You Can Study Your Degree and Master’s in English in Portugal: Here’s Where

Most international students don’t realise this, but Portugal has quietly become one of Europe’s most accessible English‑taught study destinations. While countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany dominate the conversation, Portugal offers something they increasingly don’t: a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programmes fully taught in English, genuinely affordable tuition fees.

For many students, Portugal doesn’t even appear on the shortlist simply because they assume Portuguese is the only language of instruction. Yet universities across Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Aveiro, and Braga have expanded their English‑medium degree courses over the past decade, especially at master’s level. Combine that with tuition fees that often range between €3,000 and €7,000 per year, and you get one of Europe’s best‑kept secrets for international education.

Below is a full guide to the university's leading this shift and the English‑taught courses you can actually study today.

Portugal’s Universities Offering English‑Taught Degrees

University of Lisbon (ULisboa)

Portugal’s largest and most influential university offers a growing portfolio of English‑taught programmes, especially in STEM and social sciences. Its faculties are research‑driven, internationally connected, and based in one of Europe’s most liveable capitals.

English‑taught programmes include:

• MSc in Engineering (various specialisations)
• MSc in Economics
• MSc in Data Science
• MSc in Architecture
• MSc in Environmental Engineering
• PhD programmes across science and technology fields

ULisboa is particularly attractive for students seeking a modern, metropolitan environment with strong industry links.

NOVA University Lisbon

NOVA has positioned itself as Portugal’s most internationally oriented university. Several of its schools, especially NOVA SBE (School of Business & Economics), teach almost entirely in English.

Popular English‑taught programmes:

• BSc in Management
• BSc in Economics
• MSc in Finance
• MSc in International Development & Public Policy
• MSc in Data Science & Advanced Analytics
• MSc in Environmental Economics & Management

NOVA SBE is consistently ranked among Europe’s top business schools, making it a major draw for students seeking a global career.

University of Porto (U.Porto)

Known for academic excellence and a vibrant student culture, U.Porto offers one of the widest selections of English‑taught master’s degrees in the country.

English‑taught programmes include:

• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Bioengineering
• MSc in Economics
• MSc in Marketing
• MSc in Public Health
• MSc in Mechanical Engineering

Porto’s affordability and quality of life make it especially appealing for long‑term study.

University of Coimbra

One of the oldest universities in Europe, Coimbra blends tradition with a growing international outlook. While most bachelor’s degrees are offered in Portuguese, the university offers a strong catalogue of English-taught master’s and PhD programmes.

English‑taught programmes include:

• MSc in Biochemistry
• MSc in Biomedical Engineering
• MSc in Ecology
• MSc in European Politics
• MSc in Data Science
• PhDs across science, humanities, and social sciences

Coimbra’s historic campus and student‑centred lifestyle make it a unique academic environment.

University of Aveiro

Often described as Portugal’s “innovation university,” Aveiro is highly international and industry‑focused, with many programmes taught in English.

English‑taught programmes include:

• MSc in Electronics & Telecommunications Engineering
• MSc in Materials Engineering
• MSc in Mechanical Engineering
• MSc in Applied Biotechnology
• MSc in Management
• MSc in Data Science

Its strong links with tech and engineering companies make it ideal for students seeking practical, career‑ready training.

University of Minho (Braga & Guimarães)

A rising star in engineering, computer science, and social sciences, Minho offers several English‑taught programmes and is known for its modern campuses.

English‑taught programmes include:

• MSc in Engineering (various fields)
• MSc in Psychology
• MSc in Economics
• MSc in Industrial Engineering & Management
• MSc in Informatics

Minho is particularly popular among students looking for a quieter, more affordable city with strong academic credentials.

Why Students Are Suddenly Looking at Portugal

1. Tuition fees are genuinely affordable

While Northern Europe sees fees rising sharply for non‑EU students, Portugal remains one of the few countries where high‑quality degrees are still accessible. Most English‑taught master’s programmes cost €3,000–€7,000 per year, with some engineering and humanities programmes even lower.

2. English is widely spoken in academic settings

Even when a programme is officially bilingual, students report that lectures, assignments, and group work often default to English due to international cohorts.

3. A relaxed, safe, student‑friendly lifestyle

Portugal consistently ranks among Europe’s safest and most welcoming countries. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Aveiro offer a balance of culture, affordability, and sunshine that’s hard to match.

4. Strong post‑study opportunities

Portugal’s tech sector is booming, fuelled by startups, digital nomads, and multinational companies. Graduates in engineering, IT, business, and data science find increasing opportunities, especially in Lisbon and Porto.

Portugal is no longer just a holiday destination. It’s a serious, competitive, and surprisingly affordable study option for international students, especially those seeking English‑taught master’s degrees in business, engineering, data science, and the life sciences.

For students who want Europe without the high fees, the overcrowded cities, or the intense competition for places, Portugal offers something refreshingly different: quality education, accessible tuition, and a lifestyle that feels like a privilege rather than a compromise.