How to Verify Portuguese University Degrees: A3ES Guide

Portugal's higher education system

Portugal's higher education quality is assured by A3ES (Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education). Portugal has approximately 120 higher education institutions, including University of Lisbon, University of Porto, University of Coimbra (founded 1290, UNESCO World Heritage Site), and NOVA University Lisbon. Portuguese universities have strong research output and increasingly attract international students.

Verification steps

1. Check A3ES accreditation — Verify the institution and program are A3ES-accredited. VerifyED includes accredited Portuguese institutions.
2. Contact the institution — Portuguese universities maintain registrar offices for verification.
3. DGES credential recognition — The Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES) handles credential recognition as Portugal's NARIC center.
4. Apostille — Portugal is a Hague Convention member. Documents can be apostilled.

Key considerations

• University of Coimbra — One of the oldest universities in continuous operation, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Portuguese-language credentials — Credentials are in Portuguese. English diploma supplements are provided.
• Lusophone countries — Portuguese degree verification is relevant for Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and other Portuguese-speaking countries.