09-09-2026
Photo: João Lima/NOVA FCT
On September 9, NOVA FCT welcomed the international students who chose our School for a stage of their academic careers.
This semester, the School is welcoming 281 students from 56 countries, confirming the School's growing international recognition. These students' choice was influenced by the academic and research quality, the Campus's privileged setting, and its proximity to the sea and to Lisbon.
Among the new students is Warda Wasoom, 27, from Pakistan. She chose NOVA FCT for the quality of its Food Technology and Health programs. "We're interested in this field, we found the academic curriculum very interesting, and we're really looking forward to the research side of things," she explains, alongside classmate Maria Jahan Mim, from Bangladesh, who shares the same enthusiasm.
Liangminling, 33, also travelled far because of the quality of our teaching. She swapped China for the Caparica Campus to study Bioinformatics. "The program is very interesting," she said.
Others came to reconnect with their family's roots, like Țîrlea Cătălin, from Romania. "I'll be studying Civil Engineering, but I also took the chance to come and see where my family is from," he explains.
Mateusz Moskwa fell in love with Portugal during a visit to Porto, and chose NOVA FCT for its reputation as a top school and the chance to get to know the country better. The Polish student brought his girlfriend along, and the two of them will spend a semester studying Biochemistry.
Jamal Inácio, 21, and Miezi António, 22, both came from Angola. After taking part in Supernova, they decided to pursue Industrial Engineering and Management here. "The School's reputation, and the experience we had here, cemented our decision to study here," Jamal explained.
At the session, José Júlio Alferes, NOVA FCT Dean, addressed the new students, highlighting the diversity of the group, united by their choice of this School. He encouraged them to connect with classmates from different nationalities, get involved in student groups and community activities, and make the most of the semester. "You've chosen an excellent school. Make the most of this opportunity," he concluded.
"What makes academic life at NOVA FCT special is that it goes far beyond the classroom. Make the most of the student groups, the parties, the sports activities, and much more," said Henrique Calado, President of the Students' Association.
Carla Quintão, Vice-Dean for the Pedagogical Council, reminded students that Portugal currently sits at the heart of innovation, and that they should make the most of this moment as part of a community that holds collaboration and interdisciplinarity as core values.
Students also had the chance to learn about NOVA FCT's support services, such as the Psychological Support Office and the Library. The session was also streamed to students at NOVA Cairo, who, joining from Egypt, likewise strengthen our community.
Browse the photo highlights from the session here (photos by João Lima/NOVA FCT).
