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.
Snapshot
Lisbon's specialised university for business, social sciences, and technology: compact single-campus, highly international, AMBA-AACSB-EQUIS triple-accredited business school.
Why students shortlist it
Urban Lisbon university focused on business, social sciences, technology and public policy, with a compact campus and practical Erasmus setup. Strong fit for students who want Lisbon city life plus management or social-science coursework.
Teaching languages: Portuguese (primary); English-taught options growing in business and social sciences
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. 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.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| May 15 | June 15 | |
| 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
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.
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 1,050–2,500/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.… |
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.…
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 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
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 & Erasmus 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 Dates
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.
Orientation & welcome week
Late August / Early September (autumn) or Late January / Early February (spring)
Mandatory for international students; ESN, buddy programmes, and admin all start here.
Final exam periods
January (autumn semester) and June (spring semester)
Resit/retake windows usually in late August. Book travel only after exam dates publish.