List of the Best Vocational Schools in Portugal for International Students (2025 Edition)

Are you looking for an affordable, hands-on education in Europe? Good news! Vocational schools in Portugal are open for international students for the 2025 intake.

If you’re from Nigeria, Kenya, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Ghana—or any non-EU country—this opportunity could be your pathway to quality education, international work experience, and a brighter future.

As an international student looking for an affordable, practical pathway to live, study, and work in Europe, vocational schools in Portugal could be your best option in 2025. These programs are designed to equip students with in-demand skills and real-world experience—without the high cost or long duration of a traditional university degree.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about applying to vocational schools in Portugal, including

Available courses
Admission requirements
Tuition fees
Internship opportunities
Visa and work options after graduation
Cheapest vocational schools in Portugal for international students

Whether you’re from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, India, Pakistan, South Africa, or anywhere outside the EU, this article will help you take the next steps with confidence.

Table of Contents

Why Choose Vocational Schools in Portugal?

Vocational education, known as ensino profissional in Portugal, is designed to equip students with specialized skills for specific industries. These programs are shorter than traditional university degrees and often include hands-on training and internships.

Portugal has become one of the top European destinations for vocational education. Here’s why many international students are choosing this route:

Programs focus on practical, career-ready skills.
Most courses last between 6 months and 2 years.
Many programs include internships, giving students hands-on experience.
Some schools offer programs in English.
Tuition is generally cheap and affordable compared to universities.
You may qualify for a residency permit and even work opportunities after graduation.

Popular fields include IT, healthcare, business, hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, and digital marketing.

Top Vocational Schools in Portugal for International Students

Are you considering studying at a vocational school in Portugal as an international student? Great news—here are the cheapest and best vocational schools in Portugal. This guide provides detailed information about two reputable vocational schools in Portugal, their available courses, tuition fees, admission process, and deadlines.

Let’s dive in.

1. Efuturo Academy

EfuTuro Academy is a reputable vocational training center in Portugal with campuses in Lisbon and Porto. It offers English-language programs in hospitality and marketing, which are valid for visa applications.

Course Duration

15 months in total
- 12 months of theoretical training
- 3 months of internship

Program Delivery

Hybrid learning format (both in-person and online)

Available Courses

Hospitality and cruise services
Hotel reception
Housekeeping
Restaurant and bar services
Waiter and waitress training
Marketing-related programs

Tuition and Registration Fees

Registration fee: €195 (non-refundable)
Full one-time tuition fee: €985 (includes registration)
Installment option available (only if you have a Portuguese Tax Identification Number—NIF)

Admission Requirements

Valid passport or residence permit
Criminal record certificate from your home country
Proof of payment (registration or tuition)
Portuguese NIF (if using the installment plan)

How to Apply

Visit the school’s website or contact them directly by email or WhatsApp. It is strongly advised to verify all information and gather updated details directly from the institution.

2. Escola de Turismo de Lisboa (Lisbon Tourism School)

Part of the national network of tourism schools in Portugal, Escola de Turismo de Lisboa has earned a strong reputation for quality vocational education. It has campuses in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and other cities.

Recommended Programs

Apply specifically for technological specialization courses, not the short-term programs for local students.

Available Courses

Tourism Management
Culinary Arts
Hospitality Operations Management
Food and Beverage Management

Admission Requirements

High school certificate (WAEC, NECO, or equivalent)
Academic transcript
Documents must be legalized by the Portuguese Embassy or authenticated by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Valid passport
Declaration stating your qualification to study abroad

Application Fee

€150 (non-refundable)

Tuition Fees

Culinary Arts: €1,500 per year
Other programs: €1,200 per year
First installment payment after admission: €150 or €120, depending on the course

Enrollment Timeline

Application opens from January to February each year.

Application Process

Submit your application online.
Prepare for an online interview (you’ll receive a scheduled date after your application is reviewed).

If you’re having difficulties with document legalization before the deadline, you can authenticate your certificates through your Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs to proceed with the application, then continue the embassy legalization process afterward.

Internship and Job Opportunities

Both schools include an internship component in their programs, ranging from one to three months. These internships provide students with vital work experience, and in some cases, schools may partner with companies that offer jobs to top-performing students after graduation.

Students who complete their vocational training successfully can:

Seek employment in Portugal.
Apply for residency extensions.
Use their skills to start a business.
Apply for remote jobs in fields like digital marketing or IT.

Visa and Residence Considerations

Once admitted, students receive official documents to support their student visa application. After completing your program, you may be eligible to apply for a post-study work permit or even transition into a residence visa based on employment or entrepreneurship.

Be sure to check the latest immigration policies through the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) or consult with an accredited visa consultant.

Final Tips for Applicants

Apply early to secure your place and improve your chances for scholarships (if available).
Learn basic Portuguese. While some programs are taught in English, knowing the local language helps with day-to-day life and job opportunities.
Choose a course that aligns with your career goals. Fields like hospitality, digital marketing, and IT have high demand in Portugal.
Prepare thoroughly for any interviews or entrance exams required by the school.

Conclusion

Portugal offers international students a welcoming and affordable pathway to build a career through vocational education. Whether your goal is to work in tourism, IT, or healthcare, these hands-on programs offer the training and certification you need—plus the chance to live and grow in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.

If you’re ready to apply or still have questions, take the first step by contacting one of the schools listed above. Your journey to study, work, and thrive in Portugal could begin today.