Every student wants to visit the beautiful land of Portugal once for their studies. If you are wondering about studying in this beautiful country, you probably think about how much bank balance is required for a Portugal visa to study. Unlike some other countries, Portugal will notice your financial resources based on a few factors. This blog has all the answers to your questions and will guide you towards a smooth visa application process.
Requirements for Portugal Student Visa
The first step of the Portuguese authorities is that they ensure that you have sufficient funds to meet all the expenses throughout your studies. This includes food, accommodation, transportation, and other basic necessities. To show this financial strength you need to provide some proof as
Bank Statements: This is the most common option. You will need to show at least 3 months of transactions in a bank account held in your name or your sponsor’s name.
A Range, not a Fixed Amount
There is no fixed figure, and the general advice for a comfortable start is to have at least €6,000 – €7,000 on your account. However, this is just the beginning of the process. Here’s what can influence the actual amount you need
Living Costs: Housing and food costs are relatively low compared to other European countries, so the overall cost of living is not very high in Portugal. But there are variations. The costs of accommodation may vary, and Lisbon and Porto, the two largest cities, may cost more than the other cities. To have a rough picture of your expected expenses, look for the average cost of accommodation for students in the city you are choosing. Include grocery, transportation passes, utilities, and entertainment costs. Just a few minutes spent searching on the internet or discussing with students who are already studying in Portugal, will help you get an idea of how much it costs to live there on a daily basis.
Study Program Length: The longer the program, the more funds will be required to prove its existence, or, in other words, the longer the program, the more difficult it will be to prove the effective use of the received funds. It will be understood that a one-year Master’s program will cost less than the three-year PhD program. Subtract the total time spent in school from the total time till graduation, and then multiply the result by the monthly living cost to arrive at the total amount required.
Scholarships and Sponsorships: This is especially true if you have a scholarship or sponsor who will be covering your living expenses; you can present documents showing this which will help lower the amount required in your bank statement. Having a scholarship that can meet your full tuition fee and other living costs will greatly enhance your application. Any number of scholarships or sponsorship deals no matter how small can be beneficial. Make sure that you provide letters from the scholarship or sponsor explaining the terms of the scholarship or sponsorship and the amount of financial support the applicant will be receiving.
Go Beyond the Minimum
While the €6,000-€7,000 range is a starting point, consider these tips to strengthen your application:
Show a Consistent Income Flow: It is important because, in addition to showing a steady flow of income, it is easier to explain frequent deposits into the account, such as from a part-time job or allowance from parents, than a one-time deposit. This shows a steady and good source of income that can be provided as long as one is in school.
Factor in Tuition Fees: Just keep in mind that living expenses are just one facet of the entire process. Also, provide proof that you have the necessary financial means to pay for your tuition fees as well. If you have ever received any scholarship or grant that can help in paying your tuition fees, then include this section. If you are the one who is fully liable for it, make sure that your bank statements clearly show adequate balance to cater for all semesters or years of your program.
Plan for Extras: There should also be some extra money set aside for contingencies or transportation. That is why it is important to save for unforeseen circumstances such as a medical emergency, a visa application fee or even a weekend trip to discover Portugal. It is wise to have some cash saved up in case of emergencies or events that may require immediate spending.
Be prepared and show sustainability
The most important thing that has to be proved to the embassy in order to obtain a visa is the candidate’s ability to finance his/her stay in Portugal without relying on state support. When you comprehend the elements that exist, give the right documentation, and set your expectations properly, you will be in a position to enhance your possibilities of obtaining your student visa and start your learning experience in Portugal.
Bonus Tip: The most reliable information can be found on the official website of the Portuguese embassy or consulate in the traveler’s home country. You can also check our website for further information. We will be able to provide the most detailed information about current needs and the application process.
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