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Application Deadlines for Portugal

Q: Do I need to speak Portuguese to study in Portugal?

Not necessarily — NOVA, ISCTE, and many programs at ULisboa and Porto offer English-taught programs. However, Portuguese is the language of daily life, and many bachelor's programs are taught in Portuguese. A basic level of Portuguese is highly recommended even for English-program students.

Q: What visa do I need to study in Portugal?

Non-EU students need a Type D Student Visa (Visto de Estudo). You must have an acceptance letter from a Portuguese institution before applying. Apply at a Portuguese consulate at least 2–3 months before your program starts.

Application windows for Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra — one of Europe's most welcoming student destinations.

Back to Portugal

Main Intake September

International Window April – July

Second Intake February

Visa Processing 2–3 months

Portugal's public universities use the DGES system for domestic undergraduate admissions, but international students apply directly to each university under the International Student statute (Estatuto de Estudante Internacional). Each university publishes its own deadlines, typically between April and July for September entry.

University of Lisbon (ULisboa)	April – July 31
NOVA University Lisbon	March – June 30
University of Porto	April – July 31
University of Coimbra	March – June 30
University of Minho	April – July
ISCTE – University Institute Lisbon	March – May 31
February intake (some programs)	October – December