
Student Visa Process for Portugal
As a non-EU student in Portugal with a student visa and residence permit, you are allowed to work with authorization from SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). You may also apply to work in research with the necessary qualifications and skills. Unpaid trainees and volunteers can also work in Portugal with a permit from SEF. EU students are not required to obtain a work permit.
Regarding education, international students have the right to study in Portugal, with individual quotas available for them. Primary education in government schools is free for international students, but higher and vocational education at the university level may incur fees, except for PhD students and researchers.
To be admitted to a Portuguese university, an applicant must have completed at least 12 years of schooling and have proficiency in either English or Portuguese. Many Portuguese universities offer courses in both English and Portuguese. The average tuition fee in Portugal is between 3500-7000 euros per year for international students. You can find a list of Portuguese universities on the website of the Ministry of Education or by searching on Google.
To apply for a student visa in Portugal, applicants must show proof of enrollment from a Portuguese institution, financial stability, and intention to study in Portugal to the Portuguese embassy. IELTS is mandatory for higher education in Portugal for international students. The acceptance of study gaps depends on the specific university criteria.
International students can apply for a Temporary Residency Certificate (TRC) in Portugal if they are pursuing higher education, according to Article 91.