About
NOVA
As a public institution of higher education, NOVA has the mission to serve society through knowledge, locally and globally, by developing teaching and research of excellence that create significant social and economic value.
The fulfilment of its triple mission - Teaching, Research and Value Creation - requires:
- an academic environment that embraces equality, inclusion and free thinking to attract the best students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and into the most diverse fields of knowledge, enabling them to discover their potential and develop their individual talent, with a strong sense of active citizenship, democracy and justice;
- high-quality teaching with a strong international setting in all cycles of studies, student centered and delivered by leading academics who are able to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully develop a career anywhere in the world;
- a collaborative research within the University and with highly specialized and interdisciplinary strategic partner institutions of international relevance, aimed at creating innovative results with recognized academic impact and value potential;
- a knowledge-based and high-impact value creation activity, developed in collaboration with society and the economy, which promotes sustainable development at the economic, technological, cultural, social and health levels, not only across the nation, but also globally, with particular attention to the European and Portuguese speaking regions.
The emphasis on international and interdisciplinary collaboration in all areas of activity embodies NOVA’s vision of a university open to the world and committed to the challenges presented in the 21st century.
NOVA has a history of successful participation in mobility and international cooperation programs, leveraged by programs such as Erasmus, especially in countries of the European Union. These mobilities have been reinforced in recent years with the neighboring countries of the European Union, Africa, Latin America and Asia, as well as research and training actions.
NOVA is composed by five faculties, three institutes and a school, offering a diversified range of study cycles in all the domains of knowledge. NOVA's facts and figures, with information related to neighboring countries, research activities, academic and research staff, internationalization, rankings, exchange students and funding can be found here.
Academic recognition
DEGREE AND DIPLOMA RECOGNITION
The recognition in Portugal of higher education degrees and diplomas awarded by foreign higher education institutions is regulated, since January 1st 2019, by Decree-Law no. 66/2018 .
There are three types of recognition in Portugal:
AUTOMATIC RECOGNITION
What is it?
This form of recognition generically recognises a higher education foreign degree or diploma with identical level, objectives and nature to the Portuguese degrees of licenciado, mestre and doutor and the short cycle professional higher technical diplomas,that are included in the list of degrees and diplomas approved by the commission for the recognition of foreign degrees and diplomas.
To which Degrees/Diploma does this apply?
Verify aqui if it applies to your degree/diploma
Verify nesta table.
How and where can I request this recognition?
Online form
What documents are needed?
It should be attached to the online form:
- Copy of the Diploma or certificate issued by the foreign higher education institution,
- Proof document of the final average, as well as official information of the grading scale in which it was assigned and the passing grade (only If the conversion of the GPA to the Portuguese scale of classification is needed).
Cost?
40€ (without conversion of the final grade) or 60€ (with conversion of the final grade)
How long does it take?
A maximum of 30 days after the full completion of all necessary steps for the application and payment.
LEVEL RECOGNITION
What is it?
It is the act that allows to recognize by comparability, in an individualized way, a degree or diploma of foreign higher education as having a level corresponding to an academic degree or Portuguese higher education diploma.
How and where can I request this recognition?
Online form
What documents are needed?
It should be attached to the online form:
- Copy of the Diploma or certificate issued by the foreign higher education institution;
- Transcript of records with your Grade Point Average (GPA);
- Syllabus;
- Final work - Monography (Bachelor), Dissertion (Master) or Thesis (Ph.D) in pdf (if applicable);
Cost?
Level recognition without conversion of the final grade:
- Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral degree (obtained in EU countries): €268.00
- Bachelor's or Doctorate (obtained in non-EU countries): 650,00 €
- Master's degree (obtained in non-EU countries): 520,00 €
Level recognition with conversion of the final grade:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree (obtained in EU countries): 298.00 €
- Bachelor's degree (obtained in non-EU countries): 680,00 €
- Master's degree (obtained in non-EU countries): 550,00 €
How long does it take?
Maximum of 90 working days after full process instruction and payment.
SPECIFIC RECOGNITION
What is it?
It is the act that allows the recognition of a degree or diploma from a foreign higher education to be identical to a Portuguese academic degree or higher education diploma, through a casuistic analysis of the level, duration and programmatic content, in a certain area of formation, branch of knowledge or specialty.
How and where can I request this recognition?
Online form
What documents are needed?
It should be attached to the online form:
- Copy of the Diploma or certificate issued by the foreign higher education institution;
- Transcript of records with your Grade Point Average (GPA);
- Syllabus;
- Final work - Monography (Bachelor), Dissertion (Master) or Thesis (Ph.D) in pdf (if applicable);
Cost?
Specific recognition (with final grade assigned by the jury):
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees (obtained in EU countries): €268
- Bachelor's Degree and PhD (obtained in non-EU countries): 650€
- Master (obtained in non-EU countries): 520€
- Specific Recognition for medicine: 1.500,00 €
How long does it take?
Maximum of 90 working days after full process instruction and working.
REQUEST FOR CONVERSION OF THE FINAL GRADE, separately submitted
(Bachelor and Master): 60,00 €
NOVA fee table currently in force.
https://www.unl.pt/sites/default/files/deliberacao_702_2020_atualizacao_tabela_emolumentos.pdf
Note:
- If the documents are written in a foreign language other than Spanish, French and English, an official Portuguese translation must be submitted.
- DGES platform only allows you to upload files up to 8 MB If the file exceeds 8 MB, you must compress or split the file, using, for instance, the iLovePDF service for those actions.
Contacts:
Reitoria da Universidade Nova de Lisboa
UAA – Academic Affairs Unit
Campus de Campolide
1099-085 Lisboa
Telefone: 213715600
Opening hours: 10 am to 4:30 pm (working days)
Accomodation
NOVA's Social Welfare Services has three university residences, preferably for the use of Portuguese students and foreign students:
Applications
Applications comply with the Regulations for Application to Accommodation in NOVA's Halls Residence. Students can apply through online forms. The dates are set annually.
Facilities for students with special educational needs
NOVA's Social Welfare Services provide support to students with special educational needs, with the goal of promoting their autonomy and inclusion in the academic environment.
For more information, please visit SASNOVA website.
Accommodation Services Office
Phone: +351 213 715 600
E-mail: alojamento@unl.pt
Language courses
NOVA Language Institute
The NOVA Language Institute (ILNOVA) at NOVA School of Social and Human Sciences provides its services to undergraduate and postgraduate courses of NOVA, to the general public and to companies and executives. Above all, ILNOVA is proud of its highly qualified teaching staff with native speakers.
For further information, please visit ILNOVA.
Portuguese Language Courses for foreigners
NOVA School of Social and Human Sciences organises Portuguese Language Courses aimed at students that wish to learn and enhance their knowledge of the Portuguese language. The courses are also intended for Erasmus and Erasmus Mundus students.
The courses are organised in six learning levels, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and can be of six-month duration, summer or intensive courses.
Mobility students
International exchange programmes
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa offers to all its students a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere in a suitable environment, characterised by a high international profile and a close relationship among teachers and students.
The growing participation in several mobility programmes with Universities from all continents has been a driving factor of the internationalisation strategy of NOVA.
For more information about the several mobility exchange programmes in which NOVA is involved, please visit the International webpage.
Registration and enrolment
Exchange students should enrol as soon as possible. To do so, they should contact the International Mobility Office and the Department Coordinator at their Academic Unit/School.
After registration, they will receive a student card, which will entitle them to the same rights as any other Portuguese student: access to canteens, libraries, documentation centres and price reductions for books, among others.
National Health Service
Students from the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland are eligible to use the European Health Insurance Card, which will give them access to the Portuguese health system with the same rights of a national citizen. To benefit from the card’s advantages, the students should request it before coming to Portugal, in their country. Students coming from countries outside EEA should make sure that they have health insurance, before travelling and arriving to Portugal.
School insurance
All NOVA students, either Portuguese or in a mobility programme, benefit from school insurance, offered at enrolment. For more information, please contact the academic services of each Academic Unit/School.
This insurance is guaranteed to Erasmus students after enrolling in the International Mobility Office of the host Academic Unit. It is worth highlighting that, if an accident occurs, the student should immediately contact this Office.
For more information about this and other international mobility programmes, please contact:
International Mobility Office
Phone.: +351 213 845 207
E-mail: erasmus@unl.pt
Practical information
Scholarships
The NOVA Social Welfare Services (SASNOVA) grant scholarships and emergency help to students in need, in order for them to continue their studies. Scholarships are granted according to the procedure defined by the legislation in force, namely by the rules established by the Directorate-General of Higher Education.
For further information, please contact:
Financial Support and Scholarships Office
Phone: +351 213 715 600
E-mail: bolsas@unl.pt
Internships
The ERASMUS Programme promotes the mobility of students for a traineeship (work experience) at a company abroad. Given that, all the students enrolled in a full degree course or other recognized qualification level (up to the doctoral level) are eligible. Also recently graduated students can take part in an internship. They must be selected by their respective Faculty/Institute/School of NOVA during their final year of study and must attend and complete their internship abroad within one year from the conclusion of their respective degree.
In 2021 the NOVA Generação NOVA Scholarships were released , this new support consists in helping those with financial difficulties via donation in kind.
For more information on the Erasmus+ Programme, please contact:
International Mobility Unit
Phone: +351 213 845 207
E-mail: erasmus@unl.pt
Human Development Office
The Human Development Office aims to promote transversal competences of students from all Organic Units. It has three areas of action: prevention, mitigation, and knowledge dissemination. It is composed of several programmes (NOVA Volunteering; NOVA Tutoring; NOVA Mentoring; Wellbeing Happiness @NOVA) aimed at promoting the well-being and happiness of students through awareness and training in behavioural and human areas, workshops, individual and group coaching, volunteering, tutoring and mentoring. Support for students with specific educational needs and support for integration and adaptation to the University.
Human Development Office
E-mail: gdh@unl.pt
Childcare Service
It provides childcare support services to the academic community, in the areas of daycare and kindergarten, with facilities at the Faculty of Science and Technology.
The Childcare Service also promotes 3 activity workshops during school holidays (Easter, summer and Christmas) for the children of NOVA staff and other collaborators at the Campolide Campus.
Childcare Service
E-mail: apoioinfancia@unl.pt
Meals
SASNOVA has three canteens, with the respective snack bars and cafeterias, located at the university campuses. NOVA students have access to all these food services, as well as those in other higher education institutions in Lisbon: Universidade de Lisboa and Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa.
SASNOVA food services
- Rectorate Cafeteria;
- Campolide Canteen;
- NOVA School of Social and Human Sciences Canteen;
- NOVA School of Science and Technology Canteen.
SASNOVA canteens have diet menus and serve macrobiotic-type meals.The complete meal consists of main dish, soup, bread, drink and a dessert. The prices and closing periods practiced in canteens can be found here.
Food Services Office
Phone: +351 213 715 600
E-mail: alimentacao@unl.pt
Health
SASNOVA provides health services to students in order to contribute to their well-being. By prior appointment, students can have access to multiple specialty services.
In 2021, it was launched an on-line mental health support platform called The Bridge. It gives students the possibility of contacting experts via chat, reading informative contents and having access to mental health technicians.
For more information on appointments, prices and schedules, visit SASNOVA website or use the following contacts:
Health Office
Phone: +351 213 715 600
E-mail: saude@unl.pt
School insurance
Information about the school insurance is available in the Mobility Students section of this guide.
Facilities available to students
Libraries
NOVA has several Libraries and Documentation Centres scattered through the different Academic Units. The addresses can be found in the Practical Information section of each Academic Unit in this guide.
In addition to these, Lisbon offers a wide number of libraries where it can be found books and other educational material in several languages.
Sports
SASNOVA contributes to students’ well-being by increasing sports activities, promoting and encouraging all sports activities.
For further information, please visit Sports website or use the following contacts:
Sports Office
Phone: +351 213 715 600
E-mail: desporto@unl.pt
Culture and support to events
The Culture and Events Support Unit (UCAE) encourages the involvement of the NOVA and external community in the organisation of cultural events, at the interdisciplinary intersection of the University's scientific areas, building connections with research centres and through the development of partnerships and protocols with external entities to promote access to culture. Concerts and music festivals, exhibitions and cultural tours are some of the examples of what happens during each academic year. The University also has Tunas and Theatre Groups in its organic units, as well as the NOVA Choir.
Culture Office
Phone: +351 213 715 600
E-mail: cultura@unl.pt
Extracurricular activities
Each Academic Unit is responsible for the existing activities, which are organized by each of the students' unions.
The University also has academic music groups, theatre groups and a choir. For more information, please visit NOVA's culture webpage.
Students' unions
Six Academic Units of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa have students' unions. In addition to these, there is an Academic Federation. More information can be found by visiting the unions’ websites or by using the following contacts:
NOVA School of Science and Technology Students' Union
Quinta da Torre
2829-516 Caparica
Phone.: +351 212 949 678
E-mail: info@ae.fct.unl.pt
NOVA School of Social and Human Sciences Students' Union
Avenida de Berna, 26-C
1069-061 Lisboa
Phone.: +351 217 908 300
E-mail: ae@fcsh.unl.pt
Nova School of Business and Economics Students´ Union
Campus de Carcavelos
Rua da Holanda, n.º 1,
2775-405 Carcavelos
Phone.: +351 211 919 005
E-mail: geral.su@novasbe.pt
NOVA Medical School Students' Union
Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, n.º 130
1169-056 Lisboa
Phone.: +351 218 803 095
E-mail: aefcml@fcm.unl.pt
NOVA Law School Students' Union
Campus de Campolide
Travessa Estêvão Pinto
1099-032 Lisboa
Phone.: +351 213 847 400
E-mail: presidencia@ae.fd.unl.pt
NOVA Information Management School Students' Union
Campus de Campolide
Travessa Estêvão Pinto
1099-032 Lisboa
Phone.: +351 218 828 610
E-mail: geral@novaimssu.pt
Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Students' Union
Av. Padre Cruz
1600-560 Lisboa
Phone.: +351 964 300 131
E-mail: direcao.aeensp-nova@ensp.unl.pt
Other practical information
There are several study spaces for students in Lisbon:
1. Sala de Leitura, Belém
The Reading Room of the Belém Cultural Centre is located on the 1st floor. It has a general bibliographic collection, with a focus on Literature and Visual Arts, for those who need to consult some books between studies. There are 40 seats for reading and studying, four computers with internet access and a newspaper reading area - this one is free to access. To access Sala de Leitura you will need to enrol and obtain a reader's card in advance, free of charge and valid for one year.
2. Orlando Ribeiro Municipal Library, Lumiar
It is part of the Lisbon library network and is located in Telheiras, to provide the neighbourhood with a space to promote reading for all ages. The space has all the services of a library, with its own quiet place to study without distractions and with computers if you need support. The library also has a music library, for specialised support in the field of music, especially in everything related to Portuguese music.
3. Gulbenkian, São Sebastião
We've lost count of the times we've seen people lying in the Gulbenkian gardens reading. This makes us believe that these gardens are one of the most conducive to such activity, with several quiet corners where you can stay and prevent some ducks from biting your book leaves. If you prefer something more serious, the Gulbenkian Art Library is also available, although it is restricted to students and professionals and requires a reader's card.
4. Alcântara Library, Alcântara
Housed in the former Palacete dos Condes de Burnay, it has been open to the public since 2020. It is the third largest in the city's network of public libraries, an intervention that was carried out by architect Margarida Grácio Nunes. With five floors (the last one overlooking the neighbourhood and the Tagus), the library has a shop, a multipurpose room, a space for families, a gallery and a garden where a fountain that continues to drink from the Ribeira de Alcântara has been maintained.
5. Caleidoscópio, Campo Grande/Entrecampos/Alvalade centre
It was once a tourism office, a cinema and a shopping centre. Caleidoscópio is now a study centre of the Universidade de Lisboa, a space already well known by many students. It is located in the Campo Grande garden, on the top floor of McDonalds. Under normal circumstances, it is open 24 hours a day, every day, and has 175 seats, free WiFi and printing equipment. On weekends and public holidays, it is open between 08.00 and 06.00. The space is open to the entire university community, upon presentation of the student card.