Pre-University Semester - Frequentely Asked Questions (FAQ)

The NOVA Pre-University Semester provides preparation for higher education at a top European University.

After the Semester, students can apply for a bachelor degree or an integrated master's degree in NOVA in accordance with the regulations in force.

Students from outside the European Union:

Students from outside the European Union can apply for a university course in Portugal through special conditions defined in the International Student Statute. Please note that application requirements and deadlines vary between NOVA Faculties.

Learn more about applying for an undergraduate degree or an integrated master's with NOVA through the International Student Statute.

See also the frequently asked question: "Bachelor/Integrated Masters at NOVA after the Pre-University Semester".

Students of the European Union:

Portuguese or other European Union students must apply for Portuguese higher education in the scope of the National Access Contest and in accordance with the conditions and deadlines defined by the General Directorate of Higher Education.

More information for Portuguese candidates / More information for other European Union candidates

Documents required

A non-EU foreign student who intends to join NOVA must:

a) Have a valid passport, valid for at least three months for the duration of the intended stay;

b) Have a valid and suitable visa for the intended purpose, if necessary. The visa must always be requested in a diplomatic mission or Portuguese Consular Office abroad.

Residence Visa

The Study Residence Visa is granted to obtain a residence permit for the purposes indicated. The non-EU foreign student must:

• Have a travel document whose validity covers at least the expected duration of the stay;
• In the case of being a minor under the national legislation, authorization by the person who exercises the paternal power for the intended stay;
• It is only possible to obtain the study visa by presenting the following documents:

- Application in own model;

- Valid travel document (more than three months after the validity of the visa);

- Three passport photos;

- Criminal record;

- Medical certificate or health insurance;

- Proof of the conditions of accommodation in Portugal;

- Proof of the existence of means of subsistence in Portugal;

- Proof of Registration or Letter of Acceptance issued by NOVA University.

A student can only enroll in the NOVA if, before leaving his country, he/she has obtained the Resident Visa for Study, whatever the duration of the study period. We remind you of the need to send the application in advance, in relation to the indicated deadlines, since obtaining the Study Visa can take up to 60 days after the application is submitted.

Residence Authorization

The Residency Visa for Study is valid for a period of 120 days (about 4 months). Upon arrival in Portugal, students should contact the SEF - Foreigners and Borders Service to schedule a meeting to obtain the Residence Authorization.

The Residence Permit is valid for one year. The renewal of this document must be made 30 days before its expiration date, by marking a new meeting with SEF - Foreigners and Borders Service.

This information does not replace the consultation with the SEF - Foreigners and Borders Service

Useful Contacts

High Commission for Migration: informacoes@acidi.gov.pt

SOS Immigrant Line: 808 257 257

SEF Contact Centers

Students should try to arrive in Portugal during the day and preferably during the working week, as it will be easier to contact someone if there is a need for help, namely in the NOVA International Development Office. Students should be accompanied by a vaccination report.

Some of the Schools of NOVA will guarantee the acceptance of Pre-University Semester students in their degree programmes provided they are successful in the semester. 

Access conditions vary for each school (see below Bachelor/Integrated Masters at NOVA after the Pre-University Semester)

Some Pre-University Semester courses can be credited in a subsequent bachelor or integrated masters. The credits vary for each School of NOVA (see below Bachelor/Integrated Masters at NOVA after the Pre-University Semester).

The Pre-University Semester does not grant direct access to bachelors or integrated masters at NOVA. Some of the Schools of NOVA will guarantee the acceptance of Pre-University Semester students in their degree programmes provided they approve the semester. 

Know more about how to apply to a bachelor or integrated masters at NOVA as an international student directly to the School.

Some credits of the courses done within the Pre-University Semester may be accounted for in the bachelor or integrated masters according to the rules defined by each school of NOVA.

This programme does not affect the autonomy of the different Schools at NOVA while recruiting their foreign students. Completion of the Pre-University Semester is not necessary for a student to be accepted by any School at NOVA, and the admission of a well-succeeded student during that semester only depends on the criteria established by each of these teaching units.  The criteria apply only to those students that qualify under the International Student Special Status, all others must apply through the National Contest Access.

After successfully completing the Pre-University Semester students can apply to the following undergraduate and integrated masters according to the conditions defined by each school. 

NOVA School of Science and Technology:

• Cell and Molecular Biology;
• Biochemistry ;
• Conservation Restoration;
• Geological Engineering
• Matemathics
• Applied Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Micro and Nanotechnology Engineering
• Environmental Engineering;
• Industrial Engineering and Management;
• Electrical and Computer Engineering;
• Physics Engineering;
• Computer Science;
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.

NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities:

• Anthropology;
• Archaeology;
• Political Science and International Relations;
• Communication Sciences;
• Language Sciences;
• Musicology;
• Portuguese Studies;
• Philosophy;
• Geography and Regional Planning;
• History;
• History of Art;
• Languages, Literatures and Cultures;
• Sociology (daytime);
• Sociology (After-work schedule);
• Translation.

NOVA School of Business and Economics:

• Economics;
• Management.

NOVA School of Law:

• Law.

NOVA Information Management School:

• Information Management;
• Information Systems.

NOVA Medical School:

• Nutrition Sciences

International Student Special Status

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