NOVA CAMPI IN THE LISBON METROPLITAN AREA
2 NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities
3 NOVA School of Business and Economics
4 NOVA Medical School
5 NOVA School of Law
6 NOVA Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
7 NOVA Information Management School
8 NOVA Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology António Xavier
9 NOVA National School of Public Health
10 Rectorate
NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA) is a public higher education institution. Its mission is to serve society at local, regional and global level, by advancing and disseminating knowledge, and by fostering the understanding among cultures, societies and people.
Located in Lisbon, NOVA is a young, comprehensive, and European university. It develops activities across a broad range of areas from engineering and technology to humanities, from medicine, health and life sciences to economics and management, and from social sciences and law to information and data science.
NOVA is a global and civic University. Global since its teaching and research follow an international agenda with a quality well recognized by its partners overseas; and Civic, because it is committed to the development of society, culture and economy of the Lisbon metropolitan area, of the country, of Europe and also of the Portuguese-speaking countries, reinforcing centuries of common history.
Delivering high quality training at all levels of education that ensures the preference of employers and the success of graduates in the job market is a key priority for NOVA, together with the development of top-notch research contributing to tackle major societal challenges, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal. The recognition of its quality, both in teaching and research, ensured by international accreditations and high positions in prestigious rankings in all areas of knowledge among young European Universities, guarantees the participation in important International academic networks.
With 9 Schools spread across Lisbon metropolitan area, more than 25,000 students and 2,700 teaching staff and researchers, and about 5,000 international students from 110 nationalities enrolled in its programmes, NOVA stands out for its comprehensive nature, internationalization culture in teaching, research and in its commitment to the major challenges of society. After 50 years, NOVA intends to remain young and creative in the way to teach, research and create value for society, leaving an indelible mark for future generations.
LIVE AND WORK IN PORTUGAL, LISBON & OEIRAS
Portugal is fast becoming a global leader in science and innovation, attracting researchers and entrepreneurs with its dynamic R&D landscape. The country fosters groundbreaking work in biotechnology, renewable energy, and digital technologies, supported by a strong startup ecosystem and government initiatives. Portugal also ranks second in Europe for the percentage of women inventors, highlighting its commitment to gender diversity in science and innovation.
Living and working in Lisbon offers a perfect balance of professional growth and an exceptional quality of life, particularly for scientists. As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon is home to top-tier institutions like the University of Lisbon (ULisboa) and NOVA University Lisbon, renowned for cutting-edge research in biomedicine, engineering, and computer sciences. In 2023, Lisbon was named the European Capital of Innovation, a testament to its leadership in scientific research, sustainable development, and its thriving startup ecosystem.
Beyond its academic excellence, Lisbon offers rich culture, a vibrant arts scene, and stunning landscapes, all with a warm Mediterranean climate. With an affordable cost of living compared to other European capitals, the city provides an unbeatable work-life balance, making it an ideal place for young scientists seeking both personal and professional fulfillment.
Oeiras is emerging as a leading hub for science and innovation, making it an exciting destination for young scientists. Home to renowned scientific institutions (IGC, ITQB), Oeiras fosters pioneering research in fields such as biotechnology, bioinformatics, and personalized medicine. The municipality has invested in creating a vibrant scientific ecosystem, attracting global talent and advancing cutting-edge projects.
With its close proximity to Lisbon and excellent infrastructure, Oeiras provides a seamless balance between professional opportunities and a high quality of life. A focus on sustainability, education, and innovation makes it the perfect environment for scientists seeking both impact and a rewarding living experience.
10 Reasons to Work and Live in Lisbon & Oeiras
- COSMOPOLITAN CITIES
- QUALITY OF LIFE
- AFFORDABLE COST OF LIFE
- STUNNING PLACES
- CULTURE
- SAFETY
- MODERN INFRASTRUCTURES
- HIGHER EDUCATION, INNOVATION &TECHNOLOGY
- CLIMATE & GASTRONOMY
- HUMAN RESOURCES
The entry conditions in Portugal depend on the citizen nationality and the agreements between Portugal and the country of origin (EU and EEA citizen or Non-EU citizens). Additional information can be found in Euraxess Portal and Diplomatic Portal
There is a strong bond between Portuguese culture and the country’s geographical location and history. Portugal is Europe’s oldest nation and its Atlantic coastline provided the springboard for the Discoveries. Portugal’s cultural heritage as well as the friendly, welcoming nature of the Portuguese themselves have been marked by African, American and Asian influences and also by the peoples who lived here before the country was founded.
Additional information about our culture and better life index is available at Visit Portugal and OCDE Better Life Index
Portugal has a public network of bodies and services which provide complete healthcare to the whole population, through which the State guarantees peoples’ right to health – National Health Service (SNS). Internationals living and working in Portugal have the same healthcare rights as nationals, as long as they are a legal resident and contribute to social security.
In addition to the public system, citizens may also have access to the private Health Insurance, at their own costs, which gives them discounts in selected private hospitals and clinics, doctors and exams.
Citizens from EU, EEA mor Switzerland, can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Portugal.
To live and work in Portugal, it is necessary to have a bank account to receive the salary, pay the bills, etc. Some Universities might have special agreements with specific banks, so before opening na account, confirm with your organization if there is any agreement in place. Different banks request different documentation but normally it is importante to have proofs of identity (passport, fiscal number), address (evidence of address, household bills to check address, residence permit) and income (evidence of work contract, salary receipt).
To rent a property in Portugal, internationals must fulfil a set of mandatory requirements, namely having a Tax Identification Number (NIF) in order to sign the contract and be able to pay the rent as a deposit, in case the future landlord requests it. The property search can be done by themeselvs, as there are several portals dedicated to real estate in Portugal, or with recourse to a real estate mediation company, which handles all the bureaucratic processes related to the rental of property. Depending on individual income, internacionals can apply for public support for housing.
The legal Framework of the Portuguese Education System was designed to prioritise the implementation of a people-centred education policy that guarantees equal access to public schools, promoting educational success and, in this way, equal opportunities. Additional information about the Portuguese Education System may be found at Directorate-General for Education (DGE) (only in PT) and in the Infographic (available in EN).
The equivalence of qualifications from foreign education systems to qualifications of the Portuguese education system for primary and secondary education is ruled by Decree-Law no. 227/2005, of the 28th December, and the procedure is available at DGE FAQs webpage.
The network of public primary and secondary schools is overseen by the Ministry of Education and integrate establishments of different types, namely: primary schools (around 4,000), primary and secondary schools (around 220), secondary schools (around 300) and art schools (9). This network can be consulted on the Rede Escolar platform (only in PT).
The AEEP is the Portuguese entity that ensures the development of private and cooperative non-higher education, promoting the defence of fundamental rights and freedoms in the field of education and teaching and, in particular, the freedom to teach and learn, the right to choose one’s education and equal opportunities and conditions of access and attendance within the education system. The network of private schools including the ones with international profile can be consulted on the AEEP platform (only in PT).
Portuguese higher education is organized in a binary system that integrates universities and polytechnic institutes and is taught in public and private institutions. The Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES) is the public organism under administration of the Ministry of Education, Science and Inovation and coordinates all actions related to access and admission to higher education.
Since 2019 the Recognition of Foreign Degrees/Diplomas in Portugal is a fully digital process and is regulated by Decree-Law no. 66/2018. Additionally on DGES webpage is possible to consult the “Practical Guide to Support the Recognition Request“ which is a manual to help to understand the whole process and support the filling out the Form step by step.