International Student Status (ISS)

Since march 2014 the portuguese government has designed a mechanism for international students – International Student Status –   allowing non-Portuguese or non-European Union students (with certain exceptions) to apply to a master or a graduation degree. With this statute you will be able to find access and entry conditions, applications and registrations as well as fees and places.

“Being born and brought up in India, coming to Portugal to do Masters was like coming out of a closet protected by my family and friends. I was supposed to pave my own way in a different world which speaks different language and eat different food. Even though the journey was not supposed to be easy, the fraternity of IPLeiria never let me have the sense of disbelief about anything that I am doing. My decision to come to IPLeiria was well volunteered by the support offered to me by the Professors and the Administrators of the office. This journey has taught me a lot of realities about life and also I discovered some new things about me.”

Anurag Ayyagari Venkat, Master in Product Design Engineering

You will beneficiate from the International Student Status IF:

If you do not have Portuguese nationality;

If you are not a national from a Member State of the European Union;

If you are not legally residing in Portugal until the 31st of August of the year in which you intend to enroll in higher education for more than two years, continuously, and if you are not family of foreign citizens that hold a resident permit for more than two years;

If you don’t intend to enroll in Higher Education through special regimes;

Note: The students that enroll with the International Student Status will keep the status until the end of the study cycle.

“OK, I got it, but I’m am”:

A citizen from a member state of the UE; 

Legally residing in Portugal at 31st of August of the year in which you intend to enroll in higher education for more than two years, continuously, or if you are family of foreign citizens that hold a resident permit for more than two years

And if you are looking for a bachelor degree (1st Cycle) you may apply through a national contest to enroll at IPLeiria. 

SEE MORE HERE

Postgraduations for international students

Who can apply?

May apply to postgraduate programs of IPLeiria all  international students holders of a bachelor ( 1st cycle) .

What documents are required?

1. Copy of a valid identification document issued by the home country authorities;
2. Certificate issued by a competent authority attesting the passing of an education program and give them the right to apply to higher education in the country in which it was awarded;
3. Detailed CV written in Portuguese or the language in which the course is taught ;
4. Motivation letter written in English or in the language in which the course is taught ; where the candidate express the reasons that lead him to apply at par school / course ;
5. The official document when passed in a foreign country must be approved by the appropriate educational services or consular service, or have the affixing of the Hague Convention booklet , and if they are not written in Portuguese , Spanish, French, English or Italian must be translated into Portuguese by a translator recognized by the Portuguese diplomatic representation. The document (s) (s ) should  be presented upon enrolment .

Ready?

“The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

Albert Einstein

Visa – Before Arriving

Preparation for visa process  isn’t exactly fun, but it’s an important part of process  of study abroad. So, be aware of the requirements:

//Before arriving to Portugal

Students from EU countries:

You do not need visa to enter in Portugal. You must, however, obtain a residence permit if your stay exceeds 90 days. If this is your case, you must present your Identity Card / Passport, a statement of financial support and a guarantee of health care in the Immigration and Borders Service.

Students from countries outside EU:

Before leaving to Portugal, you should take into account that to study in in this country you need a study visa obtained in the Portuguese Consulate in your home country.

 Documents required:

1. Online Application
2. Valid travel document (more than three months after expiry of the visa)
3. Three passport photos
4. Criminal record
5. Medical certificate or health insurance
6. Proof of housing conditions in Portugal
7. Proof of finance survival in Portugal
8. Certificate of Enrollment in the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria.
9. An updated Vaccination Plan is also required as well as a Transcript of Records, which must be authenticated by the Portuguese Consulate in the country of origin, in order to be able to see their qualifications recognized in Portugal.

4 Tips:

1. Apply for the Visa as soon as possible!  The application for a study visa must be made with at least one month prior to the date of arrival at Portugal.
2. Check with the relevant Embassies/Consulates regarding which documents you need to obtain a visa.
3. Double check all forms and the information you fill in.
4. Always keep copies of the originals you submit! You may need them.

In case of doubt about the visa request, please visit the website of Immigration and Borders Service or send an e-mail to ACIDI (estudante@acidi.gov.pt). More information in: www.portaldocidadao.pt

Visa – After Arriving

//After arriving to Portugal

Students from countries outside EU:

  Procedures required at the airport:

1. Non-European students who arrive in Portugal through a border not subject to border control (with no passport stamp) must contact the Department for Foreigners and Border Control Immigration and Borders Service within three days after their arrival in the country to declare entry. More information here: 
2. If arriving in Portugal by air one must declare their entry in the airport at the Customs Service.
3. The Entry Declaration must be delivered to the Immigration and Borders Service as stipulated by law. Once this period has passed you will have to pay a fine.

 Procedures required at your school city:

1. Make your enrollment at the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria;
2. Apply to the nearest Health Center;
3. Renew your student visa in the Immigration and Borders Service.

 Other Informations:

1. Once you are enrolled at the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria you are entitled to a personal accident insurance coverage (within campus).
2. Citizens of the European Union must present their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) guaranteeing health care coverage to the National Health Service [Serviço Nacional de Saúde – SNS].
3. Entrance into Portugal does not require specific vaccinations unless students are arriving from a geographical risk area.

Scholarships

More information soon!