Higher Education in PortugalHigher education in Portugal is
available through a number of public and private universities, polytechnics and
numerous other smaller institutions. Although spaces at public institutions are
limited, private institutions provide an alternative to those who can afford the
higher tuition fees. Admission to the public
universities is very competitive. Students may apply for up to six programs,
using a centralized system. Applications to each of the programs will only be
accepted if all prerequisites have been met for the applicable program.
Prerequisites include a secondary school diploma and may also include specific
prior secondary school coursework, minimum secondary school grades and minimum
entrance exam grades. Entrance to polytechnics and private institutions is less
competitive. The Ministry of Science,
Technology and Higher Education oversees the higher education system including
both public and private institutions. Tuition at public institutions has been
about 1000 euros a year recently while private school tuition has typically been
much higher. Types of Schools and
DegreesAs of 2010, fifteen public
universities and university institutes as well as a number of private
university-level institutions provide research oriented education at the
undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the universities offer a broad based
range of subject matters while others offer programs specific to a few areas.
The bigger universities tend to be geographically dispersed across a city with
each department in a separate location. There are more than 30 government
run polytechnics and a number of private polytechnics which provide more
practical, profession-oriented education. All of the higher education
institutions offer bachelor's (also called "graduate") and master's degrees
while only universities and university-level institutions confer doctoral
degrees. Degrees conferred by all recognized public and private institutions
conform to the standards defined by the Bologna agreement which was implemented
to enable standardization of higher education degrees across Europe. International StudentsInternational students have
composed just under five percent of students in higher education in recent
years. Foreign students are welcome to apply to higher education institutions in
Portugal although students should keep in mind that admittance to full degree
programs at public universities is very competitive. Studying in Portugal
through an exchange program or at a private institution are the easiest paths
for many students. Admission to public institutions
requires that students have completed a secondary school program which is
recognized by the Portuguese government. Students must also obtain government
approval to have exams taken in a foreign country take the place of the
Portuguese national exams. Courses are taught in Portuguese at the undergraduate
level so fluency in the language is needed although some graduate level programs
are now offered in English. About PortugalPortugal is a country of close to
11 million people who primarily speak the national language of Portuguese. It is
the westernmost country in Europe and is bordered on the east and north by Spain
and on the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is a member of the
European Union, NATO and the Latin Union. The capital of Lisbon is the
largest city which is home to three public universities and is an important city
in the global economic system. Portugal is also a popular tourist destination,
offering an affordable option with interesting architecture, historical sites
and beautiful natural scenery. Resources
Portugal's Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education (Portuguese
language)
Portugal's official tourism website
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