When it comes to affordable study destinations in the Schengen Zone, two names stand out: Portugal and Spain. Both are located in Southern Europe, both offer top-quality education, and both are becoming popular among Pakistani students.
But the question remains: Which country is the smarter choice in 2026 — Portugal or Spain?
This guide gives you a complete, side-by-side comparison of tuition fees, living costs, visa success ratios, post-study work opportunities, and PR pathways — helping Pakistani students make the best decision for their future.
Why Compare Portugal and Spain?
- Both are Schengen members, meaning one visa gives you access to 27 countries.
- Both offer English-taught programs with no IELTS required in many cases.
- Both are considered budget-friendly compared to Western Europe (like France, Germany, Netherlands).
- Both countries have high visa approval rates for Pakistani students.
- Both provide clear PR pathways for long-term settlement in Europe.
Tuition Fees: Portugal vs Spain
- Tuition fees: €2,500–€6,000/year depending on program and university.
- Public universities like University of Porto and University of Lisbon are very affordable.
- Professional courses (IT, Engineering, Business) remain cheaper than most Western Europe.
- Tuition fees: €4,000–€8,000/year on average.
- Public universities such as University of Barcelona and Complutense University of Madrid are top-ranked.
- Specialized courses (Medicine, MBA) may cost more than Portugal.
✅ Winner: Portugal (slightly cheaper overall).
Cost of Living: Portugal vs Spain
- Average living cost: €500–€750/month.
- Cities like Porto and Coimbra are affordable; Lisbon is more expensive but still cheaper than Western Europe.
Spain:
- Average living cost: €600–€900/month.
- Barcelona and Madrid are costly; Valencia and Granada are much cheaper options.
✅ Winner: Portugal (lower living costs in smaller cities).
Work While Studying
- Students can work 20 hours/week during semester, full-time during breaks.
- Average part-time income: €400–€600/month.
- Easy part-time jobs in retail, restaurants, and IT.
- Students can also work 20 hours/week during study.
- Average part-time income: €500–€700/month.
- Larger job market in tourism, hospitality, and business hubs.
✅ Winner: Spain (better part-time job availability).
Visa Success Ratio for Pakistanis
- Visa success ratio: 80–90% (high).
- Faster processing compared to Spain.
- Visa success ratio: 70–80% (strong but slightly lower than Portugal).
- More documents required in some cases.
✅ Winner: Portugal (higher success ratio, smoother process).
Post-Study Work & PR Pathways
- Students can extend stay after graduation to search for jobs.
- After 5 years of legal stay, eligible for PR and later EU citizenship.
- Popular for Pakistani students aiming at long-term Europe settlement.
- Offers 12–24 months post-study stay to find employment.
- PR possible after 5 years of work and 10 years of residence.
- Pathway is longer compared to Portugal.
✅ Winner: Portugal (faster and easier PR process).
Language & Lifestyle
- Language: Portuguese (but English widely spoken in universities).
- Lifestyle: Calm, safe, student-friendly, warm climate.
- Language: Spanish (English programs available, but Spanish helps with jobs).
- Lifestyle: Vibrant culture, nightlife, and diverse student community.
✅ Winner: Depends on preference (Portugal = peaceful & affordable, Spain = lively & multicultural).
Summary: Portugal vs Spain
| Factor | Portugal | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Lower (€2,500–€6,000) | Higher (€4,000–€8,000) |
| Living Costs | Cheaper (€500–€750) | Higher (€600–€900) |
| Part-Time Jobs | Limited | More Opportunities |
| Visa Success Ratio | Higher (80–90%) | Lower (70–80%) |
| Post-Study PR Pathways | 5 years | 10 years |
| Lifestyle | Calm, Affordable | Vibrant, Multicultural |
Final Verdict
For Pakistani students in 2026, the choice depends on priorities:
- Choose Portugal if you want: lower tuition, affordable living, easier visa approval, and faster PR pathways.
- Choose Spain if you want: better job opportunities during studies, a lively student life, and world-famous universities.
Either way, both countries offer an affordable entry into Europe, high-quality education, and legal PR opportunities.
At EdWorkers Consultants, we guide Pakistani students step-by-step through admissions, scholarships, visa filing, and post-study opportunities in Portugal, Spain, and other Schengen countries.
📞 Contact EdWorkers Consultants:
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