FAQ
General FAQ, search a program for program specific answers.
General
Can I apply for a student visa if I apply for a language program?
It's always best to check with the program organizers, but if it is an annual course organized by a university, chances are that you can. For courses under 3 months, you may not even need a visa, depending on your passport.What degrees exist in Portugal? What's is a licenciatura?
There are several types of Degrees in Portugal. Of the main types, there are:- Licienciaturas (1st Cycle) - This is the first degree you will typically obtain in Portugal. Also known a Bachelor's degree outside of Portugal, most licenciaturas take 3 years.
- Mestrado (2nd Cycle) - Mestrados, aka Master's degrees, are the second degree you will obtain, and typically take 2 years.
- Doutoramento (3rd Cycle) - Doutoramentos, are also known as Doctorates or PHd's. They typically take 3-4 years in Portugal.
- TeSP, Curso Técnico Superior Profissional (Short Cycle) - This is a diploma only offered by polytechnics, and typically only takes 2 years.
- Mestrado Integrado (1st and 2nd Cycle) - This is an integrated masters, which is both a Master's and a Bachelor's. It usually taked 5 years to complete.
🇺🇸: Associates Degrees don't exist in Portugal
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American Q&A
Which Portuguese universities are FAFSA eligible?
Unfortunately, no Portuguese universities or polytechnics are currently FAFSA eligible.Can I defer my current public student loans while studying in Portugal?
No, no university in Portugal is eligable for deferment.Portuguese Descendents
Those with a parent or grandparent with Portuguese citizenship.
Can I apply to a university as a foreigner?
No. Portuguese descendents, whether they have citizenship or not, must go through the National Competition.What is the National Competition for Higher Education?
The National Competition for Higher Education, aka Concurso Nacional de Acesso ao Ensino Superior (CNAES) or the National Contest for Access and Admission to Higher Education, is a "contest" all Portuguese students, and Portuguese emigrants and their families must apply to to enter a public university or polytechnic.There are special vacancy quotas for students of different backgrounds such as students from the autonomous regions, and for emigrants with different admission requirements.
Find more details here
How can I apply to the National Competition for Higher Education as a Portuguese descendent?
While it might seem that the process for Portuguese descendents is easier due to the available vacancies, the requirements may make it much more difficult than if you were a foreigner. You should plan at least a year or two in advance.First, you must request an equivelancy to your secondary education grades. This can be requested at your the nearest secondary school in Portugal if you already reside in the country, and may take several months. The secondary school may a request proof of residence called a "Atestado de residência".
If you live outside of Portugal, an equivilancy can only be requested by post.
For more information click here
🇺🇸: One of the many requirements for proof of completion of High School is your Diploma. While it is purely cerimonial and cannot be replaced in much of the US, the Portugal considers it an official document. If you've graduated recently, ask if your High School if they can print a secondary copy, as it may not be returned.
Second,
Further information on the process can be found here