Unlike many other European countries, Portugal actively welcomes immigration. Its declining population means its economy is facing a contraction. The government solution? Bringing talented and skilled individuals from all over the world to study in Portugal.
This leadership is an effort to create a more friendly and more welcoming community. The government has taken Always strong stand against xenophobic rhetoric. Public awareness of the issue of discrimination is prioritized by Strong policies and enforcement mechanisms. It is clear that these efforts have succeeded: Portugal is ranked The friendliest country in the world To expatriates and foreign residents.
Portugal also has a history of ensuring that its foreign community is well looked after. in 2018, Portugal was one of the first countries To volunteer to house migrants aboard the Lifeline, a rescue ship stranded after being refused entry to Italy. When COVID-19 was at its peak, The government has temporarily legalized the status of all immigrants and asylum seekers, allowing nearly 260,000 immigrants with pending applications to access healthcare services, sign leases, and more. This is a far cry from many other countries that have chosen it Tightening the screws on immigration in an effort to contain the epidemic.
With this said, it is a great time to consider Portugal as a study destination. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider applying to Portuguese higher education institutions.
Portugal has some of the best universities in the world in the face of impressive historical architecture that dates back centuries. Source: Patricia de Melo Moreira / Agence France-Presse
Affordable and high quality education
Portugal is home to more than 125 public and private higher education institutions, including traditional universities and polytechnics. Universities tend to focus on holistic learning, while polytechnics offer more career-oriented training. In other words, you can expect more traditional classroom learning with universities, while more practical programs centered around experiential learning can be found in polytechnic schools.
Portugal has many highly rated institutions. Universities like Catholic University of Portugal and the Nova Lisbon University They all fall within the top 400-500 range and offer a range of programs across many highly sought-after subjects. The Lisbon MBA International Full Time programme, in partnership with the MIT Sloan School of Management, is ranked among the best MBAs in Europe and the world.
Students studying in Portugal also benefit from the country’s relatively low cost of living and tuition fees. In fact, many students choose Portugal as a study destination precisely because of the country’s affordability, as well as the beautiful landscape and countless travel opportunities.
Portugal is the friendliest country in the world, which makes it an ideal study destination for international students. Source: Patricia de Melo Moreira / Agence France-Presse
English courses
If you are not in touch with the local language, don’t worry. Several universities in Portugal have started to offer suitable programs for non-Portuguese speakers. The University of Porto It has a growing list of programs that it is a part of Or taught entirely in English Across a variety of subjects, including architecture, science, arts, business, economics, medicine, and engineering. The Lisbon University It also offers a variety of programs taught in English, most of which can be found in Lisbon School of Economics and Management.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take steps to learn the language. Outside of being able to converse with the locals and navigate the country more easily, there are many benefits to learning Portuguese. For starters, it is the official language of eight countries and the sixth most widely spoken in the world. It is also a great language to adopt in the field International diplomacy and the global economy. Besides the fact that employers are looking for bilingual or multilingual candidates, it is a great time to consider learning Portuguese.
Job prospects for graduates
However, incoming international students should be aware of any potential difficulties or barriers in the bureaucratic process of working in Portugal after graduation.
Due to the high unemployment rate in the country, priority is given to local graduates and EU graduates in the labor market. The Portuguese government has implemented an annual job quota for non-EU citizens, as employers need to go through a complex process to advertise jobs to third-country nationals. In the event that graduates from outside the European Union obtain a valid job offer, they must apply for a work permit as well as a residence permit to work legally in the country.
Since Portugal is a member of the European Union, students and graduates from EU member states are allowed to work in Portugal without a permit. However, EU graduates still need to apply for a residence card within six months of moving to Portugal.
