5 ways studying in Portugal can boost your career in 2026

Portugal is quickly earning recognition as one of Europe’s best places to study and build a career, not just a destination for holidays.

Each year, more students are choosing Portuguese universities, leading to more graduates entering the job market. At the same time, thousands of startups in Portugal are building products for customers worldwide.

If you’re thinking about studying abroad in 2026, Portugal offers more than favourable weather. It also delivers practical career advantages that can shape your future.

1. You join a system that’s growing, not shrinking

In the 2022/23 academic year, Portugal had a record 446,028 students in higher education. The system is still growing and attracting students from many countries.

From 2019 to 2024, the percentage of 25–34-year-olds with university degrees in Portugal rose from 38% to 43%. Portugal is quickly catching up with other top European study destinations.

For you, this means joining a modern, expanding higher education system that:

• Is aligned with European standards.
• Already knows how to work with international students.

Your degree will be recognised across the EU, and you’ll be part of a system that is making real progress.

2. You learn in a truly international environment

Today, Portugal is far more international than it was a decade ago. Recent initiatives, such as Erasmus, help universities welcome international students and offer more courses in English.

Research from the European Commission shows that students who study abroad often gain stronger skills and better job prospects than those who stay in their home country. That helps your CV and your confidence.

In Portuguese classrooms, it is typical to work on group projects with classmates from various countries.

• Present and discuss in English.
• Meet people who are using Portugal as a base for international careers.

This experience offers valuable collaboration and communication practice with a global team, going beyond traditional local lectures.

3. You study close to a lively startup and tech scene

If you’re interested in digital jobs or starting a business, where you study can make a big difference.

According to AICEP, Portugal has more than 4,700 active startups with over 26,000 employees, including fast-growing companies and unicorns. Many of them are based in Lisbon, Porto and Braga, which are also major student cities.

This gives you clear benefits:

• It’s easier to find internships or entry-level jobs in young, flexible companies.
• You can attend local meetups, demo days and conferences without travelling far.
• You see how tech and digital businesses really work, not just how they look in case studies.

If you are still exploring your options in the digital world, gaining exposure to real companies near your university can provide practical insights beyond academic courses.

4. You benefit from a system that still welcomes skilled people

Many international students start with the same question: “What happens after I graduate? Can I stay and work here?”

Portugal has its challenges, but its regulations remain more open to students and skilled workers than those in many other countries.

Your time in Portugal becomes an investment in your future, making the next steps in your career path smoother — wherever you choose to go next.

5. You build a career path that balances skills and quality of life

There’s also a bigger question: what kind of lifestyle do you want while you study?

OECD data indicate, as in most OECD countries, that university graduates in Portugal enjoy better job prospects and higher earnings than those with only secondary education. Additionally, Portugal offers a relaxed lifestyle and generally lower living costs compared to cities such as London or Paris.

So you don’t have to choose between:

• A place that’s good for your career.
• A place that’s good for your mental health.

In Portugal, you can gain recognised skills, connect with an expanding tech scene and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

“I chose Portugal because I wanted an EU-recognised education, exposure to an international environment and realistic living costs while I built new skills. During my studies, I worked on real projects – for example, developing a sustainable business model for a local startup – and learned from people from all over the world. Now I’m ready to bring that experience into real projects.”

That kind of clear, thoughtful story is exactly what hiring managers want to hear.

Looking ahead to 2026

If you want to move your career forward or try something new in 2026, Portugal doesn’t have to stay on your “maybe someday” list. As the country grows, it offers:

• An international learning environment that genuinely supports your employability.
• A startup ecosystem that keeps creating new roles.
• A country that still sees international students and skilled workers as an asset.

Investing your time in Portugal can accelerate your next career step.

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