At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
Growing English-taught master's; Lisbon and Porto have lively tech and design ecosystems.
The true cost
Lower fees and living costs than western Europe; a popular, affordable entry to the EU.
Safety & visa
Check the latest MEA advisory before you travel. After graduation you can stay on to seek work or start a business; the route depends on your study level and current AIMA rules.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
After you finish your studies, you can stay on to look for work or start a business, and then move to the appropriate residence permit. The exact route depends on your study level and the current AIMA rules.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- Stay on to seek work or start a business
- Route depends on study level and AIMA rules
- Affordable EU lifestyle
- Growing startup demand
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Visa & permit fees
The study (D4) national visa costs €90. You also pay the residence-permit issuance charge after you arrive.
Work while studying
With a residence permit for study, you can work under the Labour Code without a separate work permit. There is no special reduced hour-cap for students beyond ordinary working-time law, but study must remain your main purpose.
Family & dependants
Family reunification is available to residence-permit holders who meet the means, accommodation and documentation requirements.
Proof of funds
You must show means benchmarked to the Portuguese minimum wage (RMMG) — €920 per month in 2026 — for your intended stay. This is a visa requirement, separate from actual living costs.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
With the default assumptions (₹7L tuition and ₹9L living costs a year for 2 years, a 10% scholarship and a ₹22L starting salary), total investment is ₹31L and the indicative payback period is 2.4 years.
Portugal — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
Check the latest MEA advisory
Check the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Lisbon before you travel and during your stay, and register on MADAD (madad.gov.in). Portuguese helps, but English is common in tech.
Emergency contacts
Dial 112. MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Indian groceries in Lisbon and Porto. Seafood-heavy cuisine; vegetarian options are growing.
The Maharashtra community
Growing Indian and Goan-Maharashtrian community in Lisbon.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare Portugal with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.