On this page, dedicated to international students, you can find Frequently Asked Questions about:
1. Questions about the School:
Why choose Católica Porto Business School?
Because we are a Triple Crown accredited business school, ranked among the top 1% worldwide, combining academic rigour, a global outlook, and strong connections to the business world.
Is Católica Porto Business School internationally recognised?
Yes. Our Master’s degrees in Finance and Management are ranked in the Financial Times global rankings, and the School features in the Financial Times 2024 European Business School Ranking.
What is student life like in Porto?
Porto is a safe, affordable, and vibrant city, known for its cultural heritage, beaches, and dynamic student community.
Where is the campus located?
In a prime area of Porto, close to the sea, parks, and the city centre – an ideal location to balance study and quality of life.
What opportunities are there beyond the classroom?
You can take part in clubs, societies, mentoring programmes, consultancy projects, and cultural activities that help you develop your skills and expand your professional network.
2. Undergraduate FAQs – How does the application process work?
Who can apply under the International Student Status?
You may apply if you do not hold Portuguese nationality or that of another EU country. This status does not apply to family members of EU citizens, residents in Portugal for more than two years, or those applying through special admission regimes.
What are the application deadlines?
Applications under the International Student Status take place in three calls throughout the academic year (December, February, May) - check dates here. The opening of subsequent calls depends on the number of places remaining from previous calls.
What documents are required for the application?
You must submit your passport, a sworn statement confirming your international student status, your secondary school diploma and transcript, and a certificate of English or Portuguese language proficiency (minimum level B2).
In which language are the courses taught?
Students may choose to study in Portuguese or in English (English track). However, even those enrolled in the Portuguese programme will have one or more courses taught in English each semester.
Are undergraduate degrees available online or by distance learning?
No, all undergraduate degrees are offered on campus. Classes take place at Católica Porto Business School in Porto, Portugal.
Do I need to take or submit entrance exams to apply?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate equivalent academic qualifications to the required entrance exams in Mathematics and one of the following: Economics, Portuguese, English, Physics and Chemistry, Geography or History, for admission to the School of Economics and Management.
If the exams you took in your home country are not considered equivalent to the required entrance exams in Portugal, you will need to take two knowledge assessment tests:
Mathematics: an internal UCP exam or the OMPT-A exam.
English: an internal UCP exam.
Please note that you must provide documentation confirming your results in national final exams (or equivalent) for the subjects used as entrance exams. The equivalence table is available on Católica Porto Business School’s website.
How is the application grade calculated?
The application grade is calculated on a scale from 0 to 200 and must be equal to or higher than 100 to be eligible. The classification is a weighted average: 50% from the secondary school final grade, 30% from the Mathematics exam grade, and 20% from the second exam grade.
3. Master’s FAQs – How does the application process work?
Who can apply for a Master’s at Católica Porto Business School?
Holders of a Bachelor’s degree or legally equivalent qualification from different academic fields are eligible to apply. Applicants with a foreign higher education degree are also eligible.
What are the application deadlines?
Applications take place in three phases throughout the academic year (January, April, July) - check dates here. The opening of subsequent phases depends on the number of places remaining from previous rounds.
I am an international applicant and need a visa for Portugal. When should I apply?
If you require a visa to study in Portugal, we strongly recommend applying during the 1st call to ensure you have sufficient time to obtain your visa.
If I haven’t completed my undergraduate degree yet, can I still apply?
Yes. You must submit a transcript confirming the courses completed, respective grades, and current average score. If admitted, your enrolment will be conditional, and you must submit your final certificate later. Failure to do so by the deadline will result in cancellation of your enrolment.
In which language are the Master’s programmes taught?
The language of instruction depends on the programme:
- In English: Business Economics, Finance, Management (specialisations in Business Analytics, International Management, and Service Management), and Marketing.
- In Portuguese: Auditing and Taxation, Management (specialisations in Management Control and Human Resource Management).
Are Master’s degrees available online or by distance learning?
No, all Master’s programmes are offered on campus. Classes take place at Católica Porto Business School in Porto, Portugal.
Are there scholarships for international applicants?
Yes, Católica Porto Business School annually grants scholarships to applicants coming from other countries, who have a non-Portuguese nationality and do not live in Portugal. The amount of the scholarship covers the tuition fees of the first year of the Master's Programme. Know more here.
I am not a Portuguese national. What documents do I need to apply?
The application process requires several documents, both mandatory and optional:
- Mandatory documents:
- Copy of identification document.
- Curriculum Vitae (in the required format).
- Two reference letters.
- Degree certificate and/or academic transcript, including completed courses, respective grades, ECTS (or workload, if applicable), final grade, and grading scale indicating minimum and maximum passing marks.
- Optional documents:
- Official English certificate (level B2 or higher).
- Additional supporting documents (e.g. GMAT).
If I graduated abroad, are there additional requirements for my documents?
Yes. If the country in which the degree was completed did not adhere to the Bologna Process, the certificate should indicate, instead of the credits ECTS of each curricular unit, the respective hour load. Furthermore, documents written in a language other than Spanish, English, French, or Italian must be translated according to notarial law. Finally, your degree certificate must be legalised by a Portuguese diplomatic or consular authority in your home country, or bear the Hague Apostille if the country is a signatory to the Convention.