Thousands March in Lisbon on National Student's Day
On March 24, 2026, hundreds to thousands of higher education students flooded the streets of Lisbon, marking National Student's Day with a powerful demonstration. The march, starting at Rossio square and culminating outside the Assembleia da República (Parliament), highlighted deep frustrations within Portugal's university system. Organized by over 50 entities under the Movimento Associativo Estudantil (MAE), including student associations from universities like NOVA University Lisbon, the protest featured chants of "Students are on the streets, the struggle goes on" and banners calling for free higher education.
This event echoed earlier actions, such as the October 2025 protests against a proposed tuition hike that parliament ultimately rejected. Yet, with rising living costs, students from public institutions across the country united to demand systemic change, focusing on three pillars: the abolition of tuition fees (propinas), accessible housing, and robust social support systems.
The Roots of Unrest: A Legacy of Student Activism in Portuguese Higher Education
Student protests have long been a hallmark of Portugal's higher education landscape, dating back to the Carnation Revolution in 1974 that ended decades of dictatorship. In recent years, economic pressures post-2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic have intensified calls for reform. The current wave builds on 2025 demonstrations where students successfully lobbied against fee increases, but persistent issues like stagnant scholarships and inflation-eroded funding persist.
Portugal boasts around 400,000 students in higher education, with major hubs at the University of Lisbon (ULisboa), University of Porto (U.Porto), and University of Coimbra. These institutions, primarily public, serve over 80% of enrollees. However, fewer applicants are pursuing national entry exams, with only 55% expressing interest in 2025, signaling cost barriers.
Tuition Fees Under Scrutiny: Current Landscape and Proposed Changes
In Portugal's public universities, tuition fees for European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) students remain among Europe's lowest. For the 2025/2026 academic year, bachelor's degrees typically range from €550 to €1,050 annually, while master's programs fall between €500 and €2,500. At U.Porto, the indicative fee is €697 for bachelor's and integrated master's. Non-EU students pay higher, often €3,000 to €7,000.
Despite affordability relative to peers like the UK (£9,250/year) or Netherlands (€2,200+), protesters argue fees exacerbate inequality. Education Minister Fernando Alexandre defends alignment with inflation, noting fees have effectively decreased in real terms despite freezes. He views them as vital for institutional autonomy, contributing up to 20% of costs, with government covering the rest.
| University | Bachelor's Fee (EU/EEA, approx.) | Master's Fee (EU/EEA, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Porto | €697 | €1,000-2,500 |
| University of Lisbon | €700-1,000 | €1,000-3,000 |
| University of Coimbra | €697-1,050 | €1,000-2,500 |
This table illustrates uniformity, but students demand full abolition to mirror Germany's tuition-free model.
🏠 The Student Housing Crunch: Stats and Stories from Lisbon and Porto
Portugal faces a national housing crisis, with Lisbon and Porto epicenters. Approximately 175,000 students study away from home, yet supply lags. Lisbon alone has a 30,000-bed deficit for students, with room rents exceeding €400/month amid 15% tourism-driven demand surge since 2019. Nationally, rents rose 55% in tourist accommodations, pricing out youth.
Students share stories of commuting hours or couch-surfing. The National Plan for Accommodation in Higher Education (PNAES) promises over 18,000 beds, with 14,000 by September 2026, but occupancy issues persist, like empty residences at Polytechnic of Beja.
- Lisbon: 41 projects approved, stalled by bureaucracy and costs.
- Porto: Similar shortages, with students competing against tourists.
- Coimbra: Traditional repúblicas strained.
Enrollment Declines and High Dropout Rates: The Costly Toll
Higher education institutions reported a 10% drop in new students for 2025, linked to costs. Nearly 30% of undergraduates drop out, with economic factors prominent: 40% work while studying, family income covers 65.5%, and post-pandemic finances worsened for half. Displaced students and those with caregiving duties face higher risks.
First-year dropout hovers at 11%, varying by field. Poorer students are hit hardest, reducing access to universities like ULisboa, where enrollment dipped amid crises.Portugal News on minister's views
Voices from the Frontlines: Student Leaders and Associations
A spokesperson from NOVA University's Students' Association stated, "We want higher education for everyone, but fewer and fewer students are entering, and it is the poorest who are hardest hit." MAE unites academic associations, tunas, and committees, amplifying calls for scholarships covering full costs and rent caps.
Minister Alexandre praised the protests: "It's good that they tell society what they want," while urging occupation of new residences.
Government and University Responses: Promises vs. Reality
The government touts PNAES expansions, but students decry delays. Universities like U.Porto invest in sustainability-linked housing, yet private sector lags. No widespread faculty strikes, but support grows amid shared welfare concerns.
Europe in Perspective: Portugal's Position
Portugal's fees are low vs. Ireland (€3,000) or Sweden (free but high living costs), but housing affordability ranks worst in EU. Spain and Italy face similar shortages, prompting EU-wide reports on crises.Full Euronews coverage
Pathways Forward: Solutions and Stakeholder Proposals
- Increase scholarships to 100% coverage.
- Accelerate PNAES with private partnerships.
- Rent controls near campuses.
- Hybrid learning to ease housing pressure.
Experts advocate tax incentives for student housing developers.
Photo by Steve Matthews on Unsplash
Outlook for Portuguese Higher Education
As budget debates loom, protests may intensify. Balancing autonomy, equity, and infrastructure is key for institutions like Coimbra to thrive. Students' resolve signals a push for inclusive access, potentially reshaping Europe's affordable education model.
