Erasmus guide ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon in Lisbon, Portugal.
Study abroad at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon: overview
Study abroad at ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL) is a public Portuguese university founded in 1972, with approximately 10,000 students in social sciences, business, technology, and architecture. Useful proof points: 10,000 students; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; Business Administration and Management, Marketing, Sociology and Social Sciences. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
10,000 students
International Mix
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Business Administration and Management, Marketing, Sociology and Social Sciences and are willing to check language, seats and campus rules before choosing. In lisbon, housing and the daily route matter as much as reputation.
Language of instruction: Portuguese (primary); English-taught options growing in business and social sciences
Exchange & application at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon, rules can sit at faculty level, so do not promise yourself courses before they are validated.
✅Requirements
Candidates must be nominated by their home institution's international office. Typically requires a minimum GPA (around 3.0/4.0 or equivalent) and basic Portuguese or English language proficiency. Verify specifics with your home university.
📨Nomination Process
Your home institution nominates you directly. After confirmation, you receive the application link from the host university. Self-applications are not accepted.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | May 15 | June 15 |
| 2nd semester | October 15 | November 15 |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm enrollment and collect student card
- Register at local municipality (Junta de Freguesia) if staying > 3 months
- Register for courses via the academic portal
- Set up institutional email
- Attend international student orientation
- Get health card (Utente) at local health centre
Academics & courses at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
Academics combine ECTS credits, exam calendars and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, the real teaching language of each course and whether course lists can change before enrolment.
📝Course Registration
ISCTE Business School has the largest English-taught catalogue in Lisbon.
🎓Credit System
ECTS-based; 30 credits/semester.
💯Grading System
Portugal uses a 0–20 numerical scale. Pass mark is 10. Grades 14+ are considered good; 18–20 is distinction (Distinção/Louvor). Official transcript with ECTS grade equivalencies issued by the international office upon departure.
✍️Exam Culture
Written exams are the predominant assessment format. Most courses have a 'época normal' (main exam session) at end of semester and an 'época de recurso' (resit) shortly after. Attendance requirements vary by department — check the syllabus of each enrolled course.
📚Library Access
Library, learning platform and study spaces normally activate after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
For exchange, separate home tuition, local admin fees, insurance and living costs. Full-degree tuition is a different category and must be checked on the official fee page.
| 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 1,050–2,500/year | ISCTE public university: Licenciatura ~€1,050/year, Masters ~€1,600–2,500/year. Same rates for EU and non-EU. Business, social sciences and technology focus.… |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | Check official fee page | Full-degree fees depend on programme, credits and region; do not mix them with exchange status. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | Check official fee page | Non-EU/EEA students can face different programme rules; verify the official page. |
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 1,050–2,500/year
ISCTE public university: Licenciatura ~€1,050/year, Masters ~€1,600–2,500/year. Same rates for EU and non-EU. Business, social sciences and technology focus.…
Check official fee page
Full-degree fees depend on programme, credits and region; do not mix them with exchange status.
Check official fee page
Non-EU/EEA students can face different programme rules; verify the official page.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
Housing near ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Lisbon
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin mistakes from becoming blockers.
🛡️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 Counselling (ISCTE)
ISCTE-IUL Student Counselling Office (SAS/GAA): free individual counselling, workshops, and early prevention programs to support student wellbeing and academic success.
Support for Additional Needs (ISCTE)
ISCTE support for students with additional needs: disability accommodations, adapted exam conditions, and guidance for international exchange students.
Student Services Hub (ISCTE)
ISCTE Business School student services: academic resources, career support, campus life, and extracurricular activities for enrolled students.
Student life at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, ESN or faculty groups. Do not wait for the campus to do all the work; join repeated channels early.
Student Clubs
- ISCTE Consulting Junior
- ISCTE Finance Club
- ISCTE Dance
- CineClube
Buddy Program
ESN ISCTE buddy programme
Sports & Recreation
- ISCTE sports centre on campus
- Lisbon metropolitan sports leagues
Public Groups & Communities
ESN ISCTE - main onboarding for Erasmus at ISCTE.
AEISCTE - student association.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend ISCTE Welcome Week.
- Sign up for ESN ISCTE buddy programme.
- Apply for NIF; open bank account.
- Collect Navegante Jovem (Entrecampos is on metro and CP).
- Register for Portuguese language course (free for exchange students).
Key exchange dates at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
-
2
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
-
3
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.