Pursuing a PhD at NOVA FCT goes beyond advancing knowledge — it is about shaping your research trajectory, your professional future, and the meaningful impact you aspire to make in the world. Offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs across Science, Technology, and Engineering, NOVA FCT combines academic excellence with cutting-edge innovation, global collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to societal progress.
NOVA DOCTORAL SCHOOL
Give your PhD a boost with NOVA Doctoral School! Develop essential skills in research, communication, time management, and much more.
PORTUGUESE FOR FOREIGNERS
Take advantage of our Portuguese for Foreigners courses. Ease your integration and fully enjoy your experience in Portugal. Start speaking Portuguese with us!
Applications 2025/26
1st Phase:
February 3 to March 22, 2025 (official notice)
2nd Phase:
June 2 to July 18, 2025 (official notice)
3rd Phase:
September 8 to 18, 2025 (official notice)
4th Phase:
2025 - to be announced

Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies
Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
Environment and Sustainability
History, Philosophy and Heritage of Science and Technology
* PhD Programmes in partnership with American Universities
An International Student is one who does not hold Portuguese nationality, is not a citizen of an EU Member State, or has not legally resided in Portugal uninterruptedly for more than two years.
For more details, refer to Decree-Law No. 36/2014 of March 10.
Detailed information available at www.studyinportugal.edu.pt
(*) IMPORTANT: Documents must:
The recognition of academic, professional, or acquired competencies can be requested at the time of enrollment.
The following documents are in portuguese only.
Fees for Recognition of Prior Learning (according to NOVA's fee table)
FCT's Recognition of Prior Learning Regulations
General Regulations for Doctoral Degree Programs at NOVA FCT
Payment with MB Way, ATM reference and Bank card (Visa or MasterCard).
The ATM reference period for the payment of an application fee is 7 days from the day the candidate submitted his application and the ATM reference request can only be made up to the day before the payment deadline. Unpaid applications will be automatically excluded. See here how to pay application fees (portuguese only).
This fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. The application will only be evaluated if the candidate has paid the application fee.
By email, directly sent to the candidates. As the 3rd cycle coordinators conclude the placement of the selected candidates, they will receive an automatic message with all the necessary information. The non-selected candidates will also be notified electronically by the Coordinators.
From August 1 to 18, 2025
Tuition fee: €2750/year
a) Fees are due at registration or enrollment act and can be paid in installments in accordance with the approved regulations.
b) The fact that students do not attend the course or drop out does not give them the right to the repayment of the paid amounts nor to debt cancellation.
Payment: MB Way, ATM reference and Bank card (Visa or MasterCard).
35 €
1,40 € (This amount is subject to an annual update, to be announced in due course.)
The NOVA University Lisbon reinforces its commitment to equity in higher education by awarding scholarships that promote inclusion and equal opportunities.
More information here.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT A SPECIFIC PROGRAM?
Contact the Coordinator via the email provided on the respective doctoral program page.
DO YOU HAVE GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT DOCTORATES/3RD CYCLE?
Contact us at div.aea.helpdesk@fct.unl.pt





