Shocking Study Reveals Half of University Students in Portugal Live Without Rental Contracts

Half of Students Lack Rental Contracts

According to a national study, half of university students in Portugal live in rooms without formal rental agreements, leaving them unable to access financial aid. This study, focusing on students in the greater Lisbon and Porto areas, highlights the financial burden these students face, averaging around €1,000 monthly expenses to study.

A staggering 48% of displaced students reported having no formal lease, while 51% indicated that landlords do not provide rental receipts. This lack of documentation prevents them from applying for housing supplements, putting them in a vulnerable situation.

Monthly Living Costs

On average, students pay between €200 and €400 monthly for rent, with some spending up to €600. The researcher Maria José Sá noted that very few students manage to secure affordable spots in university dorms, which are inadequate to meet demand. Currently, only 3% of applicants for university housing secure a place, forcing many to endure exorbitant rental costs.

Additional Expenses

Beyond rent, students also face food costs ranging from €50 to €110, with some spending over €170, particularly international students. Transport costs are minimal due to proximity to educational institutions, but bills for utilities and internet can push total monthly expenses close to €1,000.

Financial Dependence

The study reveals that 66.5% of students rely on family support for their education, with scholarships being the second most significant source of funding, which is deemed insufficient. The lack of rental receipts from landlords further complicates their financial situation, as many cannot access housing supplements.

Recommendations for Improvement

Researchers advocate for faster university housing programs to provide more affordable rooms and recommend increasing scholarship amounts and revising eligibility criteria. They also call for greater state funding for higher education institutions and direct financial support to students.

This study reflects the situation in the Lisbon and Porto regions, where most higher education institutions are located, suggesting that conditions may differ elsewhere in the country.