To homologate degrees in Portugal, the process can be carried out at Portuguese public higher education institutions and at the Portuguese Catholic University.
Portugal recognizes three types of recognition for university degrees obtained in other countries:
- Common university diplomas and degrees.
- Master's degrees and PhDs (Postgraduate degrees).
- Special recognition for equivalencies in identical courses.
Regarding technical courses and professional degrees:
- All degrees to be homologated must be apostilled.
- Each document must be translated into Portuguese by an official translator from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, and this can be done at the embassy of the respective country.
- A written request must be submitted to the Rector of the university handling the process.
- Authenticated transcripts (either copies or originals).
- Curriculum plan of the university (syllabus or subjects), legalized or apostilled.
- Proof of payment for the document review forms must be presented.
- Written request in the format provided by the Ministry.
- Photocopy of identification document.
- Authenticated photocopy of the diploma of the degree to be validated. The diploma must be legalized either through diplomatic channels or with an apostille.
For Postgraduate Homologation:
The higher degree to be homologated must be apostilled, along with a standard copy of a document issued by the institution from the country of origin.
- Diploma or certificate issued by the higher education institution where the studies were completed.
- Document issued by the original university that lists the curricular units in which the applicant was approved. The curriculum plan and final grade are also required.
- A digitized copy of the thesis submitted for these higher degrees must be provided. If no thesis was submitted, a higher-level project or internship report is required.
For PhD Only:
A digitized copy of the defended thesis must be submitted, except when it has been replaced by other research, artistic works, or achievements. These should also be provided in digital format. Additionally, supporting elements must be submitted to outline the content of the research, the reasons behind its conception and development, its research capabilities, and its contribution to knowledge in its respective field.
The costs for homologating a university degree in Portugal will depend on the Portuguese institution responsible for homologating the master's or PhD degree.
There are three types of recognition in Portugal:
Automatic Recognition:
This allows the recognition of a foreign higher education degree or diploma, confirming that its level and academic objectives are identical to Portuguese degrees. It is applicable for:
- Bachelor's degree.
- Master's degree.
- PhD.
- Higher professional technical diploma.
Documents in languages other than Portuguese must be officially translated and apostilled or legalized.
Level Recognition:
This allows for the individual recognition of a foreign higher education degree as equivalent to a specific level of a Portuguese academic degree or diploma.