What will a year really cost?

From the country guide: tuition, living costs and the visa fee, plus the money you must show. The part you lose if the visa is refused is marked.

In short: a first year in Portugal costs about USD 9,400 to 10,700: tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee. The visa also asks you to show USD 12,300 before it is decided.

Last checked: 26 September 2026, against the official sources linked below.

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A year in Portugal

	In EUR as published	In USD
Tuition, one year	EUR 3,500	USD 3,910 Public university, international student
Living costs, twelve months	EUR 4,800 to 6,000	USD 5,360 to 6,700
Visa or permit feeNot refunded if the visa is refused	EUR 110	USD 123
First year, all in		USD 9,390 to 10,730
Money you must show for the visa	EUR 11,040	USD 12,320 Held in your account before you apply; most of it then pays your living costs

Work while you study

No weekly figure published

Stay after you graduate

12 months, Residence permit to look for work or set up a company (Article 122(1)(p))

If the exchange rate moves. Today 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (rate of 8 November 2026). A 10% move either way changes this first year by about USD 1,010, and a whole three to four-year degree by roughly USD 3,020 to USD 4,020. Plan with a margin, and pay large sums when the rate suits you.

Worth knowing. The one-year job search permit is only for master's and PhD graduates. Living costs are the University of Minho's estimate for Braga and Guimarães; Lisbon and Porto cost more.

The full Portugal guide, with every source →

Portugal: what a year costs next to

Tuition, living costs and the visa fee side by side, in your currency.

Spain vs Portugal

Leaves out flights, deposits and insurance unless the guide includes them. Currency: Rates by Exchange Rate API, 8 November 2026.

Questions

How much does it cost to study in Portugal for a year?

a first year in Portugal costs about USD 9,400 to 10,700: tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee. The visa also asks you to show USD 12,300 before it is decided.

How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Portugal?

EUR 11,040 a year (about USD 12,300), from the official source in the Portugal guide.