Complete 2025 guide for Pakistani students on studying in Portugal, including visa requirements, top universities, scholarships, tuition fees, and living costs
Why Choose Portugal?
● Quality education system following the Bologna Process (Europe-wide recognition).
● Low tuition and living costs compared to other EU countries.
● Safe and peaceful society (ranked among the top 5 safest countries globally).
● Sunny Mediterranean climate with 200+ days of sunshine.
● English-taught Master’s and PhD programs widely available.
Top Universities in Portugal
Choosing the right university is a crucial first step — Pak Euro Links can help you shortlist
and apply based on your academic background and goals.
● University of Lisbon (QS 2026 Rank: #230) – Lisbon – Strong in Engineering,
Sciences.
○ https://www.ulisboa.pt
● University of Porto (QS 2026 Rank: #237) – Porto – Strong in Health, Engineering.
○ https://www.up.pt
● NOVA University Lisbon – Known for Business, Law, and Social Sciences.
○ https://www.unl.pt
● University of Coimbra – Oldest in Portugal, strong in Humanities, Sciences.
○ https://www.uc.pt
● Other notable universities:
- University of Minho,
- University of Aveiro,
- Catholic Universityof Portugal.
Popular Courses Among International Students
● Engineering & Computer Science (IT, AI, Data Science)
● Business & Management (MBA, Finance, Marketing)
● Health Sciences (Nursing, Biomedical)
● Architecture & Urban Planning
● Environmental Sciences & Renewable Energy
● Tourism & Hospitality Management
Growth Fields in Portugal (Till 2030)
● ICT Sector: ~10% of Portugal’s GDP, rapid expansion in Lisbon and Porto.
● Renewable Energy: Target of 51% renewable final energy by 2030.
● Healthcare & Life Sciences: Rising demand due to aging population.
● Tourism & Hospitality: Major contributor to national GDP.
Academic Eligibility for Pakistani Students
Bachelor’s Degree (Licenciatura):
● F.Sc. or A-Level required.
● Minimum 65–70% marks.
● May need to pass entrance exam or provide equivalency from DGES.
Master’s Degree:
● 16 years of education.
● Minimum 60% marks in undergraduate.
PhD Programs:
● Master’s in a related field.
● Research proposal and academic references required.
Pak Euro Links assists students in verifying academic eligibility and meeting
university-specific requirements.
Duration of Degree Programs
● Bachelor’s: 3–4 years (180–240 ECTS)
● Master’s: 1–2 years (60–120 ECTS)
● PhD: 3–4 years (research-based)
Opportunities After Degree Completion
● 1-year post-study stay allowed to find employment or launch a startup.
● Easy transition to work/residence permit from student permit.
● Internship support through programs like “Estágios Iniciar.”
● 5 years of legal stay (study + work) leads to Permanent Residency.
Admission Process & Required Documents
Applying to Portuguese universities can be streamlined with the help of Pak Euro Links, who
guide students step-by-step. Application through university website or national portal.
● Required Documents:
○ Academic transcripts (translated + apostilled)
○ Passport copy
○ Motivation letter (SOP)
○ Letters of Recommendation (for PG)
○ Proof of language proficiency
○ CV/Resume
Accepted Language Tests
● English-Taught Programs:
○ IELTS (6.0–6.5)
○ TOEFL iBT (~80–90)
○ Some universities may accept Duolingo (check individually)
● Portuguese-Taught Programs:
○ CELPE-Bras or university’s internal Portuguese test (B1/B2 level)
Tuition Fees (2025)
● Public Universities:
○ Bachelor’s: €550–€1,050/year (PKR 176,000–336,000)
○ Master’s: €1,000–€2,500/year (PKR 320,000–800,000)
○ PhD: €1,500–€3,000/year (PKR 480,000–960,000)
● Private Universities: Higher, typically €5,000+ per year.
Living Expenses
● Accommodation: €150–€550/month (PKR 48,000–176,000)
● Food: €150–€200/month (PKR 48,000–64,000)
● Transport: €30–€40/month (PKR 9,600–12,800)
● Total Estimate: €600–€900/month (PKR 192,000–288,000)
Scholarships for Pakistani Students
● University Merit Scholarships (e.g., University of Porto)
● Erasmus+ for Master’s/PhD programs
● HEC Pakistan Scholarships for foreign study
University Scholarships Info: Check individual university pages or consult Pak Euro Links for
updated funding options.
Visa Process
Pak Euro Links can assist you throughout the visa application process.
● Type: D-Type National Student Visa
● Apply at: Portuguese Embassy Islamabad or VFS Global
● Documents Required:
○ Acceptance Letter
○ Passport
○ Proof of Funds (€8,460/year or more)
○ Health Insurance (€30,000 coverage)
○ Police clearance certificate
○ Proof of accommodation
● Visa Fee: €80 (PKR ~25,600) + VFS charges
● Processing Time: 15 days to 3 months
Student Job Opportunities
● Allowed to work 20 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays.
● Minimum wage: €870/month (PKR ~278,000)
● Typical jobs: Cafes, shops, internships, tutoring
Post-Study Stay & Permanent Residency
● Post-study stay: 12 months job search period.
● PR Eligibility: 5 years legal stay (study + work), basic Portuguese proficiency.
● Switch to work permit: Without leaving Portugal.
Pak Euro Links can assist with transitioning to work permits and PR pathways.
Lifestyle & Cities
● Lisbon: Capital, most expensive, many job opportunities
● Porto: Cheaper, excellent engineering and tech hub
● Coimbra: Classic university town, low cost, historic feel
● Safe public transport and student-friendly atmosphere
● Growing Pakistani community
Weather
● Mild winters and warm summers
● Lisbon average: 10–20°C in winter, 25–32°C in summer
● More tolerable than extreme temperatures in Pakistan
Health Insurance
● Required for visa: Coverage of €30,000 minimum
● SNS (Public Health) access after residence permit
● University health plans also available
Travel & Connectivity
● No direct flights from Pakistan; connect via Istanbul, Doha, Dubai
● Common airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines
● Travel time: ~12–15 hours from Pakistan to Lisbon
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Pak Euro Links supports students through every stage of this process.
1. Choose a course/university
2. Check eligibility and prepare documents
3. Apply online (direct or via national portal)
4. Receive admission offer
5. Apply for visa at Embassy/VFS
6. Travel to Portugal
7. Apply for residence permit at SEF
8. Start classes and register at university
Final Tips for Pakistani Students
● Plan finances early: Expect €8,000–10,000/year minimum budget
● Learn basic Portuguese for daily life
● Look for shared housing to save costs
● Connect with Pakistani or international student associations
● Keep copies of all official documents and translations
● Bookmark official websites:
With the right guidance from Pak Euro Links, studying in Portugal can be a smooth and
affordable path to world-class education and long-term European opportunities.