International Student Numbers Double in Portugal: 2024 Report
The number of international students in Portuguese higher education has skyrocketed over the past decade, more than doubling as the country cements its reputation as a premier academic destination. According to a new study by the Prepara Portugal Training Center, the foreign student population surged from roughly 20,000 in 2015 to approximately 42,000 in 2024.
International scholars now represent one out of every ten higher education students in Portugal. This influx is heavily driven by the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), with Brazilian students leading the charge, making up over 70% of those seeking qualifications from the lusophone bloc.
A Gateway to Europe and Career Growth
For many international students, particularly those from Brazil, the decision to study in Portugal is fueled by a combination of cultural synergy and strategic career positioning. Higor Cerqueira, founder and pedagogical director of Prepara Portugal, notes that the shared language removes significant barriers to entry.
“When students in Brazil think about internationalizing their careers, they find Portugal as a fellow speaker of the same language,” Cerqueira told Lusa. He highlighted that the benefits extend far beyond linguistics. Because Portugal is a member of the European Union and a signatory to the Bologna Process, a degree earned in Lisbon or Porto is recognized across Europe—a mobility factor that Brazilian domestic degrees do not offer.
“Attending university in Portugal guarantees a certification valid across Europe, enabling students to work in international markets and progress their careers in various European countries,” Cerqueira explained.
Revitalizing the Workforce
The surge in student immigration comes at a critical time for Portugal, which faces an aging population and a “brain drain” of its own youth moving abroad. The arrival of younger, working-age immigrants eager to train and integrate provides a necessary boost to the national economy.
“The arrival of immigrants interested in training is a relevant factor for the renewal of the workforce and the dynamism of different sectors,” Cerqueira assessed, noting that these students help fill vital roles in the labor market.
Diversity in Technical Training
While many pursue traditional academic degrees, there is also a sharp rise in those seeking professional and vocational training. In just over a year, Prepara Portugal has enrolled 2,502 students from 35 different nationalities. While Brazilians account for nearly 77% of these enrollments, the institution also sees significant numbers from Morocco and Angola.
To meet evolving market demands, the center is expanding its curriculum to include high-tech and specialized service courses, such as “Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Applied to Business” and “Barbering and Men’s Visagism.”
As the country prepares to celebrate Student Day on March 24, Cerqueira emphasized that every path—whether it leads to a doctorate or a professional trade—is vital. “Valuing this growth is part of recognizing the immigrant community’s contribution to Portugal,” he said. “Through education, we are transforming lives and strengthening the country’s future.”
Image: Pexels – Marta Klement
