Portugal has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with a history of artistic achievements in various forms, from traditional crafts to contemporary art. This cultural richness provides a stimulating environment for art and design students.
Portugal is home to several prestigious art and design schools, such as the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Lisbon, the University of Porto's Faculty of Fine Arts, and IADE – Creative University in Lisbon. These institutions offer high-quality education and have strong reputations in Europe and beyond.
Compared to other Western European countries, Portugal offers more affordable tuition fees and living costs. This makes it an attractive option for international students seeking high-quality education at a lower cost.
Portugal has a vibrant and growing contemporary art scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and art festivals. Cities like Lisbon and Porto are known for their dynamic art communities and innovative approaches to art and design.
Portuguese art and design programs often emphasize a balance between traditional techniques and modern, innovative practices. This provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for various career paths in the art and design industry.
Portugal's strategic location in Europe allows students to easily travel and gain exposure to the broader European art scene. Additionally, many Portuguese institutions have partnerships with international universities, providing opportunities for exchange programs and collaborative projects.
While Portuguese is the primary language of instruction, many universities offer courses in English, especially at the graduate level. This makes it accessible for international students who may not be fluent in Portuguese.
Portuguese people are known for their hospitality and friendliness. The supportive and welcoming community can make the transition to studying abroad smoother and more enjoyable for international students.
Portugal's picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and beautiful coastline offer an inspiring environment for creativity. The country's natural beauty and architectural landmarks can provide endless inspiration for art and design projects.
Graduates from Portuguese art and design programs are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in Portugal and internationally. The growing creative industry in Portugal, coupled with the global recognition of its art institutions, enhances employability for graduates.
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Lisbon |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
|
University of Lisbon |
Master of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
|
University of Porto |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art, Photography |
|
University of Porto |
Master of Fine Arts |
Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
|
IADE - Creative University |
Bachelor in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design |
|
IADE - Creative University |
Master in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design, Fashion Design |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Bachelor in Communication Design |
Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Design |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Bachelor in Product Design |
Industrial Design, Furniture Design |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Master in Communication Design |
Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Design |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Master in Product Design |
Industrial Design, Furniture Design |
|
University of Algarve |
Bachelor in Visual Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
|
University of Algarve |
Master in Visual Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
|
University of Beira Interior |
Bachelor in Industrial Design and Multimedia |
Industrial Design, Multimedia Design |
|
University of Beira Interior |
Master in Industrial Design and Multimedia |
Industrial Design, Multimedia Design |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria |
Bachelor in Graphic Design and Multimedia |
Graphic Design, Multimedia |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria |
Master in Graphic Design and Multimedia |
Graphic Design, Multimedia |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave |
Bachelor in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave |
Master in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Lisbon |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Lisbon |
Master of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Porto |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art, Photography |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Porto |
Master of Fine Arts |
Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
IADE - Creative University |
Bachelor in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
IADE - Creative University |
Master in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design, Fashion Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Bachelor in Communication Design |
Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Bachelor in Product Design |
Industrial Design, Furniture Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Master in Communication Design |
Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Master in Product Design |
Industrial Design, Furniture Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Algarve |
Bachelor in Visual Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Algarve |
Master in Visual Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Beira Interior |
Bachelor in Industrial Design and Multimedia |
Industrial Design, Multimedia Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Beira Interior |
Master in Industrial Design and Multimedia |
Industrial Design, Multimedia Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria |
Bachelor in Graphic Design and Multimedia |
Graphic Design, Multimedia |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria |
Master in Graphic Design and Multimedia |
Graphic Design, Multimedia |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave |
Bachelor in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave |
Master in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design |
Portuguese, English |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Lisbon |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Porto |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art, Photography |
Portuguese, English |
|
IADE - Creative University |
Bachelor in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Bachelor in Communication Design |
Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Bachelor in Product Design |
Industrial Design, Furniture Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Algarve |
Bachelor in Visual Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Beira Interior |
Bachelor in Industrial Design and Multimedia |
Industrial Design, Multimedia Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria |
Bachelor in Graphic Design and Multimedia |
Graphic Design, Multimedia |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave |
Bachelor in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design |
Portuguese, English |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Lisbon |
Master of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Porto |
Master of Fine Arts |
Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
IADE - Creative University |
Master in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design, Fashion Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Master in Communication Design |
Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Master in Product Design |
Industrial Design, Furniture Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Algarve |
Master in Visual Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Beira Interior |
Master in Industrial Design and Multimedia |
Industrial Design, Multimedia Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria |
Master in Graphic Design and Multimedia |
Graphic Design, Multimedia |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave |
Master in Design |
Communication Design, Product Design |
Portuguese, English |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Lisbon |
PhD in Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Porto |
PhD in Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Coimbra |
PhD in Art Studies |
Art Theory, Art Criticism, Curatorial Studies |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Beira Interior |
PhD in Media Arts |
Media Arts, Multimedia Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Algarve |
PhD in Visual Arts |
Visual Arts, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Aveiro |
PhD in Design |
Product Design, Communication Design, Digital Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
Catholic University of Portugal |
PhD in Cultural Studies |
Visual Culture, Cultural Heritage, Contemporary Art |
Portuguese, English |
Institution/University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ar.Co - Centro de Arte e Comunicação Visual |
Diploma in Visual Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
Lisbon School of Design (LSD) |
Professional Diploma in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Digital Design, Web Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
Lisbon School of Design (LSD) |
Professional Diploma in Interior Design |
Interior Design, Spatial Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
Escola Superior de Artes e Design (ESAD) |
Advanced Diploma in Communication Design |
Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
Escola Superior de Artes e Design (ESAD) |
Advanced Diploma in Product Design |
Industrial Design, Furniture Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ETIC - School of Technologies Innovation and Creation |
Diploma in Digital Animation and Videogames |
Animation, Game Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ETIC - School of Technologies Innovation and Creation |
Diploma in Photography |
Photography, Digital Imaging |
Portuguese, English |
|
Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa (IPL) |
Professional Diploma in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Textile Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave (IPCA) |
Professional Diploma in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Multimedia Design |
Portuguese, English |
Institution |
Course Name |
Specializations |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ar.Co - Centro de Arte e Comunicação Visual |
Short Course in Drawing |
Drawing Techniques, Life Drawing |
3 months |
Portuguese, English |
|
Ar.Co - Centro de Arte e Comunicação Visual |
Short Course in Painting |
Painting Techniques, Color Theory |
3 months |
Portuguese, English |
|
Lisbon School of Design (LSD) |
Short Course in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Digital Design |
6 weeks |
Portuguese, English |
|
Lisbon School of Design (LSD) |
Short Course in Interior Design |
Interior Design, Spatial Planning |
6 weeks |
Portuguese, English |
|
Escola Superior de Artes e Design (ESAD) |
Short Course in Illustration |
Illustration, Digital Illustration |
3 months |
Portuguese, English |
|
Escola Superior de Artes e Design (ESAD) |
Short Course in Product Design |
Product Design, Prototyping |
3 months |
Portuguese, English |
|
ETIC - School of Technologies Innovation and Creation |
Short Course in Digital Animation |
Animation, 3D Modelling |
3 months |
Portuguese, English |
|
ETIC - School of Technologies Innovation and Creation |
Short Course in Photography |
Photography Techniques, Digital Imaging |
3 months |
Portuguese, English |
|
Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa |
Short Course in Contemporary Art Practices |
Mixed Media, Installation Art |
3 months |
Portuguese, English |
|
Universidade do Porto |
Short Course in Art Theory |
Art Criticism, Art History |
2 months |
Portuguese, English |
|
Universidade do Algarve |
Short Course in Sculpture |
Sculpture Techniques, Material Studies |
3 months |
Portuguese, English |
|
IADE - Creative University |
Short Course in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Textile Techniques |
3 months |
Portuguese, English |
|
Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa (IPL) |
Short Course in Web Design |
Web Design, UX/UI Design |
6 weeks |
Portuguese, English |
University |
Program Name |
Degree Level |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Lisbon |
Fine Arts |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Porto |
Fine Arts |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art, Photography |
Portuguese, English |
|
IADE - Creative University |
Design |
Bachelor, Master |
Communication Design, Product Design, Fashion Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Communication Design |
Bachelor, Master |
Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Product Design |
Bachelor, Master |
Industrial Design, Furniture Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Algarve |
Visual Arts |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia Art |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Beira Interior |
Industrial Design and Multimedia |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
Industrial Design, Multimedia Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria |
Graphic Design and Multimedia |
Bachelor, Master |
Graphic Design, Multimedia |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave |
Design |
Bachelor, Master |
Communication Design, Product Design |
Portuguese, English |
|
Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa |
Contemporary Art Practices |
Short Course |
Mixed Media, Installation Art |
Portuguese, English |
University |
Program Name |
Degree Level |
Intake Periods |
Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Lisbon |
Fine Arts |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
September |
May - July |
|
University of Porto |
Fine Arts |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
September |
May - July |
|
IADE - Creative University |
Design |
Bachelor, Master |
September, February |
May - July (for September), October - December (for February) |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Communication Design, Product Design |
Bachelor, Master |
September |
May - July |
|
University of Algarve |
Visual Arts |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
September |
May - July |
|
University of Beira Interior |
Industrial Design and Multimedia |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
September |
May - July |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria |
Graphic Design and Multimedia |
Bachelor, Master |
September |
May - July |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave |
Design |
Bachelor, Master |
September |
May - July |
University |
Program Name |
Degree Level |
Approximate Tuition Fees per Year (in EUR) |
Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Lisbon |
Fine Arts |
Bachelor |
€1,000 - €1,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Lisbon |
Fine Arts |
Master |
€2,000 - €3,000 |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Lisbon |
Fine Arts |
PhD |
€2,000 - €4,000 |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Porto |
Fine Arts |
Bachelor |
€1,000 - €1,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Porto |
Fine Arts |
Master |
€2,000 - €3,000 |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Porto |
Fine Arts |
PhD |
€2,000 - €4,000 |
Portuguese, English |
|
IADE - Creative University |
Design |
Bachelor |
€7,000 - €8,000 |
Portuguese, English |
|
IADE - Creative University |
Design |
Master |
€7,000 - €8,000 |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Communication Design |
Bachelor |
€1,500 - €2,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Communication Design |
Master |
€2,500 - €3,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Product Design |
Bachelor |
€1,500 - €2,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
ESAD - College of Art and Design |
Product Design |
Master |
€2,500 - €3,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Algarve |
Visual Arts |
Bachelor |
€1,000 - €1,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Algarve |
Visual Arts |
Master |
€2,000 - €3,000 |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Algarve |
Visual Arts |
PhD |
€2,000 - €4,000 |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Beira Interior |
Industrial Design and Multimedia |
Bachelor |
€1,500 - €2,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
University of Beira Interior |
Industrial Design and Multimedia |
Master |
€2,500 - €3,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria |
Graphic Design and Multimedia |
Bachelor |
€1,500 - €2,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Leiria |
Graphic Design and Multimedia |
Master |
€2,500 - €3,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave |
Design |
Bachelor |
€1,500 - €2,500 |
Portuguese, English |
|
Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave |
Design |
Master |
€2,500 - €3,500 |
Portuguese, English |
Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Undergraduate |
Completion of secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent) from a recognized institution. |
|
|
Minimum aggregate score in secondary education as specified by the institution. |
|
|
Some institutions may require a portfolio showcasing the applicant's artistic work. |
|
|
Language proficiency in Portuguese or English, depending on the medium of instruction of the program. |
|
|
May need to pass an entrance exam or interview, specific to the institution or program. |
|
Postgraduate |
Bachelor’s degree in Art & Design or a related field from a recognized university. |
|
|
Minimum GPA as specified by the institution (usually around 2.5 or above). |
|
|
Submission of a portfolio demonstrating the applicant's artistic skills and previous work. |
|
|
Language proficiency in Portuguese or English, depending on the medium of instruction of the program. |
|
|
Some programs may require relevant work experience in the field of Art & Design. |
|
Doctorate (PhD) |
Master’s degree in Art & Design or a related field from a recognized university. |
|
|
Strong academic record and research proposal that aligns with the research interests of the faculty members. |
|
|
Language proficiency in Portuguese or English, depending on the medium of instruction of the program. |
|
|
May need to undergo an interview and have relevant research publications or professional experience. |
|
Diploma/Short-term |
Varies widely depending on the program, but generally requires completion of secondary education. |
|
|
Some programs may require a portfolio and relevant work experience. |
|
|
Language proficiency in Portuguese or English, depending on the medium of instruction of the program. |
Scholarship Name |
Funding Type |
Level |
Eligibility |
Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CIEE Language and Culture Study Program |
Partial/Fully Funded |
Bachelor, Masters, PhD |
International students |
Scholarships for studying at CIEE Lisbon. Covers part or full tuition fees. |
|
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees |
Fully Funded |
Masters |
International students |
Full scholarships covering tuition, travel, installation, and subsistence costs. |
|
University of Porto Scholarships |
Partial/Fully Funded |
Bachelor, Masters, PhD |
International students |
Various scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. |
|
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) |
Fully Funded |
PhD |
Students enrolled in Portuguese universities, with a focus on research in Art & Design. |
Full funding for research-related expenses, tuition, and living costs. |
|
Instituto Camões Scholarships |
Partial Funding |
Bachelor, Masters, PhD |
International students from Portuguese-speaking countries. |
Scholarships focused on Portuguese language and culture studies, including Art & Design. |
|
University of Lisbon Scholarships |
Partial Funding |
Bachelor, Masters, PhD |
International students |
Scholarships based on academic performance and financial need. |
|
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation |
Partial Funding |
Masters, PhD |
Students pursuing advanced studies in Art & Design. |
Funding for research projects, travel grants, and tuition support. |
|
Santander Scholarships |
Partial Funding |
Bachelor, Masters |
International students enrolled in Portuguese universities. |
Focuses on academic excellence and financial need, offering partial tuition coverage. |
|
IADE Creative University Scholarships |
Partial Funding |
Bachelor, Masters |
International students with strong creative portfolios. |
Scholarships based on portfolio review and academic performance, covering part of the tuition fees. |
|
Universidade Católica Portuguesa Scholarships |
Partial/Fully Funded |
Bachelor, Masters, PhD |
International and domestic students |
Various scholarships for students demonstrating academic excellence and financial need. |
Field |
Job Roles |
Description |
Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Graphic Design |
Graphic Designer, Communication Designer, Web Designer |
Creating visual content for websites, advertisements, and publications; using visual elements to communicate messages. |
€20,000 - €35,000 per year |
|
Interior Design |
Interior Designer, Space Planner |
Designing and planning the interiors of residential, commercial, and public spaces; ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal. |
€22,000 - €40,000 per year |
|
Fashion Design |
Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Costume Designer |
Designing clothing and accessories; working with fabrics, patterns, and trends to create new fashion lines. |
€18,000 - €35,000 per year |
|
Multimedia Arts |
Multimedia Artist, Animator, Video Game Designer |
Creating multimedia content including animations, video games, and interactive media; working with digital tools and software. |
€25,000 - €45,000 per year |
|
Product Design |
Product Designer, Industrial Designer |
Designing and developing new products for consumer and industrial use; focusing on usability, aesthetics, and production efficiency. |
€24,000 - €42,000 per year |
|
Fine Arts |
Artist, Sculptor, Art Director |
Creating artworks for exhibitions, galleries, and private collections; working in various mediums such as painting, sculpture, and installations. |
€18,000 - €30,000 per year |
|
Advertising |
Art Director, Creative Director, Advertising Designer |
Developing creative concepts and campaigns for advertisements; collaborating with copywriters, photographers, and marketers. |
€30,000 - €55,000 per year |
|
Architecture |
Architect, Landscape Architect, Urban Planner |
Designing buildings, landscapes, and urban spaces; focusing on functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics. |
€28,000 - €50,000 per year |
|
Education |
Art Teacher, University Lecturer, Workshop Instructor |
Teaching art and design at various educational levels; conducting workshops and seminars to share skills and knowledge. |
€20,000 - €40,000 per year |
|
Photography |
Photographer, Photojournalist, Photo Editor |
Taking and editing photographs for various purposes including media, advertising, and personal projects; working in studios or on location. |
€22,000 - €38,000 per year |
