📆 Application Period and Budget

Portugal🇵🇹 application period typically starts in October, with schools opening in November/December.

The estimated budget, including Proof of Funds (POF), ranges from 7-10 million Naira for an individual. If accompanied by a spouse, the budget increases to around 12 million Naira.

🎓 Study and Language Requirements

Seek English-taught programs in Portugal to ease the language barrier.

Authenticate essential documents at the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including WAEC/NECO, Transcript, BSc/HND certificate, Birth certificate, Marriage certificate (if applicable), and an English Proficiency letter.

📝 Application Process

Apply to Your Chosen School

Select schools offering English-taught programs and apply, with application fees typically starting from 50 euros.
Verification Process (Tuesdays and Thursdays Only)

Initiate document verification early, as it is done exclusively on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Timely verification accelerates visa processing.

Verify BSc documents through NUC or HND & OND documents through NBTE. Ensure follow-up with your former university or polytechnic to avoid delays.

🔍 Verification and Legalization Process for Documents in Portugal

Step 1: Authentication at MFA/MOE

After successfully authenticating your documents at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or Ministry of Education (MOE), the next crucial step is verification.
Step 2: Verification at the Embassy

If pursuing a Master’s degree (Msc), verification at the Embassy is free. However, for Bachelor’s degree (Bsc) applicants, a fee of 150-170k is applicable.

The Embassy requires photocopies of your authenticated documents, having been processed at both ministries. Original documents must be presented for inspection.

The Embassy then forwards these documents, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), to your school. This process may take several months, so it’s advisable to check with your school for updates.

Step 3: Return to the Embassy for Legalization

Once your school completes the verification process, they send the documents back to the Embassy via NUC.

Legalization follows the verification process and costs 20 Euros per document.

It’s important to note that submissions for verification are only accepted on Thursdays, while legalization takes place on Tuesdays.

Additional Notes:

Make sure to inquire with your school about the status of your documents during the verification process.

Currently, the Portugal Embassy is not accepting Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) documents.

By following these steps, you can navigate the verification and legalization process efficiently for your academic documents in Portugal.

Await Embassy Call and Admission Letter

Once verification is complete, await communication from the embassy and your admission letter. Pay the enrollment fee promptly.
Legalization Preparation

Budget 150,000 Naira and above for document legalization. Prepare for this step once called by the embassy.
Visa Application through VSF Office

Gather the necessary documents for the visa application, including admission letter, sponsorship/self-sponsorship letter, proof of funds, health insurance, police character report, flight reservations, proof of accommodation, two passport photographs, international passport, photocopy of passport data page, and visa request printout.
Monthly Fund Requirement

Be aware of the need to show proof of 790 euros per month for self-sponsorship.


🤔 Additional Considerations

Language learning is recommended during or after your studies.

Citizenship application becomes possible after living in Portugal for 5 years.

A valuable opportunity for those seeking a Schengen region education with a promising citizenship pathway.

Ensure meticulous adherence to these steps for a seamless experience in pursuing education in Portugal for Fall.