"Goodbye Portalegre, goodbye Lisbon, goodbye Portugal, goodbye Erasmus, goodbye Erasmus friends, goodbye experience of a lifetime!
It hurts to leave all of this behind and head back to reality, where I won't hear people talking 5 languages in the same house or place (turkish,spanish,lithuanian,brazilian,english), where the people doesn’t teach you the bad words first, where there isn't any sun like here, where there aren't great adventures waiting to happen, where I don't have my cutie friend Dilan, who make me laugh until my heart is content!
Where my professors Sergio, Pedro, Rute will not teach me anymore. It was a big and good experience all of my lifetime.
I loved every second in PortugaI, was truly happy here and I hope to come back to where people smile at you just because and where small talk does not exist, but when you get to know them they are the kindest human beings with their willingness to help you out of any situation!"
Klaudia Szalai, Erasmus nursing student from Hungary
International Students
Useful information for all International Students
Guide for International Students
List of courses available in English by Area of Studies
About IPP and the towns of Portalegre and Elvas
IPPortalegre at a glance
The Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre (IPP) is a higher education institution that includes four Schools, involved in teaching, training, research and other activities in their respective scientific, pedagogic, technical and artistic scope. It offers short cycle, first cycle, and second cycle programmes, as well as post-graduation and continuous training programmes in the areas of education, culture, media, tourism, social work, business and administration, engineering, design, graphic arts, agriculture, horse studies, veterinary nursing, nursing, dental hygiene.
IPP has about 2,500 students and 250 staff.
IPP was the first Portuguese higher education institution to be awarded the quality certification as a whole, according to the standard NP EN ISO 9001:2008, by the Portuguese Association for Quality Certification (APCER). It was also a pioneer in Social Responsibility certification, being the first Portuguese HEI to receive the certificate of compliance with NP 4469-1:2008.
International co-operation has long been a strategic objective IPP. It has taken part in international mobility and cooperation projects for a long time now, especially under Erasmus, including mobility of students, teaching and non-teaching staff.
Every student enrolled in any of the taught programmes has the possibility to benefit from the experience of studying or doing an internship abroad under that program. On the other hand, international incoming students are offered courses in Portuguese Language for Foreigners and they can attend any programme or course of their choice either in class or through a tutoring system, depending on their level of Portuguese.
IPP is a member of the European Association of Erasmus Coordinators, currently occupying one of its vice-presidencies. It holds bilateral agreements for the mobility of students, teaching and non-teaching staff with over 80 partners all over Europe and about 20 other cooperation agreements with European, African, Asian, and South-American HEI.
IPP has a Research Center with a multidisciplinary focus, particularly in the four main research lines: Bioenergy and Sustainable Materials; Computing, Design and Marketing; Sustainable Agriculture; Social and Human Sciences and Health.
Also a Language Centre offers tailor-made courses and structured courses in different languages and for different target groups.
International Students for a complete degree programme
PLEASE NOTE: This kind of admission to IPP is not aimed at international exchange students wishing to apply under the framework of Erasmus+ or similar programme or scheme.
Admission of international students seeking a degree in an undergraduate degree courses at IPP takes place through the special admission scheme governed by specific legislation acts and by the International Student Rules of Admission.
Under this admission scheme, international students are those not possessing Portuguese nationality or that of an EU member state, not having direct relatives of Portuguese nationality, and those who have not applied under the general admission procedure organized by DGES, the government body in charge of admission to higher education in Portugal.
To apply, students must produce an academic qualification that grants access to higher education in the country of issue.
Further information on this kind of admission: http://www.studyinportugal.edu.pt/
The Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre (IPP) is a higher education institution that includes four schools (School of Agrarian Studies, School of Education and Social Sciences, School of Technology and Business, School of Health), involved in education, research, training and other activities in its scientific, educational, technical and artistic scope in education/teacher training and adult education, journalism, tourism, social services (School of Education); secretarial, accounting, engineering and bioengineering, communication design and graphic techniques, business management, marketing (School of Technology and Business), agricultural engineering and regional development, horse studies, veterinary nursing (School of Agrarian Studies), nursing, dental hygiene (School of Health). The type of courses in these areas ranges from higher vocational technical courses, degrees (undergraduate) and master's degree. Some of these training offers are pioneering or unique in the country: Horse Studies, Dental Hygiene and Biofuels Production Technologies are unique offerings in the country at the undergraduate level; Veterinary Nursing was the first in the country; Design and Multimedia Animation course is an internationally awarded programme.
IPP has about 2500 students.
International cooperation has been a strategic objective of IPP, which participates in the programs Lifelong Learning Life / ERASMUS since 1994/95. To date many of the IPP students benefited from the experience of studying abroad under that program, and many more from other countries have been welcomed the IPP. Similarly, every year IPP welcomes teachers of our international partners and sends some of its overseas. In addition, the IPP has participated in several other European projects as a partner and/or as coordinator.
IPP is an associate member of UASNET (Universities of Applied Sciences network), AULP (Association of Portuguese Language Universities -Associação de Universidades de Língua Portuguesa) and WFCP (World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics).
IPP has concluded cooperation agreements under Erasmus+ program with over 100 institutions from all over Europe, which allows students to study or do an internship at a foreign partner institution with a mobility grant under the Erasmus+ Programme. We also have other agreements with higher education institutions in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.
IPP was the first institution of higher learning English to be certified in full accordance with the NP EN ISO 9001: 2008 and NP 4469-1: 2008 (Social Responsibility).
IPP has a research centre, which has a multidisciplinary approach, especially in two main lines of research: Sustainable Energy Systems in Agriculture and Environment; and Social Studies Intervention and Health. It also has in place a Languages and Cultures Centre, which offers courses as in different languages.
Its BioBip (Biotechnology Business Incubator) is a modern incubator for technology-based companies in the field of renewable energy.
IPP is equipped with modern infrastructure to serve the students: a student residence in Portalegre and another in Elvas; canteens and cafeterias; sports venues.
Legal requirements (applies only to international students seeking a bachelor degree)
Nationality requirements/applicant’s profile
Please note: For detailed information, please check the International Student Regulations (full text in Portuguese or a summary in English)
General profile
- Nationality different from Portuguese or from another European Union member State;
- Not having direct relatives with Portuguese nationality;
- Not having applied for entry into higher education through the regular schemes for access to Portuguese higher education
Academic profile
- Possessing an academic qualification for entry into the study programme applying to;
- Having a language or languages level required to attend that programme, or commit to achieve it by attending an adequate certified course at IPP Centre for Languages and Cultures;
- Meeting the pre-requisites that have been established for the programme under the general scheme for access and entry (see below);
Pre-requisites
Some study programmes require evidence of pre-requisites (functional, physic, sportive interpersonal or vision skills), by means of a medical examination. The pre-requisites required are indicated in the following section.
Programmes of study and available places (applies only to international students seeking a bachelor degree)
[According to official Call for Applications – see application procedures below]
Living in Portalegre and Elvas
Geography and history
Portalegre and Elvas, the two cities where the IPP has schools, are distant about 50 km from each other and are located in the center/south of Portugal, near the border with Spain, in the Alentejo region, considered by Lonely Planet Traveller as one of the best 52 destinations in the world (January 2016). No wonder: no one is indifferent to the impressive fortifications or the Roman aqueduct of Elvas, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, the whiteness of Castelo de Vide, the grandeur of the nearby village of Marvão, castle on top of the rocky hillside, or the majesty the Monastery of Flor da Rosa in Crato, one of the oldest in the country and currently a luxury hotel.
Portalegre is the district capital of the same name, the largest city in Northern Alentejo, although only about 25,000 people. Elvas has a similar size.
The capital, Lisbon, is 2 hours and 1.30 hours away from Portalegre or Elvas. Porto, the second city in the country is 3 hours away, the same distance from both to the sunny beaches of the Algarve, in the south. Spain's Extremadura is a step away - Badajoz, one of its biggest cities is 10 km from Elvas and 70 km from Portalegre.
Portalegre and Elvas are served by a good road network: the Lisbon-Madrid motorway passes through Elvas and the motorway that connects the interior to the coast is located at only 40 km from Portalegre. Intercity transport buses and trains link both cities throughout the country.
Portalegre is immersed in São Mamede Natural Park, with numerous nature pathways and stage of important hiking, tracking and other events of sports in nature. The gastronomic wealth gives fame to the region, such as wine and olive oil produced here, the best in the world.
Culture, sport and commercial spaces
Both cities are equipped with modern culture and leisure facilities such as the Performing Arts Centre in Portalegre, the scenery of a famous Jazz Festival (JazzFest), or the Coliseum in Elvas, the Contemporary Art museums in Elvas or Tapestries Museum in Portalegre, unique in the world.
Here takes place the famous Baja Off-Road race, of the oldest events in the country of its kind and of one of the most important in Europe.
Portalegre and Elvas are equipped with traditional commercial alongside other medium/large spaces.
Cost of living
Portalegre and Elvas have an above-average quality of life, only possible due to the combination of the services offered and the respective cost.
Examples of some costs: a coffee - 0.60 Euros; a beer - 0.80 Euros; an urban bus ticket - 1.40 Euro; a meal at an average restaurant - 8-10 Euros; hiring a private room - about 130 euros / month.
Students of the IPP have access to accommodation in student residence and meals in our dining areas. The conditions and prices can be found at: http://www.ipportalegre.pt/sas/
Health and safety
Portalegre and Elvas are safe cities, with an extremely low crime rate. There are no records of violent crimes against persons or property in the past 12 months.
The District Hospital of Portalegre is one of the largest and most important in the region, providing health care in several medical specialties.
IPP guarantees to international students the following benefits:
- Accommodation at one of the Students’ Dorms or help in finding private accommodation: estimated cost for national IPP scholarship students - 76,26 Euros*
- Reduced meal costs: total monthly cost (for 22 days) - 110 Euros*
* possible discount up to 20% with the purchase of an Eat & Sleep Pack
- IPP Amigo Programme: aimed at students in need, gives additional support in accommodation costs and/or food, may reach the totality of the costs, provided students carry out activities for the benefit of the IPP community
- IPP Health: surveillance and health promotion, materialized in free consultations in dental hygiene, counselling and psycho-pedagogical support. Agreement with the Local Health Unit of Northeastern Alentejo (ULSNA) for medical care and health education
How much do I have to pay to attend IPP?
The costs can be divided into three components:
Tuition fees. The tuition fees are about 1.063 Euros per year (2016) for bachelor study programmes.
Accommodation and meals. Accommodation may cost between 60 and 110 Euros per month, depending on the type of room. A meal at one of the cafeterias costs 2.40 Euros. Students can choose an accommodation and meals pack, thus benefiting of a 20% or 10% discount in the total cost, depending on the kind of pack: Pack Eat&Sleep or Pack Light Eat&Sleep. Further information at www.ipportalegre.pt/sas/. If a student chooses to stay at a private room in the community, the cost will be about 140 Euros/month.
Transportation and subsistence. A single ticket in urban bus – 1.40 Euros; Student pass (1 month) in urban bus - 15 Euros. Other monthly subsistence – 100 Euros
Total monthly costs estimated: 376 Euros [88 Euros for tuition fees (annual tuition fee divided by 12 months) + Pack Eat&Sleep (173 Euros) + urban bus pass (15 Euros) + 100 Euros other expenses].
When do applications start?
Applications usually start in January/February for admission next academic year
Whom shall I contact for further information?
Contacts:
servicos.academicos@ipportalegre.pt
Further information at:
http://www.ipportalegre.pt/html1/4acesso%20ao%20ensino%20superior/5Estudante%20Internacional.aspx
www.facebook.com/PortalegrePolytecnics
Application procedures and documents (applies only to international students seeking a bachelor degree) :
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENTS
IPP holds bilateral agreements with a number of European and non-European higher education institutions, which include the mobility of students and staff.
Students who attend the institutions with which there is an agreement with IPP, may apply for a period of studies with us, usually, for one or two academic semesters. The selection of students is made by and the responsibility of home institutions.
To be addmitted at IPP, students should comply with the following requirements:
- they should apply to a course similar to the one offered by IPP
- they should get the agreement of the IPP School concerned
- they should fill in a Learning Agreement, with the support of their home institution and of IPP, which defines the curriculum units to be attended at IPP and which are recognised by their home institution
- they should fill in an application form
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The Academic Calendar varies slightly from School to School.
The academic year is divided into two semestres: the first (or Autumn) semester, starting by the end of September and ending by middle January; the second (or Spring) semester, starting by the end of February/beginning of March and ending mid June.
In-between the Autumn and the Spring semesters, and after the end of the latter, students may have to sit for exams.
LIST OF COURSES AVAILABLE
[Please Note: Courses marked with the European Flag are available in foreign language, namely English. The availability of individual courses or curriculum units in English may happen in different formats (classes taught in English, support in English for foreign students, individual tutoring of foreign students, etc.) always in accordance with the conditions defined by the teacher in charge and depending on her/his availability. The list is subject to change]
Search by Area of Studies by clicking on the link below
HOW TO REACH US
How to get from Lisboa to Portalegre or Elvas
Portalegre and Elvas can be reached from Lisboa by train (Portalegre only), bus or car.
Trains leave from Santa Apolónia or from Oriente train stations in Lisboa and they usually require a change at Entroncamento.
The underground (Metro) network in Lisbon (red line) connects the airport and other locations to both train stations. Oriente is very close to he airport and very easy to reach from there, as it is only two Metro stops away. There are also direct buses from nearby stops.
The train station in Portalegre is located in the outskirts of the town. You will have to get a bus right outside the station to travel to the centre.
Please, visit www.cp.pt (national train company website) for timetables and for further information.
Buses leave from two different locations: from Terminal Rodoviário (main bus terminal, located close to the Jardim Zoológico underground station) and from Oriente train station (to Portalegre, only). From the former, buses are more frequent; the best and cheapest way to get there is to get the underground, red line, from the airport to S. Sebastião station and then change to the blue line to Jardim Zoológico (bound to Amadora or Colégio Militar/Luz); then follow the directions to Terminal Rodoviário (located outside the station); the bus ticket costs about 15€. Please, visit www.rede-expressos.pt (national bus company website) for timetables and for further information. To get from the airport to the Oriente, please follow the Metro directions above. For information on timetables and prices on buses to Portalegre from Oriente, please check at: http://www.rodalentejo.pt/
By car, the quickest way to get to Portalegre is to use the A23 (North) motorway or the A6 (South) motorway. To follow the A23 motorway, leave Lisbon towards Norte/Porto by the A1 motorway. After about 100 km, exit onto the A23, towards Castelo Branco/Torres Novas/Abrantes. Exit at exit 15, towards Portalegre/Nisa. If you choose the A6, you must first follow A12/Sul/ Ponte Vasco da Gama, then exit towards A2, bound to Algarve/Évora until the A6 exit towards Espanha/Évora. Exit at Estremoz and continue on the IP2 until Portalegre.
For Elvas, follow the route described above to Estremoz, but, instead of exiting onto Estremoz, keep on the A6 to Elvas.
PRO-PRESIDENCY FOR INTERNATIONALIZATION
Activities related to Internationalization at IPP are coordinated by a Pro-President who works together with a team of people at the Central offices and at each School.
The following are the contacts for the whole team:
Pro-President: Carlos Afonso
IPP Central Offices: José Polainas | ESECS – School of Education and Social Sciences: Maria Elisabete Mendes, Maria Elisabete Rodrigues, Teresa Coelho | ESTG – School of Technology and Business Studies: Luís Batista, Maria Varadinov, Pedro Matos | ESAE – School of Agrarian Studies: Ana Pereira | ESS – School of Health: António Casanova
Follow us at: facebook.com/PortalegrePolytecnics