When we explore options of higher studies abroad for Indian students, we mostly come across the options of UK / US / Canada. Students huddle together to crack IELTS and get admissions to the universities in this country where both the tuition fee and cost of living is quite high.
A far easier alternative today is the Portuguese-speaking countries like Portugal and Brazil. Many public universities offer low-cost or tuition-free education. Strong India-Lusophone diplomatic ties have made it easier to get visas, scholarships and get into bilateral education programs.
Learning the Portuguese language opens up doors to study, work and settle in the 9 Portuguese-speaking countries across 4 continents. Learning Portuguese language from a reputed Portuguese language institute in Delhi or taking Portuguese courses online helps Indian students qualify for CELPE-Bras or other language certifications. Many students prefer Portuguese language course in Delhi before they fly abroad. Speaking Portuguese ensures very less competition, higher chances of getting Visa, access to Portuguese-exclusive courses that are not available for English speakers and preference to work and settle in Portuguese speaking countries.
There is a growing trend of Indian students preferring to travel to Portugal for their higher studies overlooking other traditional options. There is a yearly migration of more than 4,000 students to Portugal which is also increasing by 25% each year. This is all because of easier visa-process, lower cost of living and quality education, entry to the EU market at an affordable cost and simplified post-study work pathways.
The top universities of Portugal include University of Lisbon, University of Coimbra (among the oldest in Europe), University of Porto, NOVA University Lisbon, ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon, etc.
Popular fields of study include Engineering which holds a very high potential of prestigious and well-paying jobs in the EU market. Courses in Architecture and Design are quite popular and have a very high success rate as Portugal is renowned for its design innovation. Portugal has a huge and lucrative industry of tourism and hospitality and it also offers many courses in this field with very high success rate for Indian students. Marine Science courses are one of the best in Portugal as its coastline offers top-tier research opportunities. Lisbon and Porto are growing hubs of new startups and many Portuguese universities offer high quality courses in Business and Economics which produce students that later contribute to the high-end start-up ecosystem. Data science and AI courses are the new trend in the universities in Portugal which offer access to the EU-level research programmes.
Portugal has also simplified the student visa and post-study stay and work processes for non-Portuguese students in Portugal because of which Portugal is witnessing even more influx of students entering the country for higher studies. Most popular cities for international students are Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra.
Learning Portuguese language in Delhi through a Portuguese institute in Delhi or by enrolling in Portuguese classes in Delhi before traveling greatly benefits students in adapting to life in Portugal. It ensures access to exclusive courses whose medium of instruction is Portuguese, preferences in internships and part-time job opportunities, and it also helps in getting a PR later on in life. Students can also opt for online Portuguese language courses, Portuguese language classes online, or online courses to learn Portuguese for flexible learning. Many platforms also offer a Portuguese online course with certificate, helping aspirants learn Portuguese course content efficiently.
Those looking to learn to speak Portuguese, especially learn to speak Portugal Portuguese, can also take Portuguese class online through the best website to learn Portuguese or enroll in Portuguese language online course before applying to top universities. Some students even opt to learn conversational Portuguese via online Portuguese classes or study Portuguese online for fluency.
One reputed name among students is Linguapol, Fast Forward Portuguese Language Institute, which many consider offering the best Portuguese language course for Indian learners.
Study at top institutions like NOVA SBE or Universidade de Coimbra, globally ranked and rich in research facilities.
Tuition ranges from €750–€4,000/year (around 3 lacs INR), and living expenses remain among the lowest in Western Europe.
Many master's and PhD programs are available in English—some without requiring an IELTS score.
Benefit from post-grad visas and work permits that pave the way for longer-term residence and career opportunities.
Portugal is known for its warm hospitality, safety, and charming cities—ideal for Indian students adjusting to life abroad.
Degrees follow Bologna Process standards, offering global recognition and easy credit or degree transfer across Europe.
The Brazilian government has recently introduced the PEC-G and PEC-PG programs for undergraduate and post-graduate international students. This has significantly increased the number of students moving to Brazil for higher studies. Brazil also offers relatable culture and society to Indian students along with very affordable cost of living. Most of the public universities offer free courses even for international students given that you speak Portuguese.
The CELPE-Bras or at least a B2 certification is mandatory to enter the public universities of Brazil where different universities can hold different eligibility criteria. Popular cities for international students in Brazil are São Paulo, Campinas, Brasília and Rio de Janeiro.
The top universities of Brazil include University of São Paulo (ranked top in the Latin America), University of Campinas, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Federal University of Minas Gerais, and Pontifical Catholic Universities in São Paulo and Rio.
There are several popular fields of study in Brazil which are quite unique. Brazil leads in biodiversity research as it hosts 60% of the Amazon Rainforest and the top universities of Brazil also offer relevant courses in Environmental Studies, Biodiversity and Sustainability. Brazil is the largest country in terms of area in Latin America and has a lot of agricultural land. It is known as an agricultural powerhouse. The Brazilian universities offer meaningful courses in Agri-tech and food industry which is a hugely profitable market in Brazil.
The Brazilian universities also have a strong academic infrastructure in public health and tropical medicine. Many international students are increasingly preferring to pursue their degree of medicine and MBBS from Brazil. The pharmaceutical and chemistry industry in Brazil is equally strong and many courses are offered in biochemistry and related fields with a very high success rate in placement. Apart from this, Brazil hosts a strong industry of renewable energy with constant research and innovation. There are several courses offered in engineering and renewable energy which offers practical career opportunities to international students in this country.
The Brazil student VISA process for Indian students is relatively straightforward. If you learn Portugal language or Brazilian Portuguese and show a confirmed admission to a recognized Brazilian university, the process becomes quite easy and straightforward and there are very less chances of rejection. Brazil is actively encouraging international students, especially from countries like India.
For those unable to attend classes in person, options such as learning Portuguese language through online learning Portuguese language platforms are a practical choice. You can also take Portuguese language lessons online or complete a Portuguese language course online to improve your fluency.
Prestigious institutions like USP and UnB often charge no tuition even for international students.
Programs like PEC-G (undergrad) and PEC-PG (postgrad) offer tuition waivers and support tailored to students from developing countries.
Brazil excels in biotechnology, environmental science, and agri-tech—with opportunities for Indian students in research-rich fields.
Living expenses are affordable, with a rich cultural tapestry of festivals, music, and diverse food—bringing the study experience to life.
Some internships (estágios) tied to study may be allowed—with Brazil emerging as a hub for practical learning.
Immersive exposure to Brazilian Portuguese enriches language skills, perfect for students already learning the language.
To keep up with this era of fast-paced globalization, the one skill that remains timeless is learning languages. It continues to be one of the most highly-paid career paths available. So if you are seeking a 100% placement guarantee, just indulge with us in a world full of foreign languages.
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