Every year, many students come to Portugal to obtain a degree. In the 2021/2022 academic year, Portugal had 69,965 foreign students enrolled in universities throughout the country.
Most of them come from Brazil, but there are students from all over the world. Besides the big universities known all over the world, like the University of Coimbra, which is the oldest in Portugal, which began in 1290, there are several universities that become home to these students.
Literacy rate
“Portugal's strong commitment to education has resulted in one of the highest literacy rates in Europe, making it an attractive destination for students from around the globe”, said Hannah Thompson, Senior Content Specialist at University of the Potomac, who carried out a study on the most popular degrees in each country.
In addition to the great universities and fantastic weather, the prices are also something that helps students to make the next move and travel to Portugal. In fact, for students from EU countries they will be paying as a national, which means €700 a year of tuition fees in public universities.
Scholarships
Moreover, in Portugal there is also the possibility to obtain a scholarship whenever the student does not have money to pay for their studies. This scholarship is given to support students to pay not only their tuition fees, but also their room and meals. It is granted regardless of their grades.
“Portugal's higher education system is known for its quality and diversity, with both public and private universities offering a wide range of programs in various fields. Additionally, the cost of living and tuition fees are relatively affordable compared to other European countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-quality education at a lower cost”, Hannah said.
“Moreover, Portugal is a safe and welcoming country, with a rich culture, history, and warm climate, making it a popular destination for international students. Overall, Portugal's combination of quality education, affordability, safety, and cultural richness make it a highly attractive destination for foreign students seeking to further their education”, she added.
Education, law and computer science
These degrees are very popular “due to their promising career prospects, versatility, and high demand in various industries. Portugal's universities offer high-quality programs in these fields, making them attractive to both domestic and international students”, Hannah said.
While Education is one of the most popular study degrees in Portugal, there is currently a shortage of teachers in the country. “The shortage of teachers has been a longstanding issue in Portugal, with many schools struggling to fill teaching positions. This has led to an increased demand for qualified teachers and a focus on attracting more individuals to pursue Education degree”, she said.
In this regard, the top Education degrees in Portugal include “Primary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Educational Sciences. These degrees prepare individuals for careers in teaching, educational leadership, or research.”
This studied was carried out by University of the Potomac, over the last three months of 2022, when they have identified Google search data to find out what subjects people in 100 countries are interested in studying.
Please, find out more about Portugal and other countries at https://potomac.edu/the-most-popular-degrees-in-us-and-worldwide/
Paula Martins is a fully qualified journalist, who finds writing a means of self-expression. She studied Journalism and Communication at University of Coimbra and recently Law in the Algarve. Press card: 8252