How much does it cost to live and study in Portugal?
Portugal is one of Europe’s most affordable and welcoming destinations for international students. With its warm climate, friendly people, and quality education system, it’s no surprise that thousands of students choose Portuguese universities every year.
Before applying, it’s important to understand how much it really costs to live and study in Portugal — including tuition fees, housing, food, and daily expenses. This guide by europestudy.eu provides a complete breakdown for 2025.
Average Tuition Fees in Portugal
Tuition fees in Portugal depend on whether you study at a public or private university and your level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD).
| Study Level | Public Universities (per year) | Private Universities (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | €1,000 – €2,500 | €3,000 – €7,000 |
| Master’s | €1,200 – €3,000 | €3,500 – €8,000 |
| PhD | €2,500 – €3,500 | €5,000 – €10,000 |
Note: EU/EEA students often pay lower tuition fees compared to non-EU students. Some universities allow payments in instalments.
Top affordable universities:
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University of Porto
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University of Lisbon
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University of Coimbra
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Polytechnic Institute of Leiria
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University of Aveiro
Cost of Living in Portugal for Students (Monthly Estimate)
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €300 – €600 | Shared apartments or dormitories |
| Food & Groceries | €150 – €250 | Eating out occasionally |
| Transportation | €35 – €50 | Monthly student bus pass |
| Utilities & Internet | €60 – €90 | Electricity, water, Wi-Fi |
| Study Materials | €30 – €60 | Books, printing, stationery |
| Health Insurance | €40 – €60 | Required for non-EU students |
| Leisure & Personal | €80 – €120 | Movies, cafes, gym, etc. |
? Estimated total monthly cost: €700 – €1,200 depending on city and lifestyle.
Most Affordable Cities for Students in Portugal
| City | Average Monthly Cost (€) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Coimbra | €650 – €900 | Famous student city with low rent |
| Braga | €700 – €950 | Affordable and modern student facilities |
| Porto | €800 – €1,100 | Cultural hub with international universities |
| Lisbon | €900 – €1,200 | Capital city with more job and internship options |
| Leiria / Aveiro | €650 – €850 | Peaceful towns with polytechnic institutes |
Scholarships and Financial Aid
International students can apply for several scholarships to reduce study costs:
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Portuguese Government Scholarships (DGES, Camões Institute)
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Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
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University Merit Scholarships
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Santander and Fulbright Programs
? Many public universities offer tuition discounts for high-performing students and exchange participants.
Part-Time Work for Students
International students with a valid residence permit can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays.
Common student jobs:
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Cafes and restaurants
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Retail and delivery work
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University administrative support
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Freelancing or internships related to your studies
Average wage: €5 – €7 per hour.
Working part-time helps cover living expenses and gain valuable European work experience.
Health Insurance and Residence Costs
All non-EU/EEA students must have valid health insurance during their studies.
You can either:
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Purchase Portuguese private health insurance (€40–€60/month), or
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Use EU Health Card (for EU citizens).
Residence permit fees range between €80 – €150, depending on the duration of your studies.
Example Budget Summary for a Student in Portugal (Monthly)
| Expense Type | Average Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (divided monthly) | €150 – €350 |
| Rent & Utilities | €350 – €650 |
| Food | €200 |
| Transportation | €40 |
| Miscellaneous | €100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | €850 – €1,300/month |
Tips to Manage Your Budget in Portugal
✅ Choose university dormitories — cheaper than private apartments.
✅ Cook at home instead of eating out daily.
✅ Get a student travel card for discounts on public transport.
✅ Use student ID for discounts in museums, restaurants, and shops.
✅ Apply for scholarships early to save on tuition fees.
Conclusion
Portugal offers excellent value for international students — combining quality education with affordable living. Compared to Western Europe, students in Portugal enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a moderate budget, especially in smaller cities like Coimbra and Braga.
If you plan to study in Portugal in 2025, europestudy.eu can help you find the right university, visa guidance, and scholarship opportunities.
? Start your Portugal study journey today at europestudy.eu — your trusted partner for studying in Europe affordably.
