Since March 18, an amendment to the law has come into force in Portugal, according to which students who have legally resided in the country for more than two years under any type of residence permit cease to be considered foreigners and gain access to reduced tuition fees at universities.
Previously, even holders of student residence permits who studied in Portuguese school before, paid tuition at foreign student rates, which were 3–4 times higher than those for Portuguese citizens. Now this has changed.
Tuition fees
- National students – about €700 per year
- Foreign students – from €2000 and above
Who is no longer considered a foreign student:
- Portuguese and EU citizens
- Family members of portuguese/EU citizens
- Individuals who have legally resided in Portugal for more than two years continuously on January 1 of the year of university enrollment, regardless of the type of residence permit, including their children
- Holders of student residence permits, if they studied in portuguese secondary schools
When the changes take effect
The new rules apply from the 2025/2026 academic year and are only applicable to new applicants. Those who already have the status of a foreign student will retain it until the completion of their studies. To benefit from the law, it is necessary to have resided in Portugal for more than two years continuously on January 1 of the year of enrollment.
This reform eliminates discrimination and makes higher education more accessible for those who already live in Portugal and plan to stay.For more detailed information, please refer to the official decree on the Diário da República website.