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Learn Portuguese in Portugal: Discover schools, prices, and best seasons
Find out how to learn Portuguese in Portugal at the best schools! We help you to learn this language in its country of origin.
The best way to learn a language is by immersing yourself in the country where it’s spoken. Living the language daily helps you become more fluent, develop a more authentic accent, and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions. That’s why in this article, we’ll guide you on how to learn Portuguese in Portugal in the most effective way.
Take note of course prices, scholarships, housing options, whether you’re allowed to work, and the best time of year to travel. Portugal is ready to welcome you and help you learn their beautiful language.
How much does it cost to study Portuguese in Portugal?
Overall, the cost of living in Portugal is more affordable than in many other European countries, making it a great place to live and study. Your monthly expenses will vary depending on the school you choose, your type of accommodation, and whether you’ve received a scholarship. Below, we’ve put together an overview of the estimated costs for studying Portuguese in Portugal.
| Concept | Monthly cost |
| Portuguese course 1 month | $500-1,200 |
| Study materials | $50-100 |
| Homestay | $700-1,200 |
| Accommodation in residence | $900-1,500 |
| Shared apartment accommodation | $800-1,400 |
| Food | $250-400 |
| Leisure | $200-500 |
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Where to get scholarships to study Portuguese in Portugal
Did you know there are scholarships available to study Portuguese in Portugal? The government has introduced these programs to promote the country’s language and culture among international students. Here are a few you should know about:
- Instituto Camões Scholarships: This is a group of scholarship programs focused on Portuguese language and culture. They typically cover tuition and accommodation, with funding ranging from $500 to $2,000, depending on the type and length of the course.
- Erasmus+ scholarships: Available to any European student who wants to study Portuguese in Portugal, this scholarship covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses, ranging from $400 to $800.
- Lisbon University Scholarship: Through its International Program, the university offers support to international students who want to study Portuguese, covering the cost of tuition.
Best schools to study Portuguese in Portugal
We’ve picked three great schools for learning Portuguese in Portugal—two located in Lisbon and one in the city of Porto. Need accommodation? Looking for an adults-only school? Check out the details of each one, including their courses, features, and pricing:
1. CIAL Centro de Línguas – With accommodation
Founded in 1959, this Portuguese language school is one of the most well-established in the country. Located in a historic building in the heart of Lisbon, it welcomes international students of all ages and levels. The school offers course packages that include the option to stay in one of its residences or host houses, along with a variety of extracurricular activities. Here’s more information:
- General course: 20 hours per week from $323 per week.
- General course + Surf: 20 hours per week and 5 hours of surfing from $788 per week.
- Homestay: Single room with breakfast included from $216 per week.
- Accommodation in apartment: Single room for $215 per week.
- Accommodation in residence: Single room for $225 per week.
2. Lusa Language School – For adults
Located in Cais do Sodré, right in the heart of Lisbon and just steps from the river, this school is easily accessible by public transport. It offers a warm, friendly atmosphere and organizes weekly activities to help students explore the city and practice what they’ve learned in class.
This school primarily attracts adult learners, many of whom are professionals looking to improve their Portuguese for career advancement. Here are some of the courses you can sign up for:
- Intensive course: 20 hours per week from $265.
- Conversation classes: 1 hour classes at a time to be agreed upon for $11 per hour.
- Total Immersion Course: 20 hours per week plus one individual class in the afternoons from $453.
3. Inlingua Porto – No accommodation
If you’re thinking about studying Portuguese in Portugal, the city of Porto is a fantastic choice. It’s home to Inlingua Porto, a well-respected language school founded in 1978. With native-speaking teachers and a strong focus on speaking and communication, here are the courses they offer:
- Intensive course: 15 hours of classes per week, including one hour online, one hour of one-on-one time with a teacher, and one hour of afternoon activities—all starting at $260 per week.
- Intensive Course + Surfing: 15 hours of class per week, plus 3 hours per week of surfing with wetsuit and board included from $388.
- Full immersion course: 30 hours of classes per week, plus one hour online, three hours of one-on-one sessions with a teacher, and evening activities—all starting at $1,595.
How to study Portuguese in Portugal and work at the same time
Many students who come to Portugal to study Portuguese choose to work a few hours a week—provided it fits around their class schedule—to help cover monthly expenses. If that’s your plan, keep in mind that you’ll only be allowed to work if you meet the following conditions:
- Student visa: Only required for courses of more than 90 days and gives you permission to work legally in the country for 20 hours per week. During vacations, you can work full time.
- Jobs available: Customer service, hospitality, tourism, language teaching and remote jobs.
Best seasons to study Portuguese in Portugal
Not sure when to start your Portuguese studies in Portugal? Let’s take a look at what each season has to offer, so you can decide what works best for you. Beyond the weather and number of tourists, you might also want to consider any major events that you’d love to experience. Pick the month that suits you best:
- Spring (March – June): Great weather and fewer tourists. This time of year is perfect for enjoying Easter celebrations and the International Classical Music Festival in Marvão.
- Summer (July – September): The best time for intensive courses and outdoor activities. Summer brings lively celebrations like São João in Porto and the AgitÁgueda Festival.
- Autumn (October – December): Lower demand means more affordable course prices. Highlights of the season include the Feira Novas in Ponte de Lima and the Chestnut Festival in Marvão.
- Winter (January – February): Fewer tourists and a quiet atmosphere. In winter there is the Carnival in Torres Vedras and the giant waves in Nazaré.
Popular agencies for studying Portuguese in Portugal
If you’re unsure about the paperwork and steps required for your trip to Portugal, it’s a good idea to get help from a specialized agency. They can put together a personalized study plan based on your academic and professional background. This way, you’ll save time researching schools, scholarships, and visa requirements.
Study in Portugal Network
Based in Lisbon and Porto, this agency specializes in helping U.S. students who want to study Portuguese in Portugal. They assist with finding the right school, securing accommodation, and handling visa or scholarship paperwork. They also offer a personalized travel option, allowing you to customize every detail of your stay in the country.
EF Education First
This international agency, based in Lisbon, has been supporting international students since 1965 in pursuing study programs like Portuguese. They handle everything from visa and scholarship applications to finding accommodation, and they’ll help you choose the course that best fits your goals and interests.
Frequently asked questions about where to learn Portuguese in Portugal
It’s not required, since there are courses for complete beginners all the way to advanced levels. However, we recommend starting with a free beginner course online from your home country. You’ll arrive in Portugal with some basic knowledge and pick things up more quickly.
You’ll only need a student visa if you plan to study for more than 90 days. For shorter stays, your passport will be enough to enter the country.
Some of the best cities to live and study in, thanks to their infrastructure and quality of life, include Lisbon—Portugal’s vibrant capital full of iconic landmarks; Porto—a quieter, more affordable option; Coimbra—known for its lively student scene; and Faro—for its beautiful beaches.
No, you can’t, as it would interfere with your ability to keep up with your studies. The only document that allows you to work is the Student Visa, which lets you work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays.
Generally speaking, if you’re a beginner, you can reach a basic level in just three months, and an intermediate to advanced level within 6 to 12 months with an intensive course. Of course, your progress also depends on your personal effort and how much you engage outside the classroom—chatting with locals in everyday situations can really boost your learning.
