Portugal features an excellent climate and a diversity of landscapes from green mountains to miles of beaches dotted with royal castles where Portuguese kings spent their summers. Lisbon also has a rich and colorful seafaring heritage. Discover the old-fashioned charm of its cobblestone streets and quaint museums, and the lively nightlife of its clubs and restaurants.
Languages Spoken:
Portuguese
Education System
HIGHER EDUCATION OVERVIEW
There are two types of higher education institutions in Portugal: universities, which can be public or private, as well as many polytechnic institutes. Universities are more research-focused, offering degrees in fields such as medicine, law and sciences whereas polytechnic institutes issue more vocationally-oriented degrees such as nursing, bookkeeping or primary school teaching. Certain degrees in the fields of engineering, education or humanities are offered at both. Public universities tend to be the most selective of the three kinds of institutions.
Polytechnic and university institutions both offer licentiate (licenciaturas) and master's degrees (mestrados or mestrados integrados), in addition to doctorates (doutoramentos) at universities.
Admission to higher education is competitve in Portugal, and requires a high school degree plus scores on national entrance exams. Those over the age of 23 years old, regardless of whether they hold a secondary school credential, can apply for higher education by completing the Exame Extraordinário de Avaliação de Capacidade para Acesso ao Ensino Superior.
STUDYING IN PORTUGAL
Courses
Portuguese students are admitted to a determined major at the time they enter the university and must follow a specific curriculum for each year. As an ISEP participant, however, you will be able to take courses from different faculties and at different levels. Nevertheless, you should seek to take courses in one faculty if at all possible. Typically, the layout of Portuguese universities is decentralized, and faculties are located throughout the city. If you enroll in courses in different faculties, you may find that you have to cross town to go from one class to another. One word of caution: make sure that you have sufficient background for a course in which you register, especially if it is a required course for a third-, fourth- or fifth-year student.
Registration
Registration may take place during an on-campus orientation, though be sure to check with your host institution coordinator to be sure no preparation should be done ahead of time.
Course Load
An average course load at the Universidade Lusófona is five classes per term, spending around 25 hours per week in the classroom. The duration for terms is 15 weeks.
Exams & Grading
The university system has a strong theoretical basis and is highly research-oriented while the polytechnic system provides a more practical training and is profession-oriented. Grading is usually on a 20-point scale, with 20 being Excellent and zero considered failing. Ten is usually marked as the pass-fail point. Many classes follow a lecture style of teaching and are less discussion based. However, some lab courses offer a great amount of interaction with the professor.
Depending on the type of classes you take, you will generally have tests and papers with a final exam at the end of the course. Form and organization are important in presenting written work. Check with a Portuguese student about correct form so that your assignments will be properly presented.
Exams are typically given at the end of the semester and will include materials covered in class throughout the semester. It is important to keep up with your coursework, as it's difficult to "cram" a semester's worth of studying into the period before the exam. Exams may be oral or written, and the format will vary from class to class.
Transcripts
You will have to complete a transcript request to have your transcripts sent to ISEP for forwarding to your home institution. Check with your host institution coordinator for procedures.
Visa and Residency
GENERAL INFORMATION
Students must obtain a student visa prior to departing for Portugal. Students will apply for a student visa directly through the corresponding Portuguese Consulate OR VFS Global Office. Please see the list below to verify which consulate serves your home jurisdiction or your home university’s jurisdiction.
Visa Application
Below is a list of documents typically required for a student visa application listed on VFS Global’s website. Please be sure to double-check for additional requirements and contact your local consulate for the most updated visa forms.
- Official E-visa application form. PDF copy found here.
- Passport or other travel document, valid for an additional 6 months following the duration of the intended stay;[MOU1]
- Two identical passport photographs, up-to-date and in good condition, allowing proper identification;
- Transport document (return plane ticket)
- Valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, including emergency assistance and repatriation (this is your ISEP Insurance)
- Form authorizing access to Portuguese criminal record by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF); PDF FORM
- Criminal record from country of origin or country of residency for over one year (this is an FBI Background check for U.S. students)
- Proof of means of subsistence, as stipulated by law (this is your ISEP Letter of Certification and a Bank Statement)
- Document issued by the institution and document certifying Enrollment (this is your official acceptance letter from UCP)
- $95.06 visa fee (amount subject to change), $40.14 VFS service fee, any additional premium courier fees
You will also need to submit a postage paid return envelope for your passport and visa to be returned to you. It is highly recommended to use a mail service with a tracking feature.
Students may be required to attend an in-person appointment to submit their application with VFS or the Portuguese consulate that serves their home university or state residency jurisdiction. Please confirm this with your consulate. If required, students should schedule a visa appointment with the consulate as soon as they receive their ISEP acceptance package for a date that is no more than 180 and no fewer than 60 days prior to their program's official arrival date. Students will book the in-person visa appointment online. Visa processing times typically take 60 days but can vary. If the consulate requires an in-person appointment to submit the application, students will be required to return in-person to pick up the visa. For those who mail in their Visa, if you do not receive your visa within 30 days or less, you should start tracking the return envelope to see if it has been sent or not. If it has not been sent, begin contacting the consulate to check on the visa status.
All consulates require a criminal record check from the student's country of origin. For U.S. students, this is an FBI background check. U.S. students are strongly advised to submit an Electronic Departmental Order (eOD) for their FBI Identity History Summary. EOD's significantly decreases the processing time from 12+ weeks to a few business days.
Visa Application Steps Overview:
1. Begin FBI Background Check request as this process can take 6 weeks or more.
2. Check on your consulate of jurisdiction and schedule an appointment with the consulate or with VFS Global (see list of Portuguese Consulates in the U.S. and respective jurisdiction below) Your jurisdiction can be based on where you live (parent’s address) or where you study (school address), whichever is closer to where you think you will be when your Visa interview appointment occurs.
3. Prior to the appointment or mail-in, review and collect all required documentation. Be sure to check your respective consulate to confirm the exact required documents, number of necessary copies, etc.
4. Submit documentation.
5. Follow up with consulate as necessary.
List of Portuguese Consulates in the U.S.:
Washington D.C., New York or San Francisco: If live in or study in the jurisdiction of Washington D.C., New York, or San Francisco, you must apply for your visa through VFS Global. See VFS Global’s Step-By-Step guide for applying for a visa.
VFS Global Washington DC
Phone: +1 305 704 2172
Website: https://www.vfsglobal.com/Portugal/USA/
E- mail: [email protected]
AREAS OF JURISDICTION: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, District of Columbia.
VFS Global New York
Phone: +1 305 704 2172
Website: https://www.vfsglobal.com/Portugal/USA/
E- mail: [email protected]
AREAS OF JURISDICTION: States of: Connecticut, Michigan and New York Territories of American Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Rico
VFS Global San Francisco
Phone: +1 305 704 2172
Website: https://www.vfsglobal.com/Portugal/USA/
E- mail: [email protected]
AREAS OF JURISDICTION: States of: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming
All applications to VFS San Francisco may be submitted by mail, with no appointment needed. Please review the Guidelines for Student Visa Application from the Consulate General of Portugal in San Francisco for specific instructions.
If you are dealing with any of the following Portuguese Consulates (Newark, Boston, New Bedford), this is the process:
The 1st step is to schedule your in-person interview at the required Portuguese consulate based on EITHER your permanent address jurisdiction, OR your school address, if that is closer to where you will be at the time of your visa interview. We suggest you make this appointment NOW, even before you have all your necessary documents ready, because the lead time for scheduling an interview can be several weeks, depending on the consulate. Make sure you bring all the documentation required for your face-to-face visa interview.
The type of visa you are applying for is a P_o_r_t_u_g_u_e_s_e_ _N_a_t_i_o_n_a_l_ _V_i_s_a_,_ _c_a_l_l_e_d_ _“T_e_m_p_o_r_a_r_y_ _S_t_a_y_ _V_i_s_a_” _f_o_r_ _S_t_u_d_y_ _f_o_r_ _p_e_r_i_o_d_s_ _of over 3 months.
Newark
This Consulate does everything by email and does NOT USE VFS!
*Please confirm with the consulate that they can receive an FBI background check from an approved Channeler.
By appointment only
Chancery: The Legal Center at One Riverfront Plaza, Suite 40
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Phone(1): 973 643 4200
Phone(2): 973 643 2156/58
Website: https://newark.consuladoportugal.mne.gov.pt/en/
E- mail: [email protected]
AREAS OF JURISDICTION: States of: Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Boston
*Please confirm with the consulate that they can receive an FBI background check from an approved Channeler.
Note: Request your FBI criminal background check as early as possible. This process is the most time-consuming and can be delayed if the quality of your fingerprint scan is not up to FBI standards. We recommend using an approved channeling service (myfbireport.com, for example) if you can afford to do so. You will need to have your FBI background check in hand by the time of your Portuguese Consulate/Embassy interview.
One more note re: criminal background checks: If you don't go through a channeler: Get your fingerprints taken). U.S. citizens should also be able to get their fingerprints captured and submitted electronically at a National Background Information Preferred Live Scan Location. If a preferred Live Scan location is not located near you, most local law enforcement agencies – _police, sheriff offices and campus security departments – _will "capture" your fingerprints for a small fee. These locations will help you locate a fingerprinting site nearby https://www.nbinformation.com/locations/index.php. Be sure your prints are taken using an FBI approved card, such as the standard FBI Fingerprint Form (FD-258).
Chancery: 31 St. James Ave., 3rd Floor – Suite 350
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Phone: 617 536 8740
Website: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/type-of-visa
E- mail: [email protected]
AREAS OF JURISDICTION: States of: Maine, Massachusetts (except the area covered by New Bedford), New Hampshire and Vermont
NEW BEDFORD
*Please confirm with the consulate that they can receive an FBI background check from an approved Channeler. The Consulate recommends presenting a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information from the state of Massachusetts if you are still waiting for your FBI record check. Please reach out to the consulate for more details.)
Chancery: 628 Pleasant Street, Room 204
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Phone(1): 508 993 5741
Phone(2): 508 997 6151
Website: https://newbedford.consuladoportugal.mne.gov.pt/en/consular-matters/visa
E- mail: [email protected]
AREAS OF JURISDICTION: States of: Rhode Island and Massachusetts (see counties and cities below)
- Counties of: Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket and Plymouth
- Cities of: Acushnet, Dartmouth, New Bedford and Fall River
IMPORTANT NOTE: The visa process steps, fees, and regulations may be changed by VFS and the Portuguese Consulates at any time. ISEP does not have any control over Portuguese consular procedures, and as explained above, requirements vary greatly between consulates. For this reason, you should always follow the information regarding visas on your local consulate and VFS website. ISEP will provide advice based upon past experiences working with participants, but please be aware that each situation is unique, and immigration rules are constantly evolving. The ultimate authority on the visa process will be representatives of the consulate for your jurisdiction.
More Information:
- Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Types of visas: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/type-of-visa
- Visa Application Form: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/formulario_visto_nacional_en.pdf
- VFS Global – What Happens at the Visa Application Centre: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/prt/attend-centre/what-happens-at-centre
A Note Regarding the Schengen Area
Portugal is a member of the Schengen area. Students should review the important regulations that dictate travel and visas within the Schengen area.
Culture
Cultural Adjustment
At first, you might be tempted to cling to other international students. While it is comforting to depend on other foreigners as friends, you will limit your Portuguese experience. Try to make a sincere effort to meet and get to know Portuguese people. You will find that people are genuinely warm.
One way to get to know Portuguese people is to arrange an intercambio in which you exchange one hour of Portuguese conversation for one hour of English conversation. Many students in Portuguese wish to improve their English and are eager to participate in such exchanges. Even if your Portuguese does not need the practice, it is a good way to meet and get to make a Portuguese friend.
Campus life also provides numerous opportunities to meet other people. Low-priced movies are shown on campus by different student groups. A variety of activities such as lectures, debates, sports activities, concerts and group outings are also often arranged for the students
Family
The Portuguese usually live at home until they get married, so many of your Portuguese friends will still be living at home. The Portuguese highly value family, which you will notice at large family gatherings and dinners. People generally don't move far from the town or city where they grow up and typically stay close to an extended family network throughout their whole life.
Gender roles
It is common now to see both husband and wife working during the day. However, it is a cultural norm that the woman is the dona da casa and usually undertakes all the duties of the house.
Some women may receive some appreciative whistles and comments from men. Usually, these signs of appreciation are harmless and are best ignored. Dressing more conservatively is a practical way of minimizing unsolicited comments.
Greetings
Typically, Portuguese friends, greet each other and say goodbye with a kiss on each cheek. A handshake is appropriate for professional introductions. It is important to establish eye contact to avoid suspicion and gain trust. Portuguese will often begin a conversation by asking about your wellbeing or relatives. It may be considered rude to go straight to the point of a conversation without first easing in to the topic.
Space and distance
The Portuguese are less conscious of personal space. They stand and speak closely. Oftentimes, people may place a hand on your back or around your waist while moving by and saying "com licença," or excuse me. This is not meant to be orderly.
Sports
Without a doubt, the most popular sport in Portugal is soccer (futebol). Each town has its own team and playing field, but the main rivals are Benfica (Lisbon), Sporting (Lisbon), and FC Porto. Soccer is a national obsession and to truly understand Portuguese culture one must cheer along for their favorite team. Other popular sports include sailing, tennis, and golf. Due to the moderate climate, the Portuguese are a very outdoor oriented people.
Time
Portuguese culture may not stress punctuality in the same way as other cultures may. However, you should be punctual for class and professional situations.
Religion and Values
Close to 95% of Portuguese people are Catholic, with about 50% of that group attending church services at least monthly. Portuguese value their family greatly, including their extended family in their tightly knit circles.
Daily Life
Cultural Adjustment
At first, you might be tempted to cling to other international students. While it is comforting to depend on other foreigners as friends, you will limit your Portuguese experience. Try to make a sincere effort to meet and get to know Portuguese people. You will find that people are genuinely warm.
One way to get to know Portuguese people is to arrange an intercambio in which you exchange one hour of Portuguese conversation for one hour of English conversation. Many students in Portuguese wish to improve their English and are eager to participate in such exchanges. Even if your Portuguese does not need the practice, it is a good way to meet and get to make a Portuguese friend.
Campus life also provides numerous opportunities to meet other people. Low-priced movies are shown on campus by different student groups. A variety of activities such as lectures, debates, sports activities, concerts and group outings are also often arranged for the students
Family
The Portuguese usually live at home until they get married, so many of your Portuguese friends will still be living at home. The Portuguese highly value family, which you will notice at large family gatherings and dinners. People generally don't move far from the town or city where they grow up and typically stay close to an extended family network throughout their whole life.
Gender roles
It is common now to see both husband and wife working during the day. However, it is a cultural norm that the woman is the dona da casa and usually undertakes all the duties of the house.
Some women may receive some appreciative whistles and comments from men. Usually, these signs of appreciation are harmless and are best ignored. Dressing more conservatively is a practical way of minimizing unsolicited comments.
Greetings
Typically, Portuguese friends, greet each other and say goodbye with a kiss on each cheek. A handshake is appropriate for professional introductions. It is important to establish eye contact to avoid suspicion and gain trust. Portuguese will often begin a conversation by asking about your wellbeing or relatives. It may be considered rude to go straight to the point of a conversation without first easing in to the topic.
Space and distance
The Portuguese are less conscious of personal space. They stand and speak closely. Oftentimes, people may place a hand on your back or around your waist while moving by and saying "com licença," or excuse me. This is not meant to be orderly.
Sports
Without a doubt, the most popular sport in Portugal is soccer. Each town has its own team and playing field, but the main rivals are Benfica (Lisbon), Sporting (Lisbon, and FC Porto. Soccer is a national obsession and to truly understand Portuguese culture one must cheer along for their favorite team. Other popular sports include sailing, tennis, and golf. Due to the moderate climate, the Portuguese are a very outdoor oriented people.
Time
Portuguese culture may not stress punctuality in the same way as other cultures may. However, you should be punctual for class and professional situations.
Religion and Values
Close to 95% of Portuguese people are Catholic, with about 50% of that group attending church services at least monthly.
Portuguese value their family greatly, including their extended family in their tightly knit circles.
Health and Safety
Your health and safety is our number one priority. Please read and reference the Health and Safety section of the ISEP website for general information regarding health and safety abroad.
Detailed information about Portugal can be found here. Please pay special attention to the Safety and Security, Local Laws and Special Circumstances and Health sections.
Note: Information sourced on this page is provided by the U.S. Department of State. Non-U.S nationals should disregard the Embassies and Consulates and Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements sections.
Currency
Currency
Portugal operates with the Euro. Current exchange rates can be found here .
Banking
Banking hours are from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. The main Portuguese banks are Banco Espírito Santo, Caixa Geral de Depósitos, and Millennium-BCP. Most restaurants, hotels, and gas stations throughout Portugal accept major credit cards. ATM cards can be used for cash withdrawals in any of the thousands of ATMs available throughout Portugal provided that the logo on the back of the card matches the logo on the ATM machine. Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars should be exchanged in banks or exchange offices as they are not always widely accepted.