Engineering

Portugal is becoming an increasingly popular destination for engineering studies due to its reputable universities, strong industrial connections, and a growing tech and innovation sector. Engineering programs in Portugal offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, making them ideal for students looking to pursue a career in engineering.

---

Popular Engineering Courses in Portugal

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
   • Focus: Design and construction of infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and bridges. Topics include structural analysis, construction management, and environmental engineering.
   • Duration: 3–4 years.
   • Entry Requirements: High school diploma (preferably in Science or Mathematics) and a strong foundation in subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
2. Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
   • Focus: Design, production, and operation of machinery, tools, and mechanical systems. The course covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science.
   • Duration: 3–4 years.
   • Entry Requirements: High school diploma with strong performance in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry.
3. Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
   • Focus: Power generation, electrical circuits, automation, and electronic devices. Topics include circuits, control systems, and energy systems.
   • Duration: 3–4 years.
   • Entry Requirements: High school diploma with proficiency in Physics, Mathematics, and possibly Computer Science.
4. Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering
   • Focus: Software development, computer systems, hardware design, and IT infrastructure. This program focuses on both software and hardware aspects of computer engineering.
   • Duration: 3–4 years.
   • Entry Requirements: High school diploma with emphasis on Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics.
5. Master’s Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering
   • Focus: Advanced topics in power systems, digital electronics, computer programming, and embedded systems.
   • Duration: 1–2 years.
   • Entry Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields. Strong academic record and relevant experience in the field.
6. Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering
   • Focus: Advanced study in areas such as structural engineering, environmental engineering, and construction management.
   • Duration: 1–2 years.
   • Entry Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
7. Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
   • Focus: Specialized topics in mechanical systems, robotics, renewable energy, and materials science.
   • Duration: 1–2 years.
   • Entry Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
8. PhD in Engineering
   • Focus: Research and development in specific engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering.
   • Duration: 3–5 years.
   • Entry Requirements: A relevant Master’s degree in Engineering. Research proposal and academic excellence in previous studies are required.

---

Entry Requirements for Bangladeshi Students

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degree)

1. Education:
   • HSC/Class 12th in Science with strong grades in subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
   • Minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 out of 5 or equivalent academic standing.
2. English Language Proficiency:
   • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0–6.5, with no band below 5.5.
   • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 80–90.
   • PTE Academic: Minimum score of 56–60.
3. Additional Requirements:
   • Personal Statement (SOP): A brief essay explaining why you want to pursue Engineering in Portugal and why you have chosen the specific course.
   • Letters of Recommendation: From your high school teachers, especially in subjects like Mathematics or Physics.
   • Interview: Some universities may conduct an interview to assess your motivation and suitability for the program.
4. Prerequisite Courses:
   • A background in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry is typically required for most engineering programs.
   • Some universities may require a specific entrance exam or may assess your high school grades for eligibility.

---

Postgraduate Programs (Master’s/PhD)

1. Education:
   • A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, etc.) or related fields.
   • Minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 out of 4.0 (varies by university).
   • Some universities may prefer candidates with professional experience in the engineering field.
2. English Language Proficiency:
   • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5–7.0, with no band below 6.0.
   • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90–100.
   • PTE Academic: Minimum score of 60–70.
3. Additional Requirements:
   • CV/Resume: Including details of academic background and professional experience (for some Master’s programs).
   • Statement of Purpose (SOP): Detailing your motivation for studying Engineering, career aspirations, and why you chose Portugal for your studies.
   • Letters of Recommendation: Typically 2–3 letters from professors or employers.
   • Interview: Some programs may require an interview to assess your motivation and suitability for the course.
   • Research Proposal (for PhD): Required for PhD applications, where you will need to present a detailed research proposal outlining your intended research area, objectives, and methodology.

---

Tuition Fees

1. Undergraduate Programs:
   • €6,000–€12,000 per year (~BDT 600,000–1,200,000), depending on the university and course.
   • Special engineering programs may have higher fees.
2. Postgraduate Programs:
   • €8,000–€15,000 per year (~BDT 800,000–1,500,000).
   • Advanced programs like MBA in Engineering Management or specialized Master’s degrees may have higher fees.

---

Popular Universities for Engineering in Portugal

1. University of Porto (U.Porto)
   • One of the top-ranked universities in Portugal offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programs.
   • Known for research excellence and strong industry connections.
2. Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon
   • Known for its engineering programs, IST is a leading technical university in Portugal, offering courses in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Computer Engineering.
3. University of Coimbra
   • Offers a variety of engineering programs, including Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. It has a strong research focus and a good reputation in the European Union.
4. University of Minho
   • Offers various engineering programs, including Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
   • Known for its modern approach to engineering education and research.

---

Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students in Portugal

1. University of Porto Scholarships:
   • Offers merit-based scholarships for international students, including full and partial tuition fee waivers.
2. Portuguese Government Scholarships:
   • The Portuguese Government offers scholarships to non-EU students, including Bangladeshi students, based on academic performance and financial need.
3. Erasmus+ Program:
   • The Erasmus+ Program offers scholarships for student exchanges, which Bangladeshi students can apply for if enrolled in a partner university.
4. External Scholarships:
   • Chevening, DAAD, and other international scholarship programs are also available for engineering students planning to study in Portugal.

---

Career Opportunities After Graduation

1. Civil Engineer:
   • Average Salary: €25,000–€40,000 per year (~BDT 2,500,000–4,000,000).
   • Roles: Design and construction of infrastructure, managing construction projects, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
2. Mechanical Engineer:
   • Average Salary: €30,000–€45,000 per year (~BDT 3,000,000–4,500,000).
   • Roles: Developing machinery, working on automotive design, and improving manufacturing processes.
3. Electrical Engineer:
   • Average Salary: €28,000–€45,000 per year (~BDT 2,800,000–4,500,000).
   • Roles: Managing electrical systems, power generation projects, and maintaining electrical infrastructure.
4. Computer Engineer:
   • Average Salary: €35,000–€50,000 per year (~BDT 3,500,000–5,000,000).
   • Roles: Software development, systems design, network security, and IT consulting.
5. Project Manager (Engineering):
   • Average Salary: €40,000–€60,000 per year (~BDT 4,000,000–6,000,000).
   • Roles: Overseeing engineering projects, managing teams, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Portugal offers excellent opportunities for Bangladeshi students pursuing an engineering career. The country’s affordable living costs, high-quality education system, and numerous international scholarship opportunities make it an attractive option for studying engineering.