Preparatory Course

The preparatory programme is available in two formats. Select the option that best applies to your case.

• I am not a Portuguese speaker / I am a Portuguese Language Speaker (LP)
• I am a Portuguese Language Speaker (LP)

For Non-Portuguese Language Speakers (LP)

The PREP YEAR – Preparatory Course aims to provide academic and linguistic preparation for international applicants who do not have a sufficient command of Portuguese, in order to facilitate their integration into the Portuguese higher education system.

Objectives

• Linguistic preparation for international student candidates who do not speak Portuguese adequately to take the academic qualification exams required by the International Student Statute and internal regulations.
• Preparation for the academic qualification exams as provided for in the International Student Statute and applicable internal regulations.
• Promotion of academic and social integration for these applicants to the special admission process to higher education under the International Student Statute.

Course Structure

• Part I – Focused on acquiring and developing Portuguese language skills to enable students to sit academic qualification exams.
• Preparation for the academic qualification exams required for admission to higher education under the International Student Statute and internal regulations.

Programme

Applicants must enrol in all modules.

Part I - Portuguese and Portuguese Culture (From 6 October to 19 December 2025)

• Portuguese Language Modules
  • Module I – Beginner Level
  • Module II – Elementary Level
  • Module III – Intermediate Level I
  • Module IV – Intermediate Level II
• Portuguese Culture (starting in Module III)

Course Load

• Modules I to IV - 48 hours / module
• Portuguese Culture – 24 hours / total

The Portuguese Culture modules include cultural visits.

Part II (From 5 January to June 2025)

Course Load: 100 hours / subject

• Applicants must enrol in six (6) subjects as follows:
  1. Two (2) compulsory subjects chosen from the subject areas offered by the university, in accordance with the entrance exam requirements for the intended degree course.
  2. Three (3) compulsory subjects;
  3. One (1) elective subject.
      

1. Subject Areas (Choose 2 compulsory subjects)

• Science, Technology and Economics
  • Economics
  • Mathematics A
  • Physics and Chemistry A
  • Biology and Geology
• Humanities and Arts
  • Mathematics for Social Sciences
  • Mathematics B
  • Philosophy
  • Descriptive Geometry
  • History of Culture and the Arts
  • History A

2. Three Compulsory Subjects

• Portuguese
• Portuguese Culture
• Information and Communication Technologies

3. Elective Subjects (Choose 1)

• English
• Socio-emotional Skills and Sustainability

Notes

• In July, to promote effective socialisation and the practice of the Portuguese language, candidates are invited to volunteer as monitors in Summer School activities.
• ERASMUS mobility students may be invited to attend Part I of the course.

Contact Form (Non-Speakers)
Apply Here

For Portuguese Language Speakers (LP)

Objectives

• Prepare international student candidates for the academic qualification exams as set out in the International Student Statute and internal regulations.
• Promote the academic and social integration of these candidates into the special access route to higher education under the International Student Statute.

Curriculum Structure

• Start: 10 November 2025
• End: June 2026
• Course Load: 100 hours / subject

Students must enrol in six (6) subjects to prepare for the academic qualification exams, distributed as follows:

1. Two (2) compulsory subjects chosen from those offered by the university, in accordance with entrance exam requirements.
2. Three (3) compulsory subjects;
3. One (1) elective subject.
    

1. Subject Areas (Choose 2 compulsory subjects)

• Science, Technology and Economics
  • Economics
  • Mathematics A
  • Physics and Chemistry A
  • Biology and Geology
• Humanities and Arts
  • Mathematics for Social Sciences
  • Mathematics B
  • Philosophy
  • Descriptive Geometry
  • History of Culture and the Arts
  • History A

2. Three Compulsory Subjects

• Portuguese
• Portuguese Culture
• Information and Communication Technologies

3. Elective Subjects (Choose 1)

• English
• Socio-emotional Skills and Sustainability

Notes

• In July, to promote effective socialisation and the practice of Portuguese, candidates are invited to volunteer as monitors in Summer School activities.

Contact Form (Speakers)

International Student Regulations