Study in the UK vs Portugal: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for the UK and Portugal— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | the UK | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 10,539 GBP | 9,120 EUR |
| Living cost (per month) | 1,171 GBP | 760 EUR |
| Visa fee | 524 GBP | 90 EUR |
| Typical processing time | ~3 weeks | ~8 weeks |
| Main intakes | Jan, Sep | Feb, Sep |
| Required documents | 5 | 5 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: the UK vs Portugal
- Portugal needs less money up front — about €9,120/year versus €12,399 for the UK (≈ €3,279 less).
- the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~8 for Portugal).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to the UK
- CAS from a licensed student sponsor
- Maintenance funds (held 28 days)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Approved English language proof (SELT)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate
- ATAS certificate
- Accommodation
Unique to Portugal
- Admission to a Portuguese institution
- Means of subsistence
- Health insurance
- Language proof
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in the UK or Portugal?
By proof of funds, Portugal is cheaper — €9,120/year versus €12,399 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, the UK or Portugal?
the UK typically processes faster (~3 weeks vs ~8). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in the UK or Portugal?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. Portugal needs less money up front — about €9,120/year versus €12,399 for the UK (≈ €3,279 less). the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~8 for Portugal). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.