Study in Portugal from Pakistan: Your Step-by-Step Guide to European Education

By Pak Euro Links

Looking to study in Europe but overwhelmed by high tuition and complicated visa rules? Say hello to Portugal — a hidden gem in Western Europe that combines quality education, affordable living, and a friendly visa process for Pakistani students.

In this blog, we walk you through everything you need to know: universities, tuition fees, scholarships, visa process, life in Portugal — and how it compares to other popular European destinations like Italy, Austria, and France.

Let’s begin your journey to Portugal — with Pak Euro Links by your side.

Why Study in Portugal

Portugal offers world-class education at a cost that won’t break your bank. Whether you’re interested in business, computer science, tourism, engineering, or environmental studies, there are over 200 English-taught programs in both public and private universities.

Top universities include:

University of Lisbon
University of Porto
NOVA University Lisbon
University of Coimbra
University of Aveiro

And yes, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD program are all available in English — no need to learn Portuguese (unless you want to!).

Tuition Fees & Cost of Living

Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe.

Universities allow installment payments, and dorms or shared flats make living costs manageable — especially outside Lisbon.

If you’re planning to study in Portugal, you’ll be glad to know that the overall expenses are quite manageable compared to other Western European countries. Tuition fees at public universities generally range between €2,500 and €5,000 per year, depending on the university and program. Living costs, which include rent, food, transport, and other personal expenses, typically fall between €6,000 and €7,500 annually. For accommodation, students can expect to pay around €180 to €400 per month, depending on the city and whether they stay in a dormitory or shared apartment. When it comes to food and transport, Portugal remains very budget-friendly — university canteens offer meals at low prices, and public transport is heavily discounted (or even free in some cities) for students. Overall, Portugal offers one of the most cost-effective lifestyles in Western Europe for international students.

Admission Process – Simple & Flexible

You can apply directly through university portals or the national platform (for undergrad). Required documents typically include:

Educational certificates (Intermediate or Bachelor’s)
Passport
English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 80+)
Motivation letter
Application fee (\~€50)

Deadlines usually range from March to July depending on the intake.

Pak Euro Links helps you prepare, apply, and follow up with universities — so you don’t miss out.

Visa Process – One of the Friendliest in Europe

Portugal offers a long-term study visa (Type D) with a smoother process than many other EU countries. Here’s why Pakistani students find it manageable:

No blocked account required
Bank statement or sponsor letter accepted
University admission + proof of accommodation + travel insurance
Processing time: 4–8 weeks

Once in Portugal, you apply for a residence card, which also allows Schengen travel and access to public healthcare.

Scholarships & Work Options

Portugal offers several scholarships, including:

University merit scholarships
Erasmus Mundus (fully funded)
Tuition fee discounts for early applicants

You can also:

Work 20 hours/week during semesters
Work full-time during holidays
Apply for a 12-month job-seeker visa after graduation
Convert your student permit into a work permit if hired

After 5 years of legal stay, you become eligible for permanent residency or citizenship — a big plus for long-term planners.

Bringing Your Family

Portugal allows students to apply for family reunification, meaning:

Your spouse can join you and work full-time
Children can attend local schools
You just need to show additional financial means and suitable housing

Pak Euro Links will help you prepare the right documents for family visa filing too.

Life in Portugal: Safe, Social, and Student-Friendly

Safe and peaceful society (among top 5 in Europe for personal safety)
Halal food and mosques available in Lisbon, Porto, and major cities
Pakistani community present and growing
Public transport is cheap — even free for students under 23 in Lisbon
Portugal offers 300+ sunny days a year and easy access to beach, culture, and nature

In short: you’ll feel welcomed and settled very quickly.

Comparison: Portugal vs Italy, Austria, and France

When comparing Portugal with Italy, Austria, and France for study abroad options, Portugal stands out for its balance of affordability and student-friendly policies. For English-taught programs, Portugal generally requires IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0, similar to the other three countries — though Italy sometimes waives this requirement depending on the program. Austria enforces stricter English proficiency criteria, especially for STEM subjects, while France usually requires IELTS or equivalent certification for English-taught programs.

In terms of financial documentation, Portugal, Italy, and France do not require a formal blocked account. Austria also does not require a blocked account in the German sense, but it does require students to show sufficient financial means — typically around €10,500 per year — held in an accessible Austrian or EU bank account. The funds are not frozen, but must remain available to the student during their stay.

Looking at tuition fees, Portugal’s public universities charge between €2,500 and €5,000 per year. Italy offers heavily subsidized education with fees often ranging between €0 and €3,000. Austria’s tuition fees are relatively low as well, between €700 and €3,000, while France remains the most affordable, with annual public university fees typically around €250 to €3,770.

All four countries allow family reunification, enabling students to bring their spouse and children. They also offer a one-year post-study work visa, allowing graduates to find a job after completing their degree.

For those considering long-term settlement, Portugal leads with the shortest route to permanent residency and citizenship — typically after 5 years. Italy, Austria, and France follow with pathways that generally range from 5 to 10 years, depending on factors like integration, employment, and language proficiency.

In terms of cost of living, Portugal remains the most affordable in Western Europe. Italy follows with moderate costs, while Austria and France are notably higher — particularly in major cities like Vienna or Paris.

Verdict: Portugal offers the best balance between cost, education quality, visa ease, and lifestyle — especially for Pakistani students who want a smooth, safe, and affordable European journey.