Studies structure in the Portugal

The diploma of the high school graduation is the admission requirement to the higher education institutions. In the case there are too many candidates, a test may be conducted. Admission criteria include the maturity certificate and, in some cases, the average note calculated on the basis of the notes from the chosen subjects.

Students have to pay for the studies, but the cost varies a lot, depending on the university or the course of study.

The cheapest studies cost about 100 per month, the most expensive ones 2000-3000 per semester. The cost averages at the level of 600-800 per semester.

There are two types of higher schools in Portugal universities and technical universities. In the first type the programme is more theoretical (academic), in the second type it is more practical, directed at acquiring the highest possible vocational qualifications. Both universities and technical universities are autonomous as far as financial and administrative issues are concerned.

There are also private higher schools, which are authorised to grant academic degrees.

In most higher schools the academic year is divided into two semesters. Each of them lasts about 15-16 weeks. The students have between 25 to 32 hours of classes per week.

There are the following academic degrees:

• bachaler awarded after three years of studies with the technical, cultural programme; it entitles to execute some of the professions
• Blicenciado awarded after four years of studies, with technical, cultural and specialist programme in a given area
• mestre large knowledge within a certain area and the ability to conduct research
• doutor high cultural level and the ability to conduct research in a given area of knowledge

In Portugal there is an open university, which conducts education over distance. It is an opportunity for those, who cannot participate in standard classes at the universities due to various reasons. The list of courses includes literature, history and the Portuguese language. The university is entitled to award bachaler, licenciado and mestre degrees.