In 2026, Portuguese universities are offering dozens of summer programmes, ranging from veterinary work on farms to artificial intelligence and astrophysics. For school students, these initiatives provide an opportunity to explore potential career paths and improve their language skills, whether in Portuguese or English, as some programmes are taught entirely in English. Below are several options that may still be accepting applications in theory — although places could already be filled, so it is worth applying as soon as possible.

Universidade Júnior (University of Porto)
The country’s largest summer programme. Topics range from the mysteries of Ancient Egypt to hands-on scientific research in university laboratories for older students. New activities this year include “Unfiltered Me” for seventh graders, focusing on body awareness and well-being, and “The 100-Year Mystery”, an investigation into a puzzle left behind by the university’s renowned naturalist and professor Augusto Nobre.

Dates: Throughout July.
Eligibility: Students from 5th to 11th grade.
Applications: Opened on 25 May.

Verão no Campus (University of Minho)
Held in Braga and Guimarães, the programme features practical workshops in law, engineering and the natural sciences. Participants are guided throughout by professors, researchers and university students known as “UMinho padrinhos” (mentors).

Dates: 20–24 July 2026.
Eligibility: Teenagers aged 14 to 18.
Applications: 4–11 May 2026.

UAlg Summer Courses (University of Algarve)
An ideal combination of study and leisure in southern Portugal, with classes in the morning and recreational activities in the afternoon. Areas of study include design, psychology, tourism, healthcare and technology.

Dates: 29 June – 10 July 2026.
Applications: Online from 21 April to 10 June.

Astronomy Summer School (Instituto Superior Técnico)
The EVA Astronomy Summer School is a week-long programme for secondary school students organised by students of Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon.
Each summer, around 30 participants from across Portugal come together to immerse themselves in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology through telescope observations, experiments, visits to a planetarium and mentoring sessions with university students.
The programme, now in its seventh edition, remains free of charge by design.

Dates: 31 August – 4 September 2026.
Bonus: Free meals for all participants and accommodation for those travelling from outside Lisbon.
For university students: ECTS credits and international experience opportunities.

Summer School Lisbon (ISCTE Business School)
Intensive courses that award up to six ECTS credits, helping students reduce the workload of their regular degree programmes.

Dates: Two-week modules throughout June and July.

Supernova Summer School (NOVA University Lisbon)
Set on a seaside campus, this programme is conducted entirely in English. It focuses on business, entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence, complemented by surfing lessons and a cultural programme.

Dates: 6–18 July 2026.
Additional benefits: Free options and practical advice on funding opportunities.

Academia Politécnico Lx (Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon)
A free initiative in Lisbon designed to introduce participants to fields such as the arts, healthcare and engineering.