27-11-2025
Fotografia: João Lima/NOVA FCT
On November 27, NOVA FCT laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new university residence—the NOVA FCT Student Residence Hall—funded by €7,870,157 from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
NOVA FCT Dean, José Júlio Alferes, and Pro-Rector for Heritage, Infrastructure, and University Campuses of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Catarina Fortuna, attended the ceremony marking the start of construction of the NOVA FCT Student Residence Hall on the School's Caparica Campus. The project, undertaken by Tecnorém, will provide capacity for 202 beds across 120 rooms, with a footprint of 867.7 m² and total area of 5,206.2 m², including five study rooms, two lounges, five kitchens, dining areas, laundry facilities, and a multipurpose room. Construction is scheduled to conclude by June 30, 2026, as part of the National Program for Higher Education Accommodation (PNAES) supported by the PRR.
This initiative aligns with NOVA FCT's strategy to expand housing options, complementing the renovation of the existing Fraústo da Silva Residence on Campus, with another privately funded university residence planned soon.
“Today we lay the foundation stone for a project vital to our academic community—the NOVA FCT Student Residence Hall. The shortage of affordable housing is a major barrier to equity in higher education access, especially acute in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area where housing costs have risen sharply, often unaffordable for many families. Thus, providing dignified, affordable, campus-integrated residences is not just infrastructure—it's a strategic priority of this term. With this new residence, we reaffirm our commitment to including our students, many displaced, offering a safe, welcoming, functional space to fully experience university life,” states Pro-Rector Catarina Fortuna.
According to NOVA FCT Dean, José Júlio Alferes, “finding affordable housing is one of the biggest barriers to equal opportunities and attracting students from other regions and abroad. This residence, along with others planned, is essential for our School: it ensures fair housing, makes us more attractive and international, and builds the campus we envision—a place to study, teach, research, and live”. The ceremony also featured Almada Mayor, Inês de Medeiros, President of the Caparica and Trafaria Parish Union Sandra Chaíça, and Erasmus+ National Agency coordinator for higher education housing Andreia Lopes.
Currently, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa offers two other residences: Alfredo de Sousa University Residence in Campolide (Lisbon) with 180 beds, and Lumiar University Residence (Lisbon) with 70 beds. Through SASNOVA (Serviços de Ação Social da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa), the university has established partnerships to address housing needs.
