Study in Porto, Portugal
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Porto isn’t just Portugal’s second-largest city. It’s a place where tradition meets creativity, where cobbled streets lead to riverside cafés, and where students quickly feel at home.
Known for its warm people, historic charm, and growing international vibe, Porto is becoming an increasingly popular choice for international students.
Whether you're strolling along the Douro River, studying in a centuries-old library, or enjoying the city's famous food scene, life in Porto has a rhythm that’s easy to fall in love with. And with respected universities, affordable living, and plenty of sunshine, it’s a seriously smart spot to study.
Study in Porto: Find Bachelors and Masters
Porto is a great city for student life. It’s big enough to have lots going on, but small enough to feel cosy. Students often say the city feels welcoming from day one and locals are friendly, warm, and always happy to help you with your Portuguese (or practice their English).
In terms of costs, Porto is one of the more affordable student cities in Western Europe. Student rent typically falls between €300 and €600 per month, depending on the neighbourhood and whether you’re sharing.
Neighbourhoods like Cedofeita, Paranhos, and Bonfim are student favourites, close to campuses, cafés, and nightlife. And speaking of food… from fresh seafood to Porto’s iconic francesinha sandwich, the city is full of delicious and affordable eats. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing fast, too!
50¶È»Ò tip: Try a pastel de nata from every café until you find your favourite!
Porto has a strong academic reputation and attracts students from across Europe and beyond.
Most universities also have several Erasmus+ partnerships, which means it’s a very international-friendly city.
While Portugal’s job market is smaller than in some other countries, students in Porto can still find part-time work, especially in hospitality, cafés, retail, or through internships tied to their studies.
If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can work freely. If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll usually need a student visa that allows you to work up to 20 hours a week.
The start-up and tech scenes are growing in Porto, so students in IT, design, or entrepreneurship might find great internship opportunities. And if you’re learning Portuguese, it’ll open even more doors.
Porto is well-connected by air, rail, and metro. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) has regular flights across Europe, often on low-cost airlines, which makes weekend trips super easy.
Getting around town is easy, too. The metro, buses, and trams cover the whole city, and students can get a monthly Andante card for public transport at reduced prices. Many locals also walk or bike (though be ready for hills!).
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