Portugal offers several opportunities for international students, including those from Bangladesh, to pursue Medicine and Health Science degrees. The country’s healthcare system is well-regarded, and many universities offer high-quality education in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and public health, often integrated with practical training in hospitals and clinics.
Popular Medicine and Health Sciences Courses in Portugal
- Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine
- Focus: Comprehensive training in human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, clinical skills, and medical ethics.
- Duration: 6 years.
- Entry Requirements: Completion of high school (preferably in Science, with subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
- Focus: Basic and advanced nursing practices, patient care, pharmacology, healthcare ethics, and clinical experience.
- Duration: 3–4 years.
- Entry Requirements: High school diploma (preferably in Science, with strong grades in Biology and Chemistry).
- Bachelor’s Degree in Dentistry
- Focus: Basic dental sciences, clinical training, oral health, dental hygiene, and patient care.
- Duration: 5 years.
- Entry Requirements: High school diploma with strong grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Master’s Degree in Public Health
- Focus: Health policy, healthcare management, epidemiology, biostatistics, and health promotion.
- Duration: 2 years.
- Entry Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Medicine, or a related field. Some universities may also require relevant work experience in the healthcare sector.
- Master’s Degree in Medicine (Specialization)
- Focus: Specialized training in areas such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and more.
- Duration: 3–5 years (depending on specialization).
- Entry Requirements: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, along with successful completion of an internship and clinical experience.
- Master’s Degree in Pharmacy
- Focus: Pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, pharmacology, and clinical pharmacy.
- Duration: 2–3 years.
- Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or a related field.
- PhD in Medicine or Health Sciences
- Focus: Advanced research in various fields of medicine, including biomedicine, pharmacology, and public health.
- Duration: 3–5 years.
- Entry Requirements: A Master’s degree in Medicine, Health Sciences, or a related field. Research proposal required for admission.
Entry Requirements for Bangladeshi Students
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Education:
- HSC/Class 12th in Science with strong grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 out of 5 or equivalent academic standing.
- Mathematics may be required for some specialized courses (e.g., Dentistry).
- 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.
- Additional Requirements:
- Personal Statement (SOP): A brief essay explaining why you want to pursue medicine or health sciences in Portugal and why you chose the specific course.
- Letters of Recommendation: From teachers or academic advisors, particularly in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Interview: Some universities may require an interview for assessment.
- Entrance Exam (for Medicine):
- Some Portuguese universities require an entrance exam, which tests general knowledge and specific subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Postgraduate Programs (Master’s/PhD)
- Education:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, or a related field.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 out of 4.0 (varies by university).
- Some programs may require relevant work experience in the health sector.
- 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.
- Additional Requirements:
- CV/Resume: Including details of your academic background and professional experience (for some Master’s programs).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Detailing your motivation for studying Medicine/Health Science, career aspirations, and why you chose Portugal for your studies.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically 2–3 letters from professors or employers in the healthcare sector.
- Interview: Some programs may require an interview to assess your motivation and suitability for the course.
- Research Proposal (for PhD): Required for PhD programs, where you will need to present a detailed research proposal outlining your intended research area, objectives, and methodology.
Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate Programs:
- €7,000–€15,000 per year (~BDT 700,000–1,500,000), depending on the university and course.
- Medical programs may have higher fees due to practical training costs.
- Postgraduate Programs:
- €8,000–€20,000 per year (~BDT 800,000–2,000,000).
- Specialized courses such as Medicine and Dentistry tend to have higher fees.
Popular Universities for Medicine and Health Sciences in Portugal
- University of Porto (U.Porto)
- Offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Medicine, Nursing, and other health-related fields.
- Known for its prestigious medical school and modern facilities.
- University of Lisbon (ULisboa)
- Home to the Faculty of Medicine, offering comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs.
- Offers a variety of health-related courses, including Nursing, Dentistry, and Pharmacy.
- University of Coimbra
- Offers programs in Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and Pharmacy.
- Strong reputation in biomedical research and health sciences.
- Nova University of Lisbon (UNL)
- Known for its Nursing and Public Health programs.
- Offers a diverse range of health sciences courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- University of Minho
- Offers specialized courses in Nursing, Health Sciences, and Biomedical Sciences.
- Strong focus on practical experience in local hospitals and clinics.
- University of Aveiro
- Offers health-related programs, including Biomedical Engineering and Health Technologies.
Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students in Portugal
- Portuguese Government Scholarships:
- The Portuguese Government offers scholarships for non-EU students, including Bangladeshi students, based on academic performance and financial need.
- Erasmus+ Program:
- The Erasmus+ Program offers scholarships for student exchanges, which Bangladeshi students can apply for if enrolled in a partner university.
- University-Specific Scholarships:
- University of Porto and other institutions offer merit-based scholarships that cover tuition fees or living costs for international students.
- External Scholarships:
- International scholarships like Chevening or DAAD may be available for postgraduate students.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
- Medical Doctor (MD):
- Average Salary: €40,000–€70,000 per year (~BDT 4,000,000–7,000,000).
- Roles: Diagnose and treat illnesses, perform surgeries, and prescribe medications.
- Nurse:
- Average Salary: €20,000–€35,000 per year (~BDT 2,000,000–3,500,000).
- Roles: Provide medical care, support physicians, and manage patient care.
- Pharmacist:
- Average Salary: €30,000–€50,000 per year (~BDT 3,000,000–5,000,000).
- Roles: Dispense medications, advise patients on their proper use, and collaborate with healthcare professionals.
- Dentist:
- Average Salary: €40,000–€80,000 per year (~BDT 4,000,000–8,000,000).
- Roles: Diagnose and treat oral diseases, perform surgeries, and maintain patient oral health.
- Public Health Specialist:
- Average Salary: €30,000–€55,000 per year (~BDT 3,000,000–5,500,000).
- Roles: Develop health policies, manage public health programs, and work in governmental or non-governmental organizations.
Portugal provides an excellent option for Bangladeshi students looking to study Medicine and Health Sciences. With world-class universities, an affordable cost of living, and ample scholarship opportunities, students can expect a high-quality education in a supportive environment. Additionally, Portugal’s growing healthcare sector offers excellent career prospects for graduates.
