Vocational schools in Portugal offer international students from Nigeria, India, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, and other non-EU countries a low-cost quality education and working opportunities. In 2025, these vocational programs provide hands-on training, internships, and affordable tuition fees for students seeking to live, study, and work in Europe. The program courses include hospitality, digital marketing, culinary arts, IT, etc. This guide will show you how to apply, what to expect, and which schools are best suited for your goals.
In this articles, you’ll know how to apply for 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
For those from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, India, Pakistan, South Africa, or anywhere outside the EU, this article will make you take the next steps with confidence.
See Also: Top 5 Cheap and Free Vocational Schools in Austria for International Students (2025 Guide)
Why Choose Vocational Schools in Portugal to Study?
Vocational education (known as ensino profissional in Portuguese) is hands-on training that equips students with practical skills or trades. These programs can last between 6 months and 2 years and combine classroom learning with practical experience, including internships.
Here’s why many international students are choosing vocational school in Portugal:
- Programs focus on practical, hand -on skills.
- Many courses last between 6 months and 2 years.
- Vocation school in portugal programs include internships, giving the students hands-on experience.
- Programs in English.
- Tuition is cheap and affordable compared to universities.
- You can qualify for a residency permit and even work opportunities after graduation.
Popular program include IT, healthcare, business, hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, and digital marketing.
See Also: Top 10 Best Countries with Free Vocational Schools for International Students 2025
Best Vocational Schools in Portugal 2025
Here are the cheapest and best vocational schools in Portugal, their available courses, tuition fees, admission process, and deadlines.
Let’s dive in.
1. Efuturo Academy
EfuTuro Academy is one of the best vocational training center in Portugal with campuses in Lisbon and Porto. This vocational school offers English-language programs in hospitality and marketing, which are suitable for international students, visa applications.
Course Duration
- 15 months in total, 12 months of theoretical training, and 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
You can apply through the school’s website or you contact them directly by email or WhatsApp. Make sure to verify all information and gather updated details directly from the institution.
See Also: 15 Best Vocational Schools in Canada for International Students in 2025
2. Escola de Turismo de Lisboa (Lisbon Tourism School)
Part of the national network of tourism schools in Portugal, Escola de Turismo de Lisboa is a popular school for quality vocational education. The school campuses is in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and other cities.
Recommended Programs
When applying as an international student, it’s best to choose professional or technological specialization courses rather than less in demand course. These programs comes with in-depth training, include internship opportunities, that will make you to be expertize and are recognized for visa and work permit applications.
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 working 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, you will receive an official documents to support your 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 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 vocational education in trades like tourism, IT, healthcare, e.t.c these hands-on programs offer training and certification you need to live and grow in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
Did you have any question to ask? Drop a comment in the comment section or you can also contact one of the schools listed above.
