FAQ | Erasmus Incoming Students

1.    Application

1.1.    Who can apply for the Erasmus+ programme at ISEL?

Students enrolled in an ISEL partner higher education institution, who meet the academic and administrative requirements defined by their home university and the Erasmus+ programme, can apply. 

1.2.    What is the duration of mobility at ISEL?

The mobility can last for one semester or one full academic year, depending on the agreement between the institutions. The total sum of the Erasmus mobility periods cannot exceed 12 months per study cycle. 

1.3.    What are the deadlines for application and nomination?

Your home university must nominate students within the deadlines set by ISEL. 
After the nomination, the student receives by email the instructions to submit the online application and upload the required documentation by the indicated deadline.

1.4.    Are there any language requirements to study at ISEL?

Most classes at ISEL are taught in Portuguese. Materials or assessment arrangements may be available in English depending on the lecturer and curricular unit. Check the course information before preparing your Learning Agreement.

1.5.    How can I enroll and choose the subjects (Learning Agreement)?

After being accepted, the student must fill the Learning Agreement with the Erasmus coordinators of their home institution and ISEL. The study plan must include curricular units compatible with the area of training. 

1.6.    Where can I submit (or change) my Learning Agreement? 

The Learning Agreement is submitted through the IPL Mobility Portal.

The student must confirm or adjust the Learning Agreement (if necessary) and formalize the enrollment in the selected curricular units.

2. Arrival, reception and orientation

2.1. When should I arrive in Lisbon?

It is recommended to arrive a few days before the start of classes to participate in the welcome and orientation sessions organized by ISEL and to deal with the necessary administrative procedures.

2.2. Does ISEL organize any welcome day?

Yes. ISEL organises welcome day(s) for international students, where support services, regulations, building, local culture and academic life will be presented.

3. Accommodation and life in Lisbon

3.1. Does ISEL provide accommodation for Erasmus students?

ISEL does not provide accommodation. Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. You may contact SASIPL for information about student residence options.

3.2. How can I find accommodation in Lisbon?

Look for accommodation in advance. There are several online platforms and student groups that can help. 

3.3. What are the average costs of living in Lisbon?

Costs may depend on location and lifestyle, but it is recommended to provide for accommodation, transportation, food, and academic materials.

4. Health Insurance/Medical Coverage

4.1. Do I need health insurance to study at ISEL?

All incoming students must have health coverage for the entire mobility period. 

4.2. I am a student from an EU country. What should I bring?

You should bring a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you don't have it, you should apply for it (free of charge) or arrange private health insurance.

4.3. What if I am not from an EU country?

You will have to take out health and/or travel insurance that covers the entire period of your stay in Portugal. 

4.4 Do I have to send proof of my insurance?

Yes. You should send a copy of your insurance or EHIC to the International Relations Office as soon as possible.

5. Visas / Residence permission

5.1. Do I need a visa to study in Portugal?

If you are from a country outside the EU and are staying for more than three months, you may need a student visa or residence permit.

5.2. When should I process the visa?

You should start the process right after receiving the acceptance letter from ISEL, as the process can take a few weeks. 

6. Credits

6.1. How is the recognition of credits obtained at ISEL?

At the end of the mobility, ISEL issues the Transcript of Records (TOR) with the subjects attended and their ECTS. The recognition is made by your home institution, according to the approved Learning Agreement.

6.2. Can I change my Learning Agreement after I arrive?

Yes, but only with the approval of the coordinators of your home institution and ISEL. Changes should normally be submitted within 30 days of the start of the mobility period, subject to the deadlines communicated by ISEL. It should be noted that any changes to the Learning Agreement must be made in the IPL Mobility Portal, after being approved by the ECTS coordinator of the course you attend at ISEL.

7. Scholarships and Funding

7.1. Does ISEL award Erasmus+ subsidies?

Erasmus+ subsidies are awarded by the home institution and financed by the Erasmus+ National Agency.

7.2. Does the scholarship cover all my expenses?

Not necessarily. The scholarship is a partial financial support that may not cover all the costs of the stay. It is advisable to provide for additional resources.

7.3. What do I have to do to receive the Erasmus+ scholarship?

You must sign the Mobility Contract and comply with all deadlines and obligations set by your home institution.

8. Rules of Conduct and End of Mobility

8.1. Do I have to attend all classes?

Yes. You are expected to maintain an active enrollment, regular attendance and compliance with the academic standards of ISEL and your home university.

8.2. What should I do if I need to interrupt the mobility programme?

You must immediately inform your Erasmus coordinator, ISEL's International Relations Office and your home institution.

8.3. What happens at the end of the mobility?

You must submit the Certificate of Departure and ensure that all academic and administrative procedures are completed. The TOR will be sent to your home institution.

9. Other questions

9.1. Can I attend courses in English?

Most classes are taught in Portuguese, although English-language materials and assessment arrangements may be available depending on the lecturer. Confirm the conditions for your chosen curricular units before applying.

9.2. With whom can I clarify academic or administrative doubts about the Erasmus+ programme?

You can contact ISEL's International Relations Office ( international.office@isel.pt | 218317000).