Homologate University Degrees in Portugal

Published on: January 31, 2022

Reading time: 5 min

Homologate University Degrees in Portugal

Portugal is a great option to migrate, it has a low cost of living and a pleasant climate in which the average annual temperature ranges between 20 degrees Celsius, for this reason hundreds of Latin Americans who emigrate every year, decide to choose Portugal as their new home, but in order to practice their profession or continue their studies in the European country, they must get the recognition of their university degree.

The recognition in Portugal of academic degrees and diplomas of higher education, awarded by foreign higher education institutions, is regulated as of January 1, 2019 by Decree-Law no. 66/2018. This Decree-Law repeals the two previous Decree-Laws, Decree-Law n. 283/83 and Decree Law No. 341/2007.

The new Decree-Law introduced numerous changes to the previous regimes, resulting in the clarification of concepts, and the extension of the recognition of foreign degrees to the career. Making the recognition of foreign degrees more accessible and making Portugal a more attractive option for foreigners.

There are three types of recognition in Portugal:

Automatic Recognition for the Recognition of University Degrees in Portugal

This allows the general recognition of foreign higher education degrees or diplomas of the same level, objectives and nature as Portuguese bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees or higher professional and technical degrees, listed (in this list only Brazil appears from the South American countries), which must be sent to public higher education institutions or to the General Directorate of Higher Education.

Documentation

You must present a document proving that the degree or diploma was awarded to you, i.e.:

Copy of the Diploma that accredits the obtaining of the degree or diploma for which the recognition is requested, apostilled and translated if you are Colombian (it should be noted that for these processes in Portugal, translations must also be apostilled);
A simple copy of a document issued by a foreign institution of higher education containing a degree or diploma registration number,

Cost

The fee payable by the Directorate General for Higher Education is 27,60 €.

How long does it take?

Maximum 30 days after the completion of the instruction process.

Level Recognition for the Recognition of University Degrees in Portugal

It is the act that allows to recognize by comparison, individually, a foreign degree or diploma of higher education with a level corresponding to a Portuguese academic degree or diploma of higher education.

It should be sent to Portuguese public Universities, or to Portuguese Public Polytechnic Institutes.

Documentation

Pursuant to Article 4, paragraph 2 of Decree-Law no. 66/2018, a document unequivocally attesting that the degree or diploma was awarded must be submitted:

Copy of the Diploma or document issued by the foreign institution of higher education certifying the title of the degree or diploma for which recognition is requested, authenticated by the competent authorities;
A simple copy of a document issued by a foreign higher education institution containing a degree or diploma registration number, in the case of foreign higher education institutions that have centralized registries subject to public consultation through a unique identifier;
Diploma or certificate issued by a foreign institution of higher education, in original version, proving the title of the degree or diploma for which recognition is required.

In addition to the above documentation, specific documentation may be requested, ie:

Document issued by the foreign institution of higher education containing the curricular units in which the applicant has passed, as well as the respective study plan, the duration of the studies leading to the degree and the respective final classification.
In the case of a Master’s degree, a digital or scanned copy of the thesis or project defended, or internship report.
In the case of a doctoral degree, a digital or digitized copy of the thesis defended, unless it has been replaced by other research work, artistic works or achievements, in which case it must be submitted in digital or digitized format. Adequate elements to know the content of the research carried out and the reasons that explain the process of conception and elaboration, the research capacity and its framing in the evolution of knowledge in the domain to which it belongs.

Costs

They are designated by the educational institution of their choice.

How long does it take?

Maximum of 90 days after the completion of the instruction process.

Specific Recognition for the Recognition of University Degrees in Portugal

It is the act that allows the recognition of a foreign degree or diploma of higher education identical to a Portuguese academic degree or diploma of higher education, through a case-by-case analysis of the level, duration and curriculum, in a specific training area, field of knowledge or specialty.

Portuguese public universities
Portuguese Public Polytechnic Institutes

What documents to submit?

Pursuant to Article 4, paragraph 2 of Decree-Law no. 66/2018, a document unequivocally attesting that the degree or diploma was awarded must be submitted, viz:

Copy of the Diploma or document issued by the foreign institution of higher education certifying the title of the degree or diploma for which recognition is requested, authenticated by the competent authorities;
A simple copy of a document issued by a foreign higher education institution containing a degree or diploma registration number, in the case of foreign higher education institutions that have centralized registries subject to public consultation through a unique identifier;
Diploma or certificate issued by a foreign institution of higher education, in original version, proving the title of the degree or diploma for which recognition is required.

In addition to the above documentation, specific documentation may be requested, namely:

Document issued by the foreign institution of higher education containing the curricular units in which the applicant has passed and which led to obtaining the degree or diploma for which he/she is requesting recognition, as well as the respective study plan, the duration of the studies leading to the degree and the respective final classification.
In the case of a Master’s degree, a digital or scanned copy of the thesis or project defended, or internship report.
In the case of a doctoral degree, a digital or digitized copy of the thesis defended, unless it has been replaced by other research work, artistic works or achievements, in which case it must be submitted in digital or digitized format. Adequate elements to know the content of the research carried out and the reasons that explain the process of conception and elaboration, the research capacity and its framing in the evolution of knowledge in the domain to which it belongs.

How long does it take?

Maximum of 90 days after the completion of the instruction process.

To homologate university degrees in Portugal, a lawyer is not required, but it is advisable to seek advice from a lawyer with knowledge of Portuguese law.