A study by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation (Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos or FFMS) indicates that higher education in Portugal provides a strong financial return, with master's degree holders earning 40% to 49% more than those with only secondary education. However, the study highlights that families bear 30% of institutional funding costs, which is more than double the European Union average and acts as a significant barrier to access.
Higher education offers high returns despite family cost burden
Thursday, 14 May 2026AI summary
4 sources
- Families bear 30% of higher education costs, more than double the EU averagepublico.pt ·
- Going to university generates a “high return” in Portugal, but costs can be a “serious obstacle” to accessECO ·
- Higher education is cheap, but a heavy burden for familiesobservador.pt ·
- Higher education is cheaper in Portugal, but costs for families are highrtp.pt ·
