Out of more than 74,500 international students in Portugal, an impressive 17,822 were part of international credit mobility programs, such as the renowned Erasmus Program.
Out of more than 74,500 international students in Portugal, an impressive 17,822 were part of international credit mobility programs, such as the renowned Erasmus Program.
In 2022, Portuguese higher education institutions saw a remarkable surge in international student enrollment, reaching a total of 74,597 students, as reported by the Directorate-General for Education and Science Statistics. This influx of international scholars represented a significant 17 percent of the student body in Portugal, according to Erudera.com.
In this in-depth news analysis, we will delve into the key statistics and implications of this development, shedding light on the factors contributing to this growth.
International credit mobility programs
Among the 74,597 international students, an impressive 17,822 were part of international credit mobility programs, such as the renowned Erasmus Program. These programs have played a pivotal role in fostering academic exchange and cooperation between Portugal and other nations.
A closer look at the origins of these international students reveals a diverse pool of talent. The majority hailed from Brazil, with 17,028 students pursuing their higher education dreams in Portuguese institutions. Following closely were students from Guinea-Bissau (6,910), Cape Verde (6,449), Angola (5,292) and France (3,406). This mosaic of nationalities enriches the cultural tapestry of Portuguese higher education and strengthens global ties.
The data from DGEEC revealed that the overall number of students enrolled at Portuguese universities and polytechnics during the 2022-23 academic year reached a historic high of 446,028 students. This figure marked a significant increase of 12,811 students or three percent compared to the previous year. Such substantial growth underscores Portugal’s commitment to expanding access to higher education.
Public vs. private education
Of the 446,028 students, 359,397 were enrolled in public higher education institutions, while 86,631, constituting 19.5 percent of the total, chose private higher education options. This distribution reflects the diverse landscape of higher education offerings in Portugal, catering to a wide range of student preferences and needs.
Furthermore, the data indicated that 155,082 students embarked on their higher education journey for the first time in the 2022-23 academic year. Interestingly, this cohort exhibited a gender imbalance, with more women than men pursuing higher education across all fields of study.
However, male students displayed a particular interest in areas such as Information and Communication Technologies, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction, as well as Services.
Polytechnics accounted for a substantial 30.5 percent of the total student population, with 135,833 students opting for this educational pathway. This suggests that polytechnics continue to be an attractive choice for many students when considering their higher education options.
Steady progress towards educational goals
The impressive growth in student enrollment witnessed during the last academic year demonstrates Portugal’s steady progress toward achieving its long-term qualification objectives. The Portuguese Government’s report emphasized the goal of reaching a 60 percent higher education enrollment rate among young people by 2030.
Additionally, the report aimed to attain a 50 percent higher education graduate rate among individuals aged between 30 and 34. This ambitious agenda underscores Portugal’s commitment to nurturing a highly educated and skilled population.
Academic excellence
Portugal is home to several prestigious universities that have long attracted international students. Among them is the illustrious University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, which stands as one of Europe’s oldest universities. It held the distinction of being the sole Portuguese-speaking university until the early 20th century.
In addition to the University of Coimbra, other esteemed institutions include the University of Lisbon, the University of Porto, the University of Aveiro, NOVA University Lisbon, the University of Minho, the Polytechnic Institute of Porto, and the Catholic University of Portugal. These institutions have consistently upheld high standards of academic excellence, further enhancing Portugal’s reputation as an attractive destination for international students.
The surge in international student enrollment and the overall growth of higher education in Portugal in 2022 are significant milestones that reflect the country’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and fostering global academic exchange.
With a diverse student body, a mix of public and private education options, and a clear trajectory toward achieving long-term educational goals, Portugal is poised to continue its ascent as a prominent hub for higher learning on the international stage.
