The intensification of human activities driven by population growth and technological development has resulted in widespread degradation of soils, water resources and ecosystems, particularly in urban, industrial and mining environments. Inadequate waste management practices, contamination of geological and hydrological systems, and persistent pollutant emissions underscore the urgent need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to the assessment, mitigation and rehabilitation of degraded areas, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Master’s Degree in Geoenvironmental Rehabilitation of Degraded Areas (taught in an online format) provides advanced, systemic and interdisciplinary training focused on the assessment, characterization and sustainable rehabilitation of areas degraded by anthropogenic activities. The program integrates Engineering, Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences, combining science, technology, innovation and sustainability to foster critical thinking, applied research and effective knowledge transfer to society.
This program promotes the sustainable and resilient rehabilitation of urban, industrial and mining territories, addressing challenges related to environmental recovery, risk mitigation and land management, in accordance with European and international guidelines for sustainability and societal well-being.
These scholarships, worth 450 euros, are available to all students who:
a) Are applying, for the first time to the first year of a Master’s degree at NOVA FCT;
b) Have completed their Bachelor’s degree with a final grade equal to or higher than 15 (out of 20);
c) Have completed their Bachelor’s degree at a higher education institution in Portugal or in another Member State of the European Union.
Note: Only candidates whose course edition takes place at NOVA FCT are eligible.
The results will be announced in November 2026.
Check the regulations (in Portuguese only)!
Applications 2026/27
1st Phase: February 4 to March 27, 2026
2nd Phase: June 1 to July 17, 2026
3rd Phase: August 19 to September 4, 2026
Single application phase for international students: February 4 to May 25, 2026
Vacancies: 30
Duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)
Format: Distance Learning, daytime
Language: Portuguese and/or English (depending on student profile)
Course Coordinator: Maria da Graça Brito, mgb@fct.unl.pt
Academic division: mestrados@fct.unl.pt
The Master’s program is delivered through distance learning, combining synchronous and asynchronous sessions to optimize time management for students and guest specialists.
The Dissertation Project in Geoenvironmental Rehabilitation of Degraded Areas may be conducted in an external professional setting, such as a company, public authority or non-governmental organization.
Holders of a Bachelor’s degree (pre-Bologna or Bologna 1st cycle) or legal equivalent in Geology, Geological or Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related fields (minimum of 180 ECTS);
Holders of foreign higher education degrees recognized as equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in relevant scientific areas, subject to approval by the Program Scientific Committee and the NOVA FCT Scientific Council;
Professionals and specialists with academic, scientific or professional experience recognized by the Program Scientific Committee as demonstrating the capacity to undertake graduate-level studies, including national and international professionals working in geoenvironmental fields or in the rehabilitation of degraded areas.
The teaching staff maintain close collaboration with higher education institutions, companies, and public and private entities through partnerships and agreements for the development of curricular projects, dissertations, academic exchange, and study visits.
Tuition fee - Foreign students: 7000€ / year
MASTER'S ACCEPTANCE FEE: (in Portuguese only)
Accepted candidates must pay (within a maximum of 7 consecutive days from the placement date) a non-refundable fee of 100 euros, which will be deducted from the total tuition fee after enrollment.
Failure to pay within this deadline results in the automatic exclusion of the candidate. No exceptions or late payments are accepted. Any payment made after the deadline will not be refunded, and the candidate will remain excluded.
The NOVA University Lisbon reinforces its commitment to equity in higher education by awarding scholarships that promote inclusion and equal opportunities.
More information here.
The Department of Earth Sciences (DCT) at NOVA FCT constitutes a graduate, postgraduate and research teaching unit, currently organized into 3 scientific areas: Geology, Geological Engineering and Agroindustry.
More info
