Erasmus guide NOVA University Lisbon
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at NOVA University Lisbon in Lisbon, Portugal.
Snapshot
Portugal's most internationally ranked university: strong in economics, management, law, public health, and engineering — with one of the country's most English-taught programmes.
Why students shortlist it
Lisbon's modern research university, home to NOVA SBE — one of Europe's top business schools — as well as strong faculties in law, sciences, and social sciences. The Carcavelos beach campus is genuinely unique.
Teaching languages: Portuguese (primary for most schools); English primary at NOVA SBE Carcavelos campus
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Candidates must be nominated by their home institution's international office. A minimum GPA of around 3.0/4.0 or equivalent is typically required. English B2 or Portuguese B1 depending on course selection. Verify specifics with your home university.
Nomination Process
Your home institution nominates you directly via bilateral agreement. After nomination, the host school sends the application package. Self-applications not accepted.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| May 15 | June 15 | |
| October 30 | November 30 |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm enrollment and collect your student card at the school's international office.
- Register at local municipality (Junta de Freguesia) if staying over 3 months.
- Register for courses via the online academic portal.
- Set up institutional email and intranet access.
- Attend mandatory orientation at your NOVA school.
- Apply for NIF at Finanças and open a Portuguese bank account.
Academics
Course Registration
NOVA SBE has a highly international English catalogue; NOVA IMS is data-science heavy; FCT NOVA is engineering with more Portuguese.
Credit System
ECTS-based; 30 credits/semester.
Grading System
Portugal uses a 0–20 scale. Pass mark is 10. Grades 14+ are considered good; 18–20 is distinction. ECTS grade equivalencies on official transcript issued by the international office.
Exam Culture
NOVA's nine schools each set rules: NOVA SBE Carcavelos uses heavy continuous assessment (50–70% from cases, group work, mid-terms) plus a final; FCT NOVA follows classic engineering structure with final exams weighted 70–100%; NOVA Law uses written exams and oral defences. Mandatory attendance varies by school but 75% minimum is common. Recurso (resit) in February and July for failed modules.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 25–50) | Portuguese universities waive exchange tuition under Erasmus or bilateral agreements. Administrative fees €25–50 plus mandatory student insurance (~€15–30/ye… |
| Full degree – international | EUR 1,050–14,000/year (faculty-dependent) | NOVA varies hugely: NOVA FCSH/IEM (humanities) ~€1,050/year. NOVA SBE (business school, private): €7,000–14,000/year. NOVA Medical ~€5,000–7,000. NOVA FCT (s… |
EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 25–50)
Portuguese universities waive exchange tuition under Erasmus or bilateral agreements. Administrative fees €25–50 plus mandatory student insurance (~€15–30/ye…
EUR 1,050–14,000/year (faculty-dependent)
NOVA varies hugely: NOVA FCSH/IEM (humanities) ~€1,050/year. NOVA SBE (business school, private): €7,000–14,000/year. NOVA Medical ~€5,000–7,000. NOVA FCT (s…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
EHIC (EU)
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Private student plans €25-40/month
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
Student Life (Nova)
Nova University Lisbon student life portal: sports, culture, entrepreneurship events, leisure activities, and campus life resources for all enrolled students.
Psychological Support (Nova FCT)
Nova FCT Psychological Support and Vocational Counselling Office: psychological and vocational counselling for students, mental health initiatives, and wellbeing programmes.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- NOVA Investment Club
- NOVA Consulting Club
- Debate Society
- SBE Finance Club
Buddy Program
ESN NOVA Lisboa buddy system
Sports & Recreation
- NOVA SBE beach volleyball and surfing in Carcavelos
- FCT NOVA sports in Caparica
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN NOVA Lisboa - main Erasmus onboarding.
NOVA SBE Students' Association - highly active in Carcavelos campus life.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Identify your specific NOVA school - 9 separate campuses.
- Attend Welcome Week at your school.
- Join ESN NOVA.
- Apply for NIF; open Portuguese bank account.
- Get Navegante Jovem (Carcavelos line included).
Key Dates
Fall/full-year nomination & application
Nomination by May 15; application by June 15
Check NOVA incoming pages after home institution nominates.
Spring nomination & application
Nomination by October 30; application by November 30
Confirm intake timing with home institution international office.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.