Lisbon
Startup Europe's most affordable gateway
Lisbon has become one of Europe's top startup hubs - affordable, English-friendly, and genuinely exciting. Schengen visa required but the process is well-established for SA students.
SA passport visa requirements
Schengen C or D Visa via Portuguese Consulate in SA. EUR 90 fee (~R1,800). 4-8 weeks processing. Full guidance included in Full Service.
What a typical day in Lisbon looks like
Create a free account to access detailed day-in-the-life guides for Lisbon, Portugal and every other destination.
See full day guideAvailable fields and positions
Marketing
Positions available in marketing across 300+ verified partner companies.
Sustainability
Positions available in sustainability across 300+ verified partner companies.
Hospitality
Positions available in hospitality across 300+ verified partner companies.
Creative
Positions available in creative across 300+ verified partner companies.
NGO
Positions available in ngo across 300+ verified partner companies.
Tech
Positions available in tech across 300+ verified partner companies.
Living costs in Lisbon in ZAR
Compared to Johannesburg, to give you a realistic sense of what to budget.
Funding your Lisbon internship
Erasmus+ ICM
If Lisbon, Portugal is in Europe and your SA university has an ICM agreement, you may qualify for EUR 800/month. Ask your International Office.
University Bursaries
UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP, and UJ all have limited international experience funds. Apply through your Faculty International Coordinator.
Private Foundations
Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, Mandela Rhodes Foundation, and Allan Gray Orbis Foundation support international experience for qualifying students.
Common questions about Lisbon
Schengen C or D Visa via Portuguese Consulate in SA. EUR 90 fee (~R1,800). 4-8 weeks processing. Full guidance included in Full Service.
A realistic monthly budget is R11,000 to R17,000. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and basic social activities. Your free account includes a detailed ZAR budget calculator for Lisbon.
In most cases, yes. We provide formal documentation, learning agreements, and supervisor reports for SA universities including UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP, UJ, and others. Share your faculty's specific requirements and we will confirm compatibility.
Full Service students have a local mentor who handles your onboarding, introduces you at your workplace, and runs weekly check-ins. You also have access to our 24/7 emergency support line. You are never figuring it out alone.
Ready to make Lisbon happen?
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