ASHS Consultants

Study in Portugal for Pakistani Students

Portugal has become a popular destination for Pakistani students seeking higher education and employment abroad. Study in Portugal for Pakistani Students offers numerous advantages, including a high-quality education system, affordable tuition fees, and opportunities for part-time work. Portugal also provides a welcoming environment for international students. Here is why studying and working in Portugal could be your next big step!

Study in Portugal for Pakistani Students

Top Universities in Portugal for Pakistani Students

Portugal is home to prestigious universities offering a diverse range of programs and courses. Each year, approximately 50,000 international students choose Portugal as their study destination due to its affordable education costs, excellent academic environment, and cultural richness. Here are some of the top universities in Portugal for Pakistani students, along with their average tuition fees:

Admission Criteria: Study in Portugal for Pakistani Students

To study in Portugal, Pakistani students must meet specific admission criteria based on their chosen level of education. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree Admission:
    Students must provide a certificate of upper secondary education. Additionally, they need to take an entrance test conducted by the university they wish to join. This test is often held at the Embassy of Portugal in Pakistan for non-EU applicants.

  • Master’s Degree Admission:
    Applicants are required to submit proof of a bachelor’s degree to qualify for admission to postgraduate programs.

  • Ph.D. Admission:
    For doctoral studies, students must provide evidence of having completed a master’s degree.

  • Language Proficiency:

    • For bachelor’s programs, proficiency in Portuguese is typically required, as many undergraduate courses are taught in the native language.
    • For master’s and Ph.D. programs, students usually need to demonstrate English language proficiency, given the prevalence of English-taught research programs. However, requirements may vary depending on the university and program.

By fulfilling these prerequisites, Pakistani students can successfully apply to Portuguese universities and begin their academic journey in one of Europe’s most vibrant study destinations.

Scholarships Available for Study in Portugal

Portugal, one of the most budget-friendly study destinations in Europe, further supports international students by offering a variety of scholarships. The Portuguese government, as an active EU member, provides numerous scholarships to help deserving students achieve their academic goals. Here are some notable scholarship options available:

MBBS in Portugal for Pakistani Students 2025-2026

Portugal, renowned for its vibrant culture, rich heritage, and stunning architecture, is home to several prestigious universities offering world-class education. While business and art programs are particularly popular, MBBS in Portugal remains a sought-after yet demanding field of study. Despite having a limited number of medical universities, Portugal welcomes Pakistani and other international students to pursue medical degrees without strict caps on admissions.

Here are the top medical universities in Portugal for MBBS:

  1. University of Porto Medical School
  2. Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon
  3. University of Lisbon
  4. University of Coimbra
  5. University of Minho

These institutions are renowned for their rigorous academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced faculty. Studying MBBS in Portugal offers students the chance to gain a globally recognized degree while experiencing the country’s rich cultural and academic environment.

MBBS in Portugal for Pakistani Students: Requirements and Duration

The MBBS program in Portugal typically spans 6 years, offering comprehensive medical education and training. The average tuition fee for Pakistani students is generally above 1000 EUR per semester, depending on the university.

Before applying, students must have a pre-medical certificate as part of the entry requirements for a bachelor’s in medicine. In addition to this, a Portuguese language proficiency test is required, as understanding and communicating in Portuguese is essential for interacting with local patients. This is crucial, as the Portuguese people highly value their language, and it’s necessary to provide effective medical care in the country.

After completing the MBBS degree, graduates cannot immediately begin practicing as professional doctors. To start their medical practice in Portugal, students must register with the Portuguese Medical Association and follow the necessary legal procedures to become licensed to practice medicine.

This structured pathway ensures that students are fully prepared to work in the Portuguese healthcare system, with both a strong academic foundation and the required linguistic skills.

Tuition Fee & Living cost in Portugal for International Students:

Portugal is known for being one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, making it an attractive option for Pakistani students. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs involved in studying and living in Portugal:

Portugal Visa Process for Pakistani students:

Before applying to a university in Portugal, Pakistani students must secure a study permit, visa, and work permit. The visa process typically takes 6-8 weeks, and the visa application fee is approximately 80 EUR.

Here’s the step-by-step process to apply for a Portugal study visa:

STEP 1: Application Process & Required Documents

To obtain an Admission Letter from the targeted university in Portugal, you will need the following documents:

  • Copy of International Passport
  • Copy of High School Certificates (Matriculation & Intermediate)
  • Copy of Bachelor’s Degree (if applying for a Master’s program)
  • Language Proficiency Test – IELTS/TOEFL (if available)

You can submit the documents via Email, Whatsapp, or by visiting the nearest ASHS Consultants branch located at Shahrah-e-Faisal. 

STEP 2: How to Get a Portugal Study Visa from Pakistan

Students can also contact the local representative office for detailed information on how to apply for a Portugal Study Visa. The application must be submitted through the Embassy of Portugal, with the following required documents:

  • Visa Application Form
  • Passport (at least 2 empty pages and valid)
  • Admission & Visa Letter from the university
  • Original School Certificates (attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
  • Flight Reservation
  • Accommodation Proof 
  • Travel Health Insurance
  • Birth Certificate in English (issued by NADRA)
  • Police Certificate
  • Bank Statement (last 6 months transactions, counting from the interview date) & Affidavit
  • 2 Passport-sized Photos

Portugal Visa Fees in Pakistan

  • C-type Visa (short stay Schengen visa for up to 90 days) – 80 EUR
  • D-type Visa (long stay national visa for more than 90 days) – 80 EUR

By following these steps, Pakistani students can successfully apply for a study visa to pursue their higher education in Portugal through ASHS Consultants.

Portugal Embassy Appointment in Pakistan:

Before applying for a study visa to Portugal, you must schedule a pre-appointment at the Embassy of Portugal in Pakistan. The visa application can be submitted through the VFS Global Visa Centre located in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi.

VFS Global Visa Centers:

You can conveniently book your appointment at the VFS Global Visa Center without the need for multiple visits to the embassy. Applications are accepted at the following centers:

  • Lahore: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
  • Islamabad: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
  • Karachi: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)

Book your appointment at any of these centers for a hassle-free visa application process.

PR & Citizenship In Portugal

Portugal has continued to offer Permanent Residency (PR) and citizenship to international students and workers despite facing challenges like inflation and economic changes. Here are some basic requirements for obtaining Citizenship in Portugal for Pakistani or international students:

Eligibility for Citizenship

  • If you were born in Portugal
  • If you were registered after 6 July 2018, and one of your parents has been legally residing in Portugal for at least 2 years.
  • If you were born abroad, but you are married or in a non-marital relationship with a Portuguese citizen for more than 3 years.

Eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR)

To obtain Portuguese PR, leading to citizenship, the following criteria must be met:

  • Legally residing in Portugal for 5 years.
  • A clean criminal record in Portugal.
  • No outstanding taxes due in Portugal.
  • Basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level).
  • Proof of integration into the community.

Work in Portugal

You cannot work in Portugal after completing your degree without a residence permit. However, you can apply for a 1-year residence permit to find a job, which can then be extended to 5 years. If you hold a job for 5 consecutive years, you can either renew your residence permit annually or apply for a permanent residency visa to stay in Portugal long-term.