From its warm hospitality to mild climate, historical appeal, and cultural experiences, Portugal has a lot in store for students. For decades, the European country has been considered an education haven for many internationals. Its quality education is highly applauded, with many Portuguese universities featured in numerous world ranking forums for higher institutions. Are you looking to study in Portugal? We’ve got you covered. This post guides you through the process of studying in Portugal.
Prepare to apply
What’s your education level? Which degree program do you want to pursue? These are the initial steps to achieving your studying abroad. You’ll need to consider the language of study as well. For undergraduate study, many universities offer courses in Portuguese only. Hence you’ll need to prove your Portuguese language skills through a Portuguese proficiency test. Most of these institutions require a minimum proficiency which is equivalent to the B1/B2 level. This requirement doesn’t apply to Master’s and PhDs since these degree programs are research-oriented, offering courses in English. Typically, requirements differ from one program to the other. It also varies among institutions. Depending on the program and institution, you may need to do tests like TOEFL, IELTS, CAE/CPE and PTE A to prove your English proficiency. Contact the Admissions office at your selected institution to make enquiries about the language requirements for your program.
Apply to university
Portugal has over 127 educational institutions, including universities, polytechnics and military academies. Some top Portuguese universities that might interest you are the University of Lisbon, the University of Porto, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, among others. By now, you’ve chosen your program and find out about the language requirements for your course. The next thing to do is to apply to the university. For an undergraduate study, you’ll apply to the university through a centralised online platform, Candidatura Online. You can apply to 6 universities and rank them in the order of preference. If you’re looking to pursue a postgraduate study, you will have to apply on the website of their chosen university. You may be required to translate your documents if asked by the institution. Every year, the Ministry of Education in Portugal restricts admission to few study places. These institutions have minimum passing grades. Thus you’ll have to make the grade point to be eligible for study there. As a Nigerian student, your diploma and transcripts will be compared and converted to the Portuguese standard. Ensure you find out the passing grade for your chosen program and institution before proceeding with your application.
In applying to a Portuguese university, you need the following documents:
- A filled out the application form
- Relevant certificates and certifications proving that you’ve completed high school and university education.
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement indicating their interest in pursuing a program at the institution.
- Proof of payment of application fee, preferably a payment receipt (50 EUR)
CV or resume (if applicable)
Note that your documents must be translated and presented in their original forms. Generally, there are three application sessions for students looking to study in Portugal. Courses start in autumn or spring. Make sure you contact your institution to find out about the application deadline since it differs among institutions. The first application is usually around April to May. The second application starts from June to July, and the third one takes place between August and September. You’ll likely get a response from the university a month or two months after the deadline.
Check your acceptance status and begin visa processing
If your application is accepted, the institution will send a letter of offer to you. Since you’ve confirmed your acceptance, you’ll have to apply for a visa. Like other EU counterparts, the visa requirements is almost the same as the others. As a non-EU citizen, you’ll need a Schengen visa Type D to study in Portugal. Subsequently, besides a visa, you’ll need a residence permit to stay in the country. The Portuguese embassy or consulate in Nigeria issues visas. The consulate will first verify your documents and transcript through National Universities Commission (NUC). It’s advised you stamp the photocopy of the certificates and transcripts at the Federal Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs before verification at the embassy. If your certificates and transcript aren’t duly verified, your visa application will be rejected. After verification, you can proceed with your visa application by presenting the following documents at the embassy:
- A valid passport
- Photocopy of the data page of the passport and any other page with a visa or stamp
- Filled out the application form
- 2 recent coloured passport photos
- Original and photocopy of school certificates and transcript stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Police report stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (plus a copy)
- Letter of acceptance from the Portuguese school (including a photocopy)
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (including a copy)
- Travel insurance for the duration of the programme or at least one year (including a photocopy)
- Proof of financial capability if the applicant is not on scholarship
- Flight bookings
- Request for consultation of the Portuguese criminal registry (issued at the point of application)
- The Visa fee is 99 Euros (paid in Naira based on the exchange rate for the month).
- The Section may ask for additional documents if necessary.
- This Consular Section will authenticate the Police report at the cost of 15 Euros (paid in Naira, based on the exchange rate for the month).
Note: You must apply in person. Consular Section is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. except on Portuguese and Nigerian National holidays. Furthermore, if you want your certificates legalised by the Consular Section, the fee is 15 Euros per document (paid in Naira based on the exchange rate for the month).
Bear in mind that Portugal may grant or deny your visa and processing of the visa may take a lengthy time. Once the Embassy receives a response from Portugal, they contact the applicant.
Arrive in Portugal
Now, you’ve got everything sorted, from your documentation to accommodation and visa processing. Once you arrive in Portugal, apply for a residence permit from Immigration and Border Services.
Guess you’re now acquainted with the steps to study in Portugal from Nigeria. Start all the necessary preparation and get all your documents sorted and ready. You’re just a step away from fulfilling your dream.
