University fees may increase again in Portugal: new formula for the 2027/2028 academic year

The Portuguese Government has proposed to update the upper limit of undergraduate tuition fees at public universities, which has been kept constant since 2020, according to inflation starting from the 2027/2028 academic year.

The regulation included in the 2027 State Budget proposal presented to Parliament on October 8 may affect the education costs of higher education students.

However, the increase is not yet finalized. It is possible to change or remove the proposal during the Parliament's budget discussions.

The current limit of 697 euros may change

The annual general tuition fee upper limit for undergraduate programs of public higher education institutions in Portugal is 697 euros.

According to the government's proposal, in the 2027/2028 academic year, this amount will be increased by the average consumer price index change excluding housing in 2026.

Therefore, in order to calculate the final upper limit, the relevant annual inflation data must be finalized.

For example, if a hypothetical 3 percent increase is applied, the limit of 697 euros would increase to approximately 717.91 euros. This is just an example of calculation; It is not the final announced fee amount.

What programs does it cover?

The offer covers undergraduate programs and higher education vocational programs known as Cursos Técnicos Superiores Profissionais (CTeSP).

A similar update method is envisaged in some master's programs that are mandatory for the practice of the profession or required by the rules of professional organizations.

Other master's and doctorate Different pricing rules may apply across programs.

Therefore, it cannot be said that all university students will pay the same annual fee.

The government requested the same change last year.

The re-updating of university fees was not brought to the agenda for the first time with the 2027 budget.

The government also wanted to end the freezing of fees in the 2026 budget negotiations.

However, as a result of the amendment supported by the opposition, the upper limit of 697 euros was preserved.

The final outcome of the 2027 proposal will therefore depend on discussions in Parliament.

What fee applies to foreign students?

All foreign students studying in Portugal are not automatically subject to the general cap of 697 euros.

International student status, citizenship, residence conditions, program type and fee schedule of the relevant higher education institution may produce different results.

It is possible to apply higher fees within the scope of the estudante internacional regime, especially for students coming from outside the EU.

For this reason, foreign students should not calculate their own tuition fees by looking only at the general undergraduate upper limit.

What should university students do?

The current fees for the 2026/2027 academic year should be distinguished from the new system proposed for 2027/2028.

Students should check the official fee schedule and registration renewal conditions published by their universities.

Since the budget proposal has not yet been enacted into law, it will be 2027/2028. It should not be acted as if the exact amount of increase in wages has been announced.

Resources

ECO / Lusa — Governo descongela valor das propinas a partir de 2027/2028, 8 October 2026

eco.sapo.pt

Orçamento do Estado 2027 — Official budget documents

oe.gov.pt