Studying | Healthcare | Accommodation | Travel | Visa | Student Voice
The principal universities within Portugal have exchange programs and links. Most of these are with the European Union as part of the Socrates Erasmus, Leonardo Da Vinci and CRE programs.
Exchanges exist with Latin America with the ALFA program; Eastern Europe with the Tempus program; and the Middle East with the Med-Tempus program.
There are complete state-provided health facilities and also private institutions within Portugal. Students from the European Union are advised to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (previously forms E-128 or E-111), whereas students from other countries need private insurance. Students can get medical assistance at a Centro de Saùde. The coverage for EU citizens, and those with private insurance, does not include dental fees or medication.
Note: Portugal has a very high rate of road accidents. So if you intend to drive around, be extra careful on the roads!
The social action offices can help students with campus housing, but the places are very limited, so it is good to book early. Students can find rooms for rent in family homes. With this kind of accommodation, students have their laundry and ironing done, and meals are sometimes included as well!
Flat share is not very common among Portuguese students.
Means of transportation in Portugal are very good and there is a wide variety of choice for all types of budgets: plane, bus, trains and ships.
There is a good railway system connecting Lisbon with tourist centres such as Cascais and Sintra.
Portugal has been a member of the Schengen Agreement since 1995, so European citizens do not need visas, as well as citizens of some other countries. Australian citizens do need visas to enter the country.
The student visa offers you a stay of more than 3 months. Like many visas, it can take between a few days and several weeks to obtain, so apply in plenty of time. To apply for a student visa, you will need the following documents:
- Letter of admittance from a university
- Proof of financial resources
- Medical insurance
Learn from the experiences of other students and share your experiences of going overseas at International Student Blogs and Forums.
