Glossary

licenciatura

Published 5 November 2026, 22:39
licenciatura — first-cycle higher education degree

The Portuguese first-cycle degree, usually lasting three years and worth 180 ECTS credits; the closest English equivalent is a bachelor's degree. It is followed by the mestrado (master's degree) and the doutoramento.

Where you come across it. University admission, job requirements, recognition of a foreign degree.
For some professions a licenciatura alone is not enough and a mestrado is required. A foreign degree does not automatically count as a licenciatura: it first has to be recognised in Portugal.
Official website: dges.gov.pt