Studying Medicine In Portugal (Medical Schools, FAQs) | 2023

Medicine is arguably the best career path in the world.

If you are passionate about science-related subjects and looking after people makes you happy, becoming a doctor will make so much sense for you.

Portugal is home to several decent medical schools in Europe. However, before you can gain admission to study admission in any Portuguese university, you must satisfy certain conditions.

In addition to the requirements for studying medicine in Portugal, this article will provide information on how long it takes to study medicine in the European nation.

It will also delve into why studying medicine in Portugal is a great idea, the best medical schools in Portugal, and some tips for excelling in Portuguese medical schools.

Is Medicine a Good Career Path?

Yes, medicine is a good career path. This profession attracts an excellent salary even though the income of medical doctors varies according to specialty.

Furthermore, there is a high demand for medical doctors globally, with almost 100% of medical graduates securing a job immediately after medical school.

Medicine attracts numerous travel prospects, which can be priceless for anyone who wants to learn about the culture of others.

Additionally, medicine is an excellent career path because it offers the opportunity to impact society and transform lives, which is highly satisfying.

This profession comes with excellent job security as there is never any need to lay off doctors because their services are needed in high demand.

Medicine is a career that provides room for steady professional and personal development as innovations are a norm in the medical industry.

Becoming a medical doctor is an excellent idea because medicine is not a dull career as the daily job experiences likely differ, and doctors are well-respected worldwide.

Top Reasons to Study Medicine in Portugal

Here are the most compelling reasons why studying medicine in Portugal is a great decision:

1. Top-class universities

Portugal is home to many decent medical tertiary institutions in Europe.

Most medical schools in this European country have state-of-the-art learning facilities, and seasoned professors and faculty coordinate their programs.

2. Global Recognition

The medical degrees awarded by Portuguese universities are recognized all over the world.

So, if you want to further your education in another country or vie for any top medical job, your degree will speak well for you.

3. Opportunity to learn Portuguese

Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is spoken by close to 300 million people at the moment.

Thus, studying medicine in Portugal as an international student will enable you to learn Portuguese, a language prerequisite for many medical jobs worldwide.

4. Affordable cost of education

The cost of studying medicine in Portugal is relatively affordable in comparison to the school fees of medical schools in most European countries.

This allows you to achieve your dream of studying medicine without breaking the bank.

5. Low cost of living

The cost of living in Portugal is reasonably low compared to several European countries.

This implies that Portugal remains an ideal destination if you don’t have so much money as an international student but desire to study abroad.

6. Good foreign reception

Portugal is famous for maintaining a welcoming atmosphere to foreigners.

The citizens in the country do not pose any threat or are hostile towards foreigners but rather assist in making foreigners very comfortable.

Requirements For Studying Medicine in Portugal

Here are the requirements for studying medicine at any Portuguese university:

  • 60% cumulative marks in PCB in 10+2 or Bachelor
  •  A passing grade in an English class
  •  Minimum age of 17 years
  •  A passing score in TOEFL or IELTS (for only schools that offer their medical program in the English language).
  •  A valid passport (for international students)
  •  High school transcript
  •  Birth certificate
  •  Acceptance letter (for international students)
  •  4-5 passport-size photographs
  •  School fee receipt for the first year
  •  Current CV
  •  Letter of recommendation
  •  Statement of Purpose
  •  Medical report
  •  Proof of funds (for most international students)

What is The Cost Of Studying Medicine in Portugal?

The average cost of studying medicine in Portugal is about $6,000 annually. This estimate covers the cost of tuition, accommodation, food, and transportation.

How Long Does it Take To Study Medicine in Portugal?

It takes six years to complete an MBBS program in Portugal. However, practicing as a medical doctor in Portugal may require a couple of extra years.

What are the Best Medical Schools in Portugal?

There are several medical schools in Portugal. However, if you are seeking to get into any of the very best medical schools in the European country, here are the options you should consider:

1. University of Lisboa Faculty of Medicine

The University of Lisboa, Faculty of Medicine, is one of the best medical schools in Portugal. It is even one of the leading medical schools in Europe at the moment.

The University of Lisboa, Faculty of Medicine, has built an excellent reputation, boasting distinguished medical professionals and world-class learning facilities.

At the moment, it is unsurprisingly one of the largest medical schools in Portugal and has a large population of international students, far more than many medical schools in Portugal.

2. University of Porto Faculty of Medicine

It is hard to put together a list of the top medical schools in Portugal without adding the University of Porto Faculty of Medicine.

It is one of the leading medical education destinations in Portugal and Europe.

Since 1911 when this faculty was established, it has contributed to the training of some of the best medical practitioners in the country that are behind the recent breath-taking progress that has characterized the Portuguese medical industry.

This school partners with several high-level medical institutions on research and development.

Furthermore, the University of Porto Faculty of Medicine is one of the leading medical research schools in the country. This institution has several functional medical research facilities and centers.

Their Integrated Master in Medicine program is comprehensive and covers a vast area of medical practice.

Besides exposure to the complex practical aspects of medicine, medical students at the University of Porto Faculty of Medicine undergo lab training, hospital rounds, and a simulated medical environment that adequately prepares them before graduation.

3. The University of Beira Interior Department of Medical Science

The University of Beira Interior Department of Medical Science is another world-class medical school to feature on this list. This school is home to some of the best medical facilities in the country.

This school’s curriculum in training its students is highly comprehensive and covers all the essential study areas in which every medical student should be well-versed.

The problem-based learning technique that the University of Beira Interior Department of Medical Science adopts in teaching students elaborates their understanding.

It also improves their critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities, which are highly valuable for a successful medical career.

Furthermore, the University of Beira Interior Department of Medical Science has established valuable partnerships with several hospitals, enabling their students to acquire good practical exposure.

Some such hospitals are Amato Lusitano Hospital, Cova da Beira Hospital Centre, Sousa Martins Hospital, and many more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Studying Medicine in Portugal

How long would it take to complete a medical degree?

A medical degree in Portugal can be earned in 6 years, just like the present medical Bachelor’s degree in Brazil. However, unlike in Brazil, Portuguese medical students graduate with a master’s degree.

Does Portugal offer any English-language medical programs?

Even though some medical programs in Portugal are being offered in English, most MBBS programs are still taught in Portuguese, giving students a great chance to improve their command of the language.

Is it possible for me to make Portugal my permanent home when I graduate?

After finishing your education in Portugal, you can only remain there if you receive a work offer. However, to work there permanently, you still need to change your student residence permit to a working residence permit in Portugal which is only possible if you and your place of employment satisfy the conditions for a Portugal work visa.

How much do doctors in Portugal earn?

Doctors in Portugal earn an average monthly salary of about €2,000, with a maximum compensation of about €8,000.

Conclusion

In addition to the schools listed above, the University of Algarve Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine and the University of Coimbra Faculty of Medicine are other top medical schools in Portugal that guarantee world-class medical education.

However, before jumping into a medical career, you need to know that medical school is very demanding and requires your absolute best and even more.

So, to succeed in medical school, ensure that you attend all classes, study intensively, and develop a good relationship with your professors.

Also, ensure that you manage your time effectively and avoid wasting your time on unprofitable tasks. 

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