Pre-University Semester

The Pre-University Semester may be followed in two different periods of the year:

• From February to June (applications from August to October);
  or
• From September to January (applications from March to May).

The programme is constituted by a set of courses from five different Schools at NOVA. Each student must select three courses from at least two different Schools. Beyond these courses it is compulsory to attend to the following components:

• Reading Clubs, available in Portuguese and English, candidates can choose according to their fluency of the language; and
• Compulsory English language course, except for candidates who can certify sufficient fluency (1 hour per day); or
• Compulsory Portuguese language course, except for candidates who can certify sufficient fluency (1 hour per day).

PT = offered in Portuguese; EN = offered in English

The courses vary each semester.

* This course should be sufficient to prepare candidates for a traditional Calculus class given during the first academic year. This course is taught in English and is compulsory for students that wish to study at FCT NOVA, Nova SBE or NOVA IMS after the semester.

At the end of the semester, well-succeeded candidates may apply to a regular Bachelor programme in one of NOVA Schools under the International Student Special Status.

Candidates to the Pre-University Semester must satisfy the following requirements:

• Holding a High School diploma or a document attesting the completion of High School including transcript of records with a full list of courses and corresponding grades.
• A minimum level of A2 in at least one of these languages – Portuguese or English
  

  Equivalent fluency at European level A2 means that the student must be able to understand isolated phrases and frequent expressions related to areas of immediate priority, exchange simple and direct information on familiar subjects and can describe in a simple way his or her training and the surroundings.

  Upon successful completion of the language course, the student will reach level B1, which will allow him/her to read, write and read fluently in order to follow a course and produce material corresponding to the course.

Photo: Tram from Lisbon

• Application fee: €70 (Not Refundable)
• Enrollment fee: €300 (Upon acceptance)
• Pre-University Semester fee:  €2.700 (After visa approval and before classes start)

Photo: Lisbon, Tagus River

Application Period     

The applications to the Pre-University Semester are open in the following periods:

• From August to October, for candidates willing to attend the semester from February to June;
• From March to May, for candidates willing to attend the semester from September to January.

Application Process 

Step 1: Online Application

The application is done through an online form and requires the upload of the following documents:

• Motivation letter stating why you are interested in completing the semester and / or what is your reason for wanting to study an undergraduate degree after the successful completion of this semester;
• Recomendation letter (optional);
• Document attesting the completion of High School including transcript of records with a full list of courses and corresponding grades. In case of not having finished High School at the time of application, the candidate must submit the transcript of records of all the courses completed by that time including the respective grades *;
• Passport copy;
• Document certifying language level (Englsh and/or Portuguese);
• Document proving the payment of the application fee. After submitting the online application, the candidate will receive an email from the International Relations Office acknowledging receipt of documents and providing instructions for enrollment fee payment.

* Students who are still finishing High School by the time of application must submit the Diploma that proves they finished High School (or legally equivalent document) until the end of the first month of classes of the Pre-University Semester. 

Step 2: Interview

The Admissions Committee is constituted by one faculty member from each of the NOVA schools and is coordinated by the Vice-Rector for International Development. Applicants may be invited for an interview by the Admissions Committee to examine the information provided in the application and evaluate if the applicant is suitable for the program. Interviews will be done vía Skype.

Step 3: Admission

After reviewing all application requirements, the Admissions Committee will make its final decision and inform applicants by e-mail. All applicants are responsible to check their e-mail accounts regularly (including spam and junk folders). If accepted, applicants must confirm their participation in the programme by paying the programme fee. In case they do not confirm, the spot may be given to another candidate in waiting list.

Step 4: Enrollment 

Once the participation in the programme is confirmed, students will be contacted by NOVA with instructions for the next steps, including information on course enrollment.

Photo: NOVA student participating in a Surf University Championship

International Development Office
Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rectorate

Phone: +351 210 496 451

E-mail: nova.semester@unl.pt