants · Study abroad for Nepali students since 2014
Study in Portugal from Nepal – Key Facts 2026
| Tuition (non-EU) | €3,000–€7,000/year |
| Living proof | €920/month minimum + tuition |
| Visa | Portuguese Honorary Consulate Kathmandu (Hattisar); 4–8 weeks |
| Work | 20 hrs/week during term; full-time in breaks |
| Post-study | No dedicated job-search permit; apply for work visa if employed |
| Nursing in English | Egas Moniz, Aveiro; ~3 programmes |
Source: DGES, Portuguese MFA. Verify at dges.gov.pt, vistos.mne.gov.pt, portugal.gov.pt.
50+
Universities
52,000+
Int'l Students
20 hrs/week
Work (term)
€920/month
Proof of Funds
1,500+
Students Placed
Why Study in Portugal in 2026?
Quick answer: Affordable study in Portugal cost vs Northern Europe, warm climate, study nursing in Portugal in English options, study in Portugal without IELTS at some universities. Compare with Spain, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland. Explore scholarships.
Study in Portugal Cost
Quick answer: First year €9,000–€18,000 (NPR 13–26 lakhs). Tuition €3,000–€7,000/year; living €600–€1,000/month. Lisbon and Porto higher; Coimbra, Braga more affordable. 1 EUR ≈ 143 NPR. Compare with Spain, Italy, Poland.
Definition: The study in Portugal cost for Nepali students includes tuition (€3,000–€7,000/year at public or €3,500–€10,000+ at private), living (€600–€1,000/month), health insurance, and airfare.
First-Year Cost Breakdown (Nepali Students)
| Item | EUR | NPR (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Public) | €3,000–€7,000 | 4.3–10L |
| Tuition (Private) | €3,500–€10,000 | 5–14.3L |
| Living (12 months) | €7,200–€12,000 | 10.3–17.2L |
| Airfare | ~€700 | 1.0L |
| Total first year | €9,000–€18,000 | 13–26L |
Tuition Fees – Public vs Private
| Level | Fee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU/Portuguese (Public) | €697–€1,500/year | University of Porto €697 |
| Non-EU (Public) | €3,000–€7,000/year | Bachelor, Master |
| Private | €3,500–€10,000+/year | Varies by institution |
| Doctorate | €2,500–€6,000/year | Public |
Accommodation for Nepali Students
| City / Type | Monthly (approx) |
|---|---|
| Lisbon (shared) | €350–600 |
| Porto (shared) | €300–550 |
| Coimbra, Braga | €250–450 |
| Student residence | €200–400 |
Proof of Funds for Portugal Student Visa from Nepal
Portugal requires €920/month minimum for subsistence. Add tuition for first year. Bank statements, scholarship, or sponsorship accepted. NPR equivalent ~13.2 lakhs/month. Total first year typical €12,000–€18,000. Compare with Germany, Italy, UK.
Living Cost by City
Lisbon (Highest)
€600–€1,000/mo
NPR 0.9–1.4L
Porto
€550–€900/mo
NPR 0.8–1.3L
Coimbra, Braga
€500–€800/mo
NPR 0.7–1.1L
Popular Fields of Study in Portugal for Nepali Students
Quick answer: Portugal excels in nursing, engineering, business, tourism, and computer science. Nepali students often choose nursing in English (Egas Moniz, Aveiro), business (Portucalense, ISEG), tourism, and informatics (Politécnico de Coimbra, Porto).
🏥
Nursing & Health Sciences
Egas Moniz, Aveiro, Coimbra. Bachelor/Master in English. Clinical placements. Key draw for Nepali students.
📊
Business & Management
Portucalense, ISEG, ISCAC Coimbra. MBA, Tourism, Hospitality. Many without IELTS.
⚙️
Engineering & Informatics
Politécnico Porto, Coimbra, Bragança. Civil, Electrical, Biomedical. €2,600–€4,500/year.
🏨
Tourism & Hospitality
ISCAC, ESEC, Leiria. Culinary Arts, Hotel Management. Strong industry links.
🔬
Biotechnology & Food Science
Coimbra ESAC, Aveiro. Food Tech, Organic Agriculture. English options.
⚖️
Law & Psychology
Portucalense. LLM, Clinical Psychology. Master programmes in English.
Study in Portugal Without IELTS
Quick answer: Yes. Universidade Portucalense (Porto), ISPGAYA, ISEG (Lisbon) accept interview, documentary evidence, or alternative assessment instead of IELTS. English-taught programmes in Tourism, Hospitality, Management, Computer Engineering. Check programme pages.
Study in Portugal without IELTS is possible at select universities. Requirements vary: some use interview + Portuguese language evidence; ISEG verifies "independent command of teaching language" through alternative methods. For IELTS and test preparation, San Marina offers coaching in Kathmandu.
Study Nursing in Portugal in English
Quick answer: Around 3 programmes in English. Egas Moniz (Bachelor, Master in Rehabilitation Nursing), Universidade de Aveiro (Master in Community Nursing, Family Health). Most of 17 nursing programmes are in Portuguese.
Study nursing in Portugal in English options are limited. Key institutions: Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Universidade de Aveiro, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, Universidade Católica Portuguesa (Porto). Clinical placements in hospitals. Check programme language before applying.
Nursing Programmes in English
- • Egas Moniz: Bachelor in Nursing, Master in Rehabilitation Nursing
- • Universidade de Aveiro: Master in Community Nursing, Family Health Nursing
- • Check healthcareprogrammes and university sites for latest
Study and Work in Portugal
Quick answer: Non-EU students: 20 hrs/week during semester; full-time during breaks. Hold valid residence permit for studies. Employer may need to inform authorities. Typical pay €4–€7/hr hospitality; €10–€20/hr tutoring.
- • 20 hrs/week during term; full-time in summer/winter breaks
- • Common jobs: hospitality, retail, tutoring, university positions
- • €300–€500/month typical for 20 hrs
Can I Get Transfer in Study from Poland to Portugal?
Quick answer: Yes. No automatic EU credit recognition—each institution decides. Contact target Portuguese university; provide transcripts, syllabi. DGES handles foreign qualification recognition. Bologna compatibility aids transfer.
Can I get transfer in study from Poland to Portugal? Yes. DGES (Directorate General for Higher Education) ENIC/NARIC Centre processes recognition. Apply to Portuguese university with Polish credits; they will evaluate. Compare Poland vs Portugal before deciding.
Portugal Intakes and Application Deadlines
Quick answer: Multiple phases. University of Porto: Phase 1 Dec–Feb, Phase 2 Apr–Jun, Phase 3 Jul–Sep (Master). Lisbon: phases typically Apr–Aug. Deadlines vary by university and programme. Visa 4–8 weeks. Apply 2–3 months before course start.
| University | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porto (Master) | Dec–Feb | Apr–Jun | Jul–Sep |
| Porto (Bachelor) | Jan–Feb | Feb–Apr | Jun–Jul |
| Lisbon (varies) | Apr–Jun | Jul–Jul | Aug–Sep |
Requirement to Study in Portugal for Nepali Students
Quick answer: Admission letter, passport (3+ months), proof of funds (€920/month + tuition), accommodation, health insurance, police clearance. Academic: equivalent to Portuguese secondary for Bachelor. English or Portuguese per programme.
Requirement to study in Portugal: same as international. Requirement to study in Portugal for nepali: verify equivalence with DGES or university. Some programmes need entrance exam (minimum 95/200 Portuguese scale or equivalent).
Scholarships & Is Study in Portugal Free?
Quick answer: Is study in Portugal free? No for non-EU. Portugal Government Scholarships can cover tuition and stipend—apply via DGES. Higher Education Study Grant up to €5,982 for eligible students. See our scholarships page.
Can Nepali Students Bring Dependents to Portugal?
Quick answer: Yes. Family reunification is possible. Spouses and children can apply for residence. Proof of funds to support the family is required. Each dependent needs a separate application.
Portuguese immigration allows family reunification for students. Verify current rules at vistos.mne.gov.pt and SEF.
Portugal Student Visa for Nepali Students
Quick answer: Apply at Portuguese Embassy/Consulate. Nepal: Portuguese Honorary Consulate, Kathmandu (Hattisar). Proof of funds (€920/month), accommodation, acceptance letter, insurance required. Visa valid 3 months; apply for SEF residence permit on arrival.
Where do Nepali students apply for Portugal student visa?
Portuguese Honorary Consulate, Kathmandu (4th Floor, Hattisar, P.O. Box 6156). Tel: +977 1 444 64 00. Contact to confirm visa services. Some applications may route through VFS or nearest full embassy. Processing typically 4–8 weeks.
GAP (Study Gap) Acceptance for Nepali Students
Many Portuguese universities accept study gaps when explained. Portucalense, ISEG, ISPGAYA often flexible. Provide gap justification (work, family, health). Policies vary by institution.
Common Portugal Visa Mistakes for Nepali Students
- Insufficient proof of funds (must show €920/month + tuition)
- Missing accommodation proof or unclear study plan
- Health insurance not valid for Schengen/Portugal
- Police clearance not included or outdated
- Applying too late—allow 4–8 weeks; apply 2–3 months before course start
Visa Process (Step-by-Step)
- 1Apply to Portuguese universities (deadlines vary; check DGES/universities)
- 2Receive admission and pay tuition
- 3Gather proof of funds (bank statements, scholarship, sponsorship)
- 4Apply at Portuguese Embassy/Consulate (Nepal: Honorary Consulate Kathmandu or designated visa centre)
- 5Submit documents: passport, acceptance letter, accommodation, insurance
- 6Processing typically 4–8 weeks
- 7Collect visa; apply for residence permit at SEF upon arrival
Required Documents
- Admission letter from Portuguese university
- Valid passport (3+ months beyond stay)
- Proof of funds: €920/month minimum (tuition + living)
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel health insurance
- Police clearance certificate
- Academic transcripts
PR and Citizenship Options After Studying in Portugal
Quick answer: Five years of legal residence (including student years) can qualify for permanent residence (PR). Citizenship typically requires 5 years legal residence, Portuguese language A2, and ties to Portugal.
Rules at SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) and ACM. Golden Visa and other pathways exist. Verify at portugal.gov.pt.
| Milestone | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Permanent residence | 5 years legal stay (student + work permits count) |
| Portuguese citizenship | 5 years legal residence; A2 Portuguese; ties to Portugal; varies |
Top Universities in Portugal (2026)
Quick answer: University of Porto, University of Lisbon, Universidade de Coimbra, Universidade de Aveiro, Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Strong in engineering, nursing, business.
University of Porto
Porto · All disciplines
University of Lisbon
Lisbon · All disciplines
Universidade de Coimbra
Coimbra · Historic; all fields
Universidade de Aveiro
Aveiro · Nursing, Sciences
Universidade Portucalense
Porto · English programmes
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Lisbon · Business, Sciences
Advantages & Drawbacks of Studying in Portugal
Advantages
- • Affordable tuition vs Northern Europe
- • Study without IELTS options
- • Nursing in English programmes
- • Work 20 hrs/week
- • Warm climate; lower living cost
Drawbacks
- • Most programmes in Portuguese
- • Limited post-study work pathway
Portugal vs Spain vs Italy vs Poland vs Netherlands – 2026
| Country | Tuition | Living | Work | PSW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | €3,000–€7,000 | €600–€1,000/mo | 20 hrs/week | — |
| Spain | €2,700–€9,300 | €800–€1,200/mo | 30 hrs/week | — |
| Italy | €1,000–€5,000 | €800–€1,500/mo | 20 hrs/week | — |
| Poland | €2,000–€18,000 | €500–€900/mo | 20 hrs or breaks | 9 months |
| Netherlands | €6,000–€20,000 | €1,000–€1,700/mo | 16 hrs or Jun–Aug | 12 months |
| Austria | €727/sem | €950–€1,100/mo | 20 hrs/week | 12 months |
| Switzerland | CHF 700–2,200/sem | CHF 1,400–2,200/mo | 15 hrs/week | 6 months |
Why Choose Our Consultancy in Nepal for Portugal?
San Marina guides university selection, proof of funds structure, nursing and English programme guidance, visa prep. QEAC & PIER certified. We help you meet requirement to study in Portugal and plan study in Portugal cost.
Students from Kathmandu, Baneshwor, Ghorahi, and Itahari rely on us for study in Portugal from Nepal guidance. Free first consultation—no obligation.
- • Free first consultation
- • Nursing and English programme guidance
- • Proof of funds and visa prep
- • Transfer from Poland/EU support
Study in Portugal FAQs
Common questions about study in Portugal from Nepal in 2026
What are the requirement to study in Portugal for Nepali students in 2026?
Admission letter, passport (3+ months), proof of funds (€920/month minimum), accommodation proof, health insurance, police clearance. Academic: equivalent to Portuguese secondary for Bachelor; Bachelor for Master. English or Portuguese per programme. Requirement to study in Portugal for nepali: same as international; verify with university.
What is the study in Portugal cost from Nepal?
First year: €9,000–€18,000 (NPR 13–26 lakhs). Tuition €3,000–€7,000/year; living €600–€1,000/month. Lisbon and Porto higher. 1 EUR ≈ 143 NPR. Study in Portugal cost is lower than Netherlands or Switzerland.
Can I study in Portugal without IELTS?
Yes. Some universities (Universidade Portucalense, ISPGAYA, ISEG) accept interview, documentary evidence, or alternative assessment instead of IELTS. Check programme pages. English-taught programmes exist; requirements vary.
Can I study nursing in Portugal in English?
Yes. Limited options—around 3 programmes in English. Egas Moniz (Bachelor, Master in Rehabilitation Nursing), Universidade de Aveiro (Master in Community Nursing), and others. Most nursing programmes are in Portuguese. Check healthcareprogrammes and university sites.
Can I get transfer in study from Poland to Portugal?
Yes, but no automatic credit recognition. Contact your target Portuguese university; DGES handles foreign qualification recognition. You will need transcripts, syllabi, and may need to apply for credit transfer. EU Bologna system aids compatibility but each institution decides.
Is study in Portugal free?
No. Non-EU students pay €3,000–€7,000/year at public universities. EU/Portuguese pay €697–€1,500. Portugal Government Scholarships can cover tuition and stipend—apply via DGES. Study in Portugal is not free for most international students.
How much proof of funds do I need for Portugal student visa from Nepal?
Minimum €920/month for subsistence. Add tuition for first year. Total typical €12,000–€18,000 for first year. Bank statements, scholarship, or sponsorship accepted. NPR equivalent ~13.2 lakhs/month for living alone.
Where do Nepali students apply for Portugal student visa?
Portuguese Honorary Consulate, Kathmandu (Hattisar, 4th Floor). Contact to confirm visa services; some applications may go through VFS or nearest full embassy. Apply with admission letter, proof of funds, accommodation, insurance.
What is study in Portugal fdiploma?
FDip (Foundation Diploma) or similar preparatory qualifications may be offered by some institutions. Check university pages for foundation or pre-Bachelor pathways. DGES lists accredited programmes.
Is study in Portugal consultancy in Nepal helpful?
Yes. Consultancy assists with university selection, proof of funds structure, visa prep, nursing and English programme guidance. San Marina: free consultation in Kathmandu. 15+ years guiding Nepali students to Europe.
When are Portugal intakes and application deadlines?
Multiple phases. Porto: Phase 1 Dec–Feb, Phase 2 Apr–Jun, Phase 3 Jul–Sep (Master). Lisbon: phases Apr–Aug. Deadlines vary by university. Visa 4–8 weeks. Apply 2–3 months before course start.
Can Nepali students bring dependents (spouse/children) to Portugal?
Yes. Family reunification possible. Spouses and children can apply for residence. Proof of funds to support family required. Each dependent needs separate application. Verify at vistos.mne.gov.pt.
What is the PR and citizenship pathway after studying in Portugal?
Five years of legal residence (including student years) can qualify for PR. Citizenship: typically 5 years legal residence, Portuguese language A2, ties to Portugal. Rules at SEF/ACM. Golden Visa and other paths exist.
Do Portuguese universities accept GAP (study gap) for Nepali students?
Yes. Many accept gaps when explained (work, family, health). Provide gap justification. Policies vary by institution. Portucalense, ISEG, others often flexible. Check programme pages.
Start Your Portugal Study Journey Today
Ready to pursue study nursing in Portugal in English or study in Portugal without IELTS? Get expert guidance on study in Portugal cost and requirement to study in Portugal. Free 15-minute consultation in Kathmandu—no obligation. 1,500+ Nepali students placed.
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