Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Last Friday, 24 November, the Prime Minister announced an investment of 516 million euros for the construction of new university residences. The investment will be financed by the Resilience Recovery Plan. António Costa spoke on this subject at the inauguration ceremony of the 1st building of the new University of Lisbon residence, an event at which some of the students had the opportunity to expose the difficulties in accessing accommodation. Today, fortunately, there is a great consensus among everyone that it is essential to invest in university residences. And it is this major investment that is currently underway, which means that over the next few years we are going to invest 516 million euros in the construction of university residences through the PRR, emphasised the Prime Minister. The initial allocation for the construction of new student housing infrastructures was 375 million euros, but this will have been reinforced by funds from the State Budget, given the increase in construction costs. According to António Costa, this investment will mean that from the start of the RRP to 2026, we will go from 157 to 243 residences and from 15,073 beds to 26,772 beds, which means a 78 per cent increase in the number of beds available. Here at the University of Lisbon alone, weve doubled the number of beds available . Another important factor mentioned by the chief executive is the implementation of measures within the scope of school social action , such as the increase in the accommodation supplement from 288 to 456 euros this year to help students who dont have a place in university residences. Its a great effort that society is making to support the enormous effort that families are making, that students are making, to achieve this goal: to go from 50 per cent of 20-year-olds already in higher education to 60 per cent of 20-year-olds who should be in higher education by 2030. This has to be a joint effort by society as a whole, said the Prime Minister. If you liked this article, you can also read: 46,000 beds shortage for students in Lisbon and Porto or Castelo Branco invests €666,000 to house students and doctors
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Property consultancy JLL has released a new edition of its Student Housing Portugal study, in which it estimates that there is a shortage of around 46,000 beds in student residences in Lisbon and Porto, according to a statement sent to the SUPERCASA Notícias newsroom. The report concludes that despite the increase and qualification of the stock in recent years, t he number of university students has grown at a much higher rate, maintaining a strong imbalance between supply and demand. The performance indicators for this type of property - also called Purpose - Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) - reflect a strong industry, which is attracting more and more leading operators and consolidating this type of asset as a preferred target for investors. The university residence sector in Portugal has changed a lot in recent years. Weve gone from an informal market, with a supply dominated by religious institutions and the social action services of public universities, to a stock managed by professional operators. The sectors progress in terms of quantity and quality has been remarkable, but the existing stock and planned new projects are still not enough to meet the demand for this type of accommodation, explains Joana Fonseca, Head of Strategic Consultancy & Research at JLL . According to her, the number of university students has not only grown a lot in recent years, but is also considerably higher than the existing supply. We are currently contrasting almost 450,000 students in higher education with a stock of less than 10,000 beds in private university residences. This stock will grow to almost 17,000 beds by 2026, but even accounting for this increase, the number of beds available is no more than 20% to 30% of the number of displaced students in Lisbon and Porto, which means that we would need around 46,000 more beds to meet the needs of demand. The JLL study also reveals that there are currently 9,200 beds in private university residences in Portugal , a stock that has evolved considerably over the last three years in both number and quality, with the development of various projects operated by leading brands in university accommodation. JLL estimates that the stock will reach 17,000 beds by 2026, considering the 7,800 beds accounted for in the pipeline projects. The number of private beds in Lisbon is currently enough to cover only 17 per cent of the displaced student community , a ratio that will expand to 18 per cent considering the addition of the projected pipeline. In the case of Porto, the market coverage rate is higher, with the current stock catering for 27 per cent of students in need of accommodation, and this ratio is expected to improve to 32 per cent with the increase in supply planned by 2026. JLL therefore concludes that the shortage of supply translates into a total of 30,000 beds in Lisbon and 16,000 in Porto . JLLs projections take into account the exponential growth of the higher education student community in Portugal in recent years. Between the 2016/2017 and 2022/2023 academic years, the number of university students increased by 85 per cent, with 446,000 students currently attending this level of education. Of these, 74,500 (equivalent to 17 per cent of the student community) are foreign students, about double the number in 2016/2017. André Vaz, Head of Living & Alternative Investment, Capital Markets, at JLL, points out that, in general, there is growing interest from investors and developers in the alternative residential segments, but this one in particular has been the target of special attention. In addition to the imbalance between supply and demand, and therefore the enormous growth potential it presents, this is a sector with very attractive performance indicators, including occupancy and re-accommodation rates, monthly fees and occupancy times. The qualification and sophistication of the offer in recent years, with the entry of several professional operators, are also factors of attraction. New investments, both in terms of promotion and income, will continue to grow . In terms of performance indicators, JLL estimates an occupancy rate of around 100 per cent for the active supply of private beds, and a re-accommodation rate of around 80 per cent. Among foreigners, Brazilians are the ones who use this type of accommodation the most, while in terms of stays, there is an average occupancy of 7 months per academic year. The JLL study also looks at prices, noting that these values have evolved as the stock has qualified. Lisbon is the most expensive city, with an average monthly fee for private university residences of around €770, €200 more than the €570 charged in Porto. However, depending on the location, prices in these two cities can vary between €330 and €1,440 in Lisbon and between €330 and €842 in Porto. In conclusion, Joana Fonseca emphasises the capacity for expansion of the national university residence market. We have a market with 100% occupancy and between 20% and 30% satisfaction of demand, with rising prices and average occupancy times of 7 months, in a university destination that is consolidated in Europe and whose offer has become more sophisticated. We need to make up for this shortfall of 46,000 beds, creating the conditions for the country to project itself even further among the top university destinations in Europe . Read also: Castelo Branco invests €666,000 to house students and doctors
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The measure to refund tuition fees was presented in the proposed State Budget for 2024 (OE2024) . According to the report presented, the government expects to spend 215 million euros next year and aims to cover around 250,000 public and private higher education students. It is planned to refund the full amount of tuition fees to all higher education students after completing their bachelors or masters degree, upon presentation of the IRS declaration for the year in which they worked. New graduates will now be entitled to a refund of the amount equivalent to the tuition fees paid for the number of years corresponding to the number of years of the bachelors degree (up to four years), integrated masters degree (up to six years) or masters degree (two years), provided that they remain working in Portugal during each of those years, reads the document presented. For bachelors degrees, the maximum amount returned will be up to 697 euros for each year of work and up to 1,500 euros for masters degrees . This measure is intended to reward the pursuit of higher education , and encourage the most qualified young people to remain in the country. Related topics: More than €1,000,000 of the OE2024 is earmarked for housing and New increases: family allowance rises by 25 per cent for each child
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Reconciling professional obligations with studies is one of the characteristics of what it means to have student worker status , a management that is not always simple and entails various rights and obligations . There are laws that protect people in this condition, safeguarding them against their employers and academic institutions, and there is a whole set of rules, duties and other associated conditions, which well explain in this article. If youre thinking of combining work and study, find out about the types of support that exist and how you can make your life easier under the laws in force . Student worker: how do you qualify for this status? In order to be considered a student worker, you have to work while attending any level of education , be it a doctorate, masters or postgraduate course, in an educational institution, vocational training or temporary occupation programme lasting 6 months or more. You will retain this status and be eligible for the associated entitlements if you were successful in the previous academic year. If you lose your job and become unemployed voluntarily, you wont lose your status , as the student-worker status applies to employees, regardless of their employment relationship. Self-employed or independent workers will also have access to the status. However, you will only be able to benefit from student worker status if you have proof from your employer. In addition, you must submit your school timetable and proof of achievement at the end of each academic year. Timetables, absences and holidays: how do they work? If you are a student worker, you can be excused from work for a maximum number of hours to attend classes if your working hours are not fully compatible with your school timetable. However, you can only request this leave in one go or in instalments, with a maximum duration depending on the number of hours you work during the week: If you work between 20 and 29 hours, you are entitled to 3 hours leave per week; If you work between 30 and 33 hours, you are entitled to 4 hours leave per week; If you work between 34 and 37 hours, you are entitled to 5 hours off per week; If you work more than 38 hours, you are entitled to time off for 6 hours a week. If you miss work as part of the hours indicated, these may not exceed four days per subject in each school year. However , if you work shifts , and this is not compatible with attending classes or taking time off to attend them, you can take precedence in occupying a job that is compatible with your professional qualification or the classes you attend . In addition, whether you have a fixed timetable or work shifts, you are not obliged to work overtime due to force majeure. However, if you do, you are entitled to compensatory rest of half the number of hours worked. Another situation to which you are not obliged is to work adaptable hours, banked hours or concentrated hours, if these arrangements coincide with class times or some kind of assessment test. If this happens, you will be entitled to one days leave per month, without losing any rights, counting as actual work. With regard to absences from work , in the case of days when you have assessment tests, y ou can be absent up to four days a week each school year, on the day of the test and the day before. If the exams are on consecutive days or if you have more than one exam on the same day, the immediately preceding days are considered to be as many as there are exams to be taken. Student workers can request holidays according to their school needs and can take up to 15 days of interpolated holidays, which must be compatible with the companys operating requirements . What are the academic advantages of being a student worker? According to Law No. 105/2009, student-workers benefit from certain advantages in educational establishments , such as: They are not obliged to take a minimum number of subjects or courses in a programme, nor are they subject to the risk of a limitation period involving a change of educational establishment. You are exempt from any legal provision that jeopardises your academic performance. The number of exams you take during the appeals period is not subject to limitations. You can enjoy a special examination period in all your courses and academic years if there is no appeal period. You will be entitled to compensatory classes if they are deemed essential by the teachers for the assessment and learning process. The educational establishment with after-work hours has a duty towards the student-worker to ensure that exams and assessment tests, as well as minimum support services, take place at the same times, as far as possible. Situations in which the student worker may lose their rights? This can happen if there is insufficient or negative academic performance in the school year in which they benefit from the status, losing the right to adjusted working hours, as well as time off to attend classes, to book holidays according to their school needs or to take unpaid leave, which they could request for 10 consecutive or interpolated working days. If the student-worker is not successful for two consecutive years or three interpolated years, he or she will no longer be able to enjoy this status or any other rights. What are the advantages of being a student worker? As well as being a measure aimed at making it easier to reconcile higher education and employment, this is a status regulated by Portuguese legislation, with specific advantages and rules for students who wish to work while continuing their academic training. Its advantages are: Possibility of flexible working hours: one of the main advantages is flexible working hours, which allow students to organise their jobs in such a way as not to jeopardise their academic performance. Labour protection: student workers enjoy additional labour protection, which includes limits on working hours and duration, as well as specific rights to adapt exam and class schedules. Rights to education: this status gives students the right to access educational opportunities without being discriminated against because of their worker status, which allows for a healthy balance between work and study. Exemption from tuition fees: in some situations, students who obtain this status can benefit from exemptions or reductions in university tuition fees, easing the financial burden. In summary, student worker status is a valuable tool that allows students to successfully combine higher education with employment, offering advantages such as flexible working hours, labour protection and rights to education. However, it is important that students understand and comply with the rules associated with this status in order to make the most of their opportunities. Other topics you can find out more about: Displaced scholarship students: support increased by up to 38% , Digital Training Cheque up to 750 euros: applications open
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The government has announced an increase in support for displaced scholarship students, driven by the rising cost of living, especially in the property market. Finding an affordable room is becoming increasingly difficult, with supply becoming scarce and prices rising ever higher, leaving thousands of students in a vulnerable situation when it comes to accommodation in Portugal. As part of the new academic year, which has already begun, the amount of support for accommodation for scholarship students moving from higher education has been increased, from 8 per cent to 38 per cent. For the cities of Lisbon, Oeiras and Cascais, the amount can reach €456.41, while for Porto this aid can go up to €432.39, according to what the government announced last Friday. The aim, according to the Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education, is to ensure that the supplements paid are in line with the average price of private accommodation in the countrys different cities . See the limits of the amounts per municipality, as indicated by the government: Lisbon, Cascais, Oeiras: up to 456.41€ Porto: up to €432.39 Faro: up to €360.32 Funchal, Setúbal, Almada: up to €336.30 Ponta Delgada, Aveiro, Braga, Odivelas, Matosinhos, Amadora: up to €312.28 Coimbra, Évora, Portimão, Vila Nova de Gaia, Maia, Barreiro: up to €288.26 Other municipalities not included in the previous brackets: up to €264.24 The Executive states: with the reinforcement now decided, displaced scholarship students who are housed outside a public residence will now receive between 2,642.40 euros and 5,020.51 euros of support each year to cover their accommodation costs. Since 2022 , the housing supplement has already been increased four times, between 17 per cent and 63 per cent , according to the evolution of prices in the private housing market. Below, see the table with the respective values and increases Other news you can follow: University Student Guide , Higher Education: Applications and Scholarships , Youth Hostels will house university students
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction The IEFP opened applications this Friday, 8 September, for the new digital training cheque. Its worth remembering that the Secretary of State had already announced in July that applications would open in September. The Training + Digital Cheque will have a maximum value of up to 750 euros per worker, per year, regardless of the number of applications and the number of hours of training. Each worker can use this support to strengthen and deepen their skills in the digital area (cybersecurity, data processing and analysis, digital marketing, among others). The employee must choose training courses that are provided by training organisations certified by DGERT . According to the IEFP regulations, this measure aims to promote job retention, progression in the labour market, strengthening qualifications and employability, preparing workers for the changes that the digital transition has brought and will bring to all sectors of activity. Who is it aimed at? All workers legally resident in Portugal: - employees - self-employed workers - ENI (Individual Entrepreneurs) - Partners of sole proprietorships What documents should you submit with your application? You can submit your application using the form on the IEFP website. The application support manual and specific regulations are available for consultation on the website. You can also download all the documents you need to fill in. See what documents are required: - Proof of a regularised social security and tax situation (or a statement authorising consultation with the IEFP). - Memorandum justifying the need for the training - Statement from the training organisation - Proof of IBAN Take advantage of the Training Voucher to update your digital skills and submit your application on the IEFP website. Read more at: VAT Zero: proposal to extend exemption was approved ; The property market in 2023: get to know the forecasts
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction With back-to-school approaching , many families are now faced with the challenge of reconciling school schedules with family and work activities. Organisation and planning are key to ensuring a smooth transition to these new routines, with a few tricks you can adopt during the period when your children go back to school. SUPERCASA Notícias shows you exactly what you can do, leaving you with some s trategies for successfully managing your family , taking into account school schedules and family life. Create a calendar that includes all activities, commitments and family members A global calendar, shared between all the members of the household, is a valuable tool becaus e it contains all the timetables for each person and lets you know exactly what they have available. School timetables, extracurricular activities, medical appointments and family events can all be marked on the calendar. This will help you visualise the big picture and avoid scheduling conflicts . Establish routines Set fixed times for yourself and your children to wake up, eat, play, work and sleep. This kind of established routine provides a sense of security, which helps children adjust to new realities. And it will also make it easier for you to manage your commitments and schedules, creating less stress . Set priorities Identify the activities and commitments that are most important to your family. This will help you avoid overloading your children with too many extracurricular activities and maintain a healthy balance between what everyone wants to do. Delegate responsibilities Distribute tasks among the various family members , including the children, according to their ages and abilities. This will promote a sense of responsibility and help ease the burden on parents. Set aside quality time for yourself and your children Its important to set aside quality family time, even if its short. These can include meals together, walks at the weekend or simply a chat before bed. These moments not only strengthen family bonds but also help to reduce stress. Limit time spent on electronic devices Set clear limits on the use of electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets. The time dedicated to these activities should be balanced with other responsibilities and social interactions. Flexibility and adaptation Be prepared to adjust routines as necessary. As new commitments arise, or circumstances change, flexibility is key to maintaining balance . Time for parents Taking time out for yourself is crucial. It can be a time to relax, practice a hobby or socialise with friends. Well-cared-for parents are better able to look after their familys needs. With a combination of organisation, communication and flexibility , families can face the challenge of balancing school schedules and family life effectively. A well-structured routine will provide stability and peace of mind for all family members, promoting a healthy and productive environment. Keep up to date with everything at SUPERCASA Notícias , giving your children the best support: University: study tips for greater success , Discover the 2023-2024 school year calendar
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Academic success is a very important goal for university students, especially for new students entering this year , as may be the case with you. Youll need to prepare yourself to optimise your study methods, because it will make all the difference if you want to achieve positive results and feel fulfilled. The pace in higher education is much more intense and advanced than in secondary school, so youll need to invest a little on your part to keep up. SUPERCASA Notícias has some tips to help you maximise your studies and achieve your academic goals. Organisation is key Keep a calendar or diary so you can keep track of deadlines, tasks, appointments, exams and assessments. Not only will it help you manage your time effectively, but it will also help you avoid forgetting or being late. Also, get different notebooks in which to record the notes you take in class, so that you keep everything organised and in the right place. That way, if you need to find the information, youll know exactly where it is. Create a study space Set up a quiet and organised study space, free from distractions. This will help you focus and will certainly increase your productivity. If you dont have this possibility at home and would prefer to go to a place where more students are trying to do the same as you, there are lots of public study rooms available at universities and colleges, with desks, internet and, in some cases, snacks and a water and coffee machine. You can have evenings in these places, as they are usually open all the time. However, if you prefer a quieter place, we suggest local libraries. Set clear goals Set concrete study goals for each session you do. This will keep you focused, motivated and will force you to direct all your attention to what needs to be achieved. It could be a maximum number of hours, a subject you need to get to grips with, or meeting an objective and then giving yourself a reward. Divide the material As we mentioned above, divide your study material into different segments to better manage your notes and information. This will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and allow you to absorb information more effectively. The best example is to divide everything up into subjects or themes. Use the Pomodoro Technique The Pomodoro technique is a time management technique that consists of using a stopwatch to divide your work into 25-minute periods , separated by short breaks. In this way, you can divide your study into blocks of 25 minutes, interspersed with short breaks. Youll notice an increase in your concentration and youll feel less mentally fatigued. Make revisions and outlines Why not, instead of simply re-reading everything , start making summaries, notes and mind maps ? This dynamic will help you process information more thoroughly. Join effective study groups Participating in study groups can be beneficial, as long as everyone stays focused on the goal. Youll be able to discuss topics and teach others about the subjects youre most knowledgeable about. This will strengthen your understanding of the subjects and help you assimilate the information more quickly. Diversify study methods You can use a wide variety of resources to help you study, such as videos, podcasts, books and articles. In this way, you can approach a topic from different perspectives and supplement the information with explanations from different speakers and sources. Establish a rhythm Study regularly and dont leave everything to the last minute. Consistency is more effective than simply studying in long sporadic sessions. Self-evaluate Take practice tests and evaluate your progress regularly. Identify areas where you can improve or where you need help and target your study to those weak points. With this precision, youll be able to evolve more accurately. Take care of yourself Prioritise adequate sleep, a healthy diet and regular exercise. A healthy body and mind contribute to better academic performance. Manage your stress Adopt relaxation practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, so that you can manage stress during intense periods of study when you feel overwhelmed . Also, take breaks, unwind for a few minutes and clear your head of the pressure you may feel through leisure activities. Celebrate your achievements Recognise your achievements, however small or insignificant they may seem. This will keep your motivation high and encourage a positive study environment. Remember that each student is unique, and the methods we recommend may not all apply to you, as study strategies and methods can vary. Tr y different approaches and adjust them according to your needs. With planning, dedication and discipline, you can maximise your study and academic performance and achieve excellent results. If youre looking for more tips for this phase of your life, we suggest you read the University Student Guide
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The month of September is symbolic in many ways, considered to be a kind of early New Year, the rentrée as many call it, as it marks new phases and new beginnings, especially for young people . The start of the school year is one of the major events of the month, requiring not only preparation and focus , but also financial logistics on the part of parents , who find themselves faced with the usual expenses for school supplies . From textbooks, pencils, pens, rucksacks and even clothes, there are many purchases to be made in order to give your child everything they need for a fresh start . However, because above all else there are concepts such as sustainability and financial awareness, you need to do your shopping methodically and realise exactly what your child will really need. In this article, well show you some ways to save and make the most of your time and money, with the best decisions for you and your children. Set a budget Before you go shopping, make an estimate of how much you can afford to spend . Ideally, knowing in advance that this is an unavoidable expense , you should already have some capital set aside for the investment. However, if you havent thought of this, look at your accounts and see how much you can spend . The truth is that there are essential materials that your son or daughter wont be able to do without , but there are also others that you can recycle from year to year. So really realise how much essential materials like school books cost and set your limits. Shop in advance and compare prices Ideally, you shouldnt leave shopping for school supplies to the last minute, as this will probably result in you spending a lot more. This is because you wont have the opportunity to compare prices and really understand where you can find the best deals. The ideal is to do your research a month or two in advance, comparing prices and deciding where its cheapest to invest. Dont take your children shopping with you It may sound like strange advice, but imagine youre taking your little one with you and you find yourself in a situation where he asks you for anything and everything. Itll be hard to say no, but youll realise that leaving them at home will make the process much simpler. For a start, it will be quicker , as you probably wont make as many stops as if you were with your child, whose fascination with newMake a list and ask the school what materials will be needed materials can be immense , and then youll be able to choose the best materials in terms of price and quality. With your son or daughter with you, the choice would probably be down to the aesthetics of the material and not so much the functionality or price, which could be counterproductive if your aim is to save money. However, before you go shopping, try to understand your childs tastes and buy the materials accordingly, so as not to give rise to tantrums or dissatisfaction later on . Make a list and ask the school what materials will be needed At the beginning of each school year, its quite common for the teachers or Headteachers themselves to make a list of the materials that will be needed for each subject. So, before you buy anything and everything, invest only in the explicitly necessary materials, such as pencils, pens, sharpeners, backpacks, pencil cases, markers, textbooks, notebooks or binders and, on the first day of school or a few weeks before, speak to your childs Headteacher and ask for a list of materials. This way, you wont be comparing more than the essentials and youll avoid spending a lot of money on materials that wont be used. Reuse materials from previous years or from other children who no longer need them This is a key piece of advice that many parents adopt when it comes to providing their children with school materials. Even in terms of sustainability, this is the most conscious option , because if there are materials from previous years or from older siblings, cousins or friends who no longer use them, why not give them a second life instead of throwing them away? Youll save a lot of money and avoid waste . Dont forget to always ask for an invoice with VAT number This is a very important and often undervalued step. By requesting an invoice with a Tax File Number, youll be able to deduct your education expenses from your personal income tax (IRS) , obtaining tax benefits that can be very rewarding in the end. Also, try to separate invoices for school expenses from invoices for regular purchases , if you make them in a department store, so that you can guarantee your deduction. These are the tips SUPERCASA Notícias has for you! Prepare for your childrens return to school with the greatest of peace of mind and be sure to follow more of our articles: Discover the calendar for the 2023-2024 school year , Learning a new language: Know the best choice
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Secretary of State for Youth and Sport, João Paulo Correia, announced that student accommodation will be increased by around 9 per cent by making 19 youth hostels available for this purpose . This will increase the number of beds available for displaced students in Vila Nova de Cerveira, Viana do Castelo, Porto, Portimão, Ponte de Lima, Oeiras, Parque das Nações, Lisbon Centre, Guimarães, Guarda, Faro, Évora, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, Bragança, Beja, Aveiro, Almada and Abrantes. According to João Paulo Correia, the monthly price of the rooms varies between 200 and 300 euros per person (depending on the unit and type), in double or multiple rooms, and includes breakfast, Wi-Fi internet, daily cleaning, weekly change of bed linen and towels and use of the hostel kitchen . However, the European Youth Card discount, which is 20 per cent for triple rooms and 10 per cent for double rooms, can be applied to the prices . On the subject of discounts, the Secretary of State for Youth and Sport explains: scholarship students can have an amount equivalent to a months discount to use on accommodation vouchers in the Youth Hostels network . This initiative was set up in line with the current rental market in Portugal, where the average price of a room already exceeds €400 per month, both in Lisbon and Porto. In addition, the private supply available is not enough for the 10 per cent of young people who have been placed in universities and polytechnics this year, and there is a serious housing shortage in this regard. Even so, various solutions have emerged to combat the lack of student room s, with the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education guaranteeing last Tuesday that by the end of 2026 there will be more than 15,000 beds for students , in an investment that will be included in the PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan). On this subject, see: PRR will allow 86 new student residences by 2026 , Accommodation subsidy for university students to be increased
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction After announcing that the housing subsidy for university students will be increased, following the new challenges of the rental market in Portugal, Elvira Fortunato, Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, guarantees that the funding from the PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan) will allow there to be 15,000 more beds for university students by the end of 2026. The Minister said: We are currently building another 15,000 beds under the PRR, the equivalent of at least 86 new residences, and we hope to have this whole process completed by the end of 2026 . This was a measure first announced by Minister Manuel Heitor for the period between 2018 and 2022, following the National Accommodation Plan for Higher Education , promising an increase of 12,000 beds. However, this time, Elvira Fortunato emphasises the fulfilment of this objective , which will only be possible thanks to PRR funding, and says: we are building residences all over the country and, as is the case here, even using vacant buildings in less busy areas. On the subject of higher education, read: Rooms to rent to students are more expensive , More than half of students were placed in their first option
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction 1. Why should you apply for higher education? 2. Get to know the best Portuguese universities 3. Still dont know which course youre going to take? Tips for making the best choice 4. What scholarships and types of support are available to those applying for higher education? 5. What documents should you have with you for the Access to Higher Education Application? 6. How to apply to higher education, step by step 7. Higher education placement results: how to prepare for this moment 8. Find out how to prepare for your first year at university 9. Find out about the types of residences and accommodation available 10. Tips for living in shared houses: find out what they are 11. Discover the types of internships you can do 12. Need financial support? Find out how personal loans for higher education work 1. Why should you apply for higher education? If youre still having doubts about your future, specifically whether or not you should enter higher education , well help you think it through. Decisions may not seem simple, especially at a time when everything seems to be getting complicated, with all the anxiety of final exams and, further down the line, the complex process of college applications. However, were here to show you the importance of academic training for your adult life , which in the twinkling of an eye is about to knock on your door. According to the 2020 Education at a Glance report, 44 per cent of the population aged between 25 and 34 had a university degree, a figure that has been rising for 15 years. Nowadays, a university degree is crucial to the chances of greater professional success , especially in specific areas such as medicine, law, science or social studies. With this in mind, and because we want the best for you and your future, we give you four reasons to continue your studies: More and better career opportunities With a degree, youll see that your possibilities become broader. Depending on the area you choose, a candidate with higher education is always more valued than one without it, because although experience is an important factor, theoretical knowledge ends up carrying more weight when it comes to selection. And if youre really looking for success in your professional life, the ideal thing is to apply for higher education and complete a degree so that you can gain access to the tiny possibilities that may arise during your working life. The more complete your academic training, the greater your access to good job offers. More education, more pay Salary rewards are much higher for people with degrees than for those without, according to the OECD. Your studies will be valued and this will show in your salary. Obviously the reward will be greater or lesser depending on the area you choose, but the feeling of reward will be there. Unique experiences Going to university is a milestone in each persons life, as it begins a very important cycle that will lead you to adulthood. Responsibilities increase and youll go through a period of transition , where you leave your parents wings to fly higher towards a future youve built yourself. And youll experience things that, if you were to enter the labour market immediately after finishing secondary school, youd probably never experience. The academic spirit will accompany you through the process, where youll make friends for life and deal closely with situations that will give you an idea of your future. Well-being and personal fulfilment There are non-economic benefits to going to university, above all because of the sense of personal fulfilment that this milestone will bring you. Youll feel proud of yourself if you take this step and youll certainly receive the approval and pride of your parents , who will see your life evolve in the most positive way possible. Whats more, youll acquire unique values that will make you a more complete and informed person , prepared for any and all adversities. 2. Get to know the best Portuguese universities If youre thinking of applying for higher education, its important that you set yourself goals and objectives that will lead you to the place you want to be in your professional life, as entering university is one of the biggest milestones in a persons life . The secret to everything going smoothly lies in the preparation and the way you plan for this period of transition, so its essential that you prepare yourself with as much information as possible, because we want you to emerge victorious from this important phase in your life! The first step is to understand the area you want to enter, the eight main ones being: Exact and Earth Sciences; Biological Sciences; Engineering; Health Sciences; Agricultural Sciences; Linguistics, Letters and Arts; Applied Social Sciences; Humanities. If any of these are your favourites and you intend to choose them at an academic level, then good news! I n Portugal, the academic offer is huge and of extremely high quality , with not only universities but also Polytechnic Institutes that allow for complete and quality learning in any of the topics mentioned above. So, once you know exactly what area you want to pursue, its important to analyse all the courses available for each subject, as each of the eight areas of knowledge extends far beyond what you might imagine, with very specific courses for the most diverse career paths. Once youve decided everything, its important to prioritise your decisions in order of preference, because when you apply, the first course you name - the so-called first choice - may be the one you actually get into. However, if you dont get a place on that first option, youll be selected for the second or third, so its extremely important that you prioritise the options that suit you best, so you dont run the risk of being placed on a course that probably doesnt interest you that much. However, you should know that , in the worst case scenario, you can always reapply in the second and third phases. And before you choose your university, consider factors such as the distance between the institution and your home address . During the process, its very important to find accommodation where you can stay for the whole academic term, if its far from home. To do this, you can go to supercasa.pt and check out the many properties available for rent. But without further ado, here are the five best universities in Portugal, according to the QS World University Rankings 2023: University of Porto If youre looking to study at one of the Portuguese universities that attracts the most national and international students, this is the right choice for you. You can be sure that youll be well placed at this academic institution, as youll have a range of courses at your disposal that will offer you excellent career opportunities, including courses in Information Management, Law, Engineering, Architecture and Pharmacy. In terms of fees for a bachelors degree or a degree with an integrated masters programme, tuition fees can vary between €3,500 and €8,000. University of Lisbon In second place is one of the countrys most notable universities, and the most sought-after by international students. T his is a very complete university, offering training in a wide range of areas , including Architecture, Communication Sciences, Law, Dentistry and International Relations, for those looking for a wider range of different options. Tuition fees for a simple bachelors degree or a bachelors degree with an integrated masters can reach up to €12,500 in the case of the highest fees, or up to €3,000 for the lowest fees. NOVA University Lisbon This is a university that offers a wide range of higher education courses in various areas, establishing itself as one of the most reputable universities in the country, with 28 bachelors degrees, 103 masters degrees, 12 integrated masters degrees and 84 doctoral programmes. The lowest tuition fee can reach up to €7,000, while there are no estimates for the maximum amount, as there are several enrolments and possibilities associated with enrolling at Nova de Lisboa. Of particular note are the Management, Economics, Finance, Law and Public Health programmes. University of Coimbra One of the oldest and most traditional universities in the country, full of academic spirit like no other, this is the ideal university for those looking for a complete experience of what its like to be a university student. From the traditional hazing to the traditional academic parties, including the countless study rooms at the universitys centres, the University of Coimbra stands out for its bohemian academic spirit and the main courses, from a wide range, are Law, Economics, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Pharmacy. Tuition fees are no less than €7,000. University of Aveiro Founded in 1973, it currently has 45 bachelors degrees, 77 masters degrees, 11 integrated masters degrees and 51 doctorates. 11 integrated masters degrees and 51 doctorates , this university is excellent for those looking to live in a quiet area while benefiting from the academic life it offers. Its also one of the cheapest options, as the lowest tuition fee is likely to be around €4,000 and no more than €5,500. Its the perfect university for those looking to study one of the following courses: English Language and Literature, Computer Science and Information Systems, Medicine or Agriculture and Forestry. More important than this list is that you consider that good grades are required for a good place , so you need to perform well during the final exam season! And above all, if youre sure where youre going, pay attention to the timings for the start of the house search , as its a busy time among young people and its essential to start your search early to make sure you find the best option! 3. Still not sure which course to take? Tips for making the best choice When it comes to choosing a university course, many students feel overwhelmed by the immensity of information that exists today, but above all by the knowledge that this is a choice that is, after all, theirs to make. Well show you what you can do to help you make the decision in what is such an important step in your life: Make a list of what you like With so much information available online, its perfectly normal to feel lost and not know where to start. Make a list of your favourite subjects, what your hobbies and passions are; what did you like to do as a child? What do you imagine yourself doing in the future? These are some of the questions you can ask yourself to understand what you like. We also suggest that you consult the DGES (Directorate-General for Higher Education) website, where youll find a Guide to Applying for Higher Education. In this guide you can search for all the courses, areas, institutions and districts to find out whats on offer. You also have the option of searching for the Open Day in advance. Some Portuguese universities usually have a day dedicated to presenting their degrees to students in their final year of secondary school. It usually takes place between January and May each year. You could start by thinking about what kind of education you want: university education (more theoretical and scientific) or polytechnic education (more practical, with a view to solving problems), or even public or private education (involves more financial costs). Search for professionals in these areas Once youve gathered a few courses you might be interested in, even if youre still unsure about which one to choose, search for professionals in these fields on social media: LinkedIn and Facebook groups. Exchange views with your family, as youll get different feedback from the areas they work in. This can help you get a sense of how the labour market works and understand how likely you are to be employed in different areas. But dont forget that no matter how much feedback and advice you get, the choice is always yours! Also search for studies on courses with a high employability rate. We suggest you check out Info Cursos higher education data and statistics page. This will give you an idea of whether the courses youre considering could be an asset in terms of employability. Where do you want to study? Do you want to continue studying in Portugal or do you want to go to a university abroad? If you want to stay in Portugal, bear in mind that the course you want may not be available in all educational institutions, from the north to the south of the country. Depending on where youre going (Portugal or abroad), consider the costs you may have in terms of accommodation, public transport, food, books and other study materials and tuition fees. Check whether this has an impact on the budget you or your family have set for going to university. Also check, if applicable, the access conditions of each institution for scholarships. Demand for courses with more professional opportunities Since 2020, many companies have gone digital and youve probably heard of terms like teleworking, remote working or hybrid working model. If youre still undecided about the course youre going to choose, here are some of the areas that are likely to have a lot of job opportunities in 2023: Digital Marketing, E-commerce (related to online shops, e-commerce); UX/UI Design and WebDesign (UX stands for User Experience and UI for User Interface, and is related to the experience the user has when they enter a companys website or search for a product, i.e. whether they easily understand the message being conveyed and whether the website or programme or app loads quickly and intuitively); Programming and Software Development; Data Management and Analysis; Mental Health and Psychology; Sustainability and Environmental Engineering. Explore university summer schools If you have no idea what course youre going to study, but have a few universities in mind, you can always take advantage of the various summer programmes they have available. The Universities of Lisbon and Nova de Lisboa, for example, have a Summer School for young people between the ages of 15 and 19, with various activities that can not only give you knowledge, but also an idea of what it will be like to go to university. Its a matter of searching the university websites to find out more about the summer programmes. 4. What scholarships and types of support are available to those applying for higher education? When the official placement results are published, if youve got into one of the options youve chosen, you can enrol on the course at the Higher Education Institution where youve been placed and start a new phase that youll remember as the best years of your life. Higher education scholarships aim to support students with fewer financial resources and can be offered in various forms depending on the organisation awarding the scholarship: by providing a monetary amount, accommodation, exemption from school expenses and/or food. Types of public scholarships There are different types of scholarships promoted by public organisations: Merit scholarship: awarded by DGES to students with exceptional academic achievement. Mobility scholarship: awarded by the DGES to students taking part in mobility programmes in Portugal, such as the Programa+ Superior or international mobility programmes. Municipal scholarships: the award of these scholarships depends on the criteria defined by each local authority and the location of the educational institution, as they are funded by the local authorities themselves. Types of private scholarships There are also scholarships awarded by private organisations . These institutions usually have their own scholarship programmes available for those who wish to continue their studies but do not have the financial means to do so . Here are some of the most reputable programmes in Portugal: José Neves Foundation Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation António Aleixo Foundation Camões Institute Santander Scholarships Foundation for Science and Technology To apply for a public scholarship, you must access the student area on the DGES website and submit your scholarship application between 25 June and 30 September. The mandatory criteria for an application to be eligible are: Already be enrolled or registered at a Higher Education institution Be a Portuguese citizen or have permanent residence in Portugal Submit the households most recent tax return Present proof of a valid IBAN If you are applying to Higher Education for the first time, you must declare in your application that you want to apply for a scholarship and use the link that was sent to you in the notification of receipt of the application . If you cant use the link sent to you, you can contact the Social Services of the Higher Education Institution you wish to attend and ask for access credentials. Dont forget to have your national identity card with you. New scholarship updates The Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education (MCTES) has announced updates to the awarding of higher education scholarships , which will now be awarded at the candidate placement stage. There are also changes to the conditions of access, which have been extended to include more than 5,000 students. According to the Ministry, the amounts will be increased to a maximum of €5,981.73, an increase of 7% compared to the previous academic year, and the minimum amount will also be increased for students enrolled in masters programmes. For student workers, these conditions will also be extended, with an eligibility threshold for those who can prove that they have earned occasional income, namely during holiday periods, now corresponding to the general threshold plus 1,520 euros (corresponding to twice the Guaranteed Minimum Monthly Wage). Accommodation will also have new rules, with the maintenance of the increase in accommodation supplements now approved as a permanent measure and the supplements can be up to €336.60, depending on where you are going to study. Scholarships for needy students will also be extended to those studying for a masters degree , and will be awarded at the time of placement. In addition, they will cover refugee students from Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan, with a maximum value of €5,981.73. 5. What documents should you have with you for the Access to Higher Education Application? There are important aspects of your application for academic education that you must take into account, and which involve a series of elements that you need to guarantee the submission of your application . Were talking specifically about the ENES Form. ENES - National Secondary School Examinations As the name suggests, the Ficha ENES will be the document that certifies your secondary school qualification , presented as a supporting document for your application to higher education. This form contains the marks obtained in your national exams as well as the activation key for the online application on the DGES website , which is why it is crucial that you obtain this document. Requesting the ENES Form: when and where? As this form will contain all the information you need for the various access phases, it is essential that you request it as soon as you are sure of your exam results , which is very simple. Youll need to request the ENES Form for the year for which youre applying , which you can request from the secretariat or administrative services of the school where you took the national exams, once the marks have been released. All you need to request the ENES Form is your identity document. As a rule, you will be given the ENES Form immediately after submitting the application, and it can be delivered to you by email or in person , although the latter is more common. However, as each school has specific rules, you should check with your schools office. Bear in mind that, depending on the academic institution youre applying to, you may or may not need the paper version of the ENES Form , although the digital code is usually enough. But once again , its important to check with the institutions in question. You must request the Ficha ENES by the end of the application period, taking into account the delays that can result from requesting the document, and it has an associated cost that can vary from €0.10 to €5. Is the ENES form valid? What if I take the exams again? The Ficha ENES is only valid for the year in which it is issued, so, as we mentioned above, if you request the Ficha ENES 2023, it will only be valid for the current year. However, the Ficha ENES is valid for all stages of higher education applications , including the 1st, 2nd and 3rd stages. And if youre thinking of retaking your exams, we advise you to ask for it only afterwards, because if you do retake, youll need to apply again, with your grades updated for the 2nd or 3rd round of applications. However, the Ficha ENES will only take into account improvements in the final marks for the subjects with exams that have an effect on access to higher education . 6. How to apply for access to higher education, step by step So that there are no doubts in what can be a confusing or overwhelming process, we have prepared a step-by-step guide so that you can complete your application and fill in all the fields without hesitation. However, because applications to Private Higher Education Institutions take place on specific dates, defined by the institutions themselves, and the application is also made through specific channels, with the institutions in question, this is a guide to the National Public Education competition: Access the DGES (Directorate-General for Higher Education) platform It is important that, before you start this process, you have the password to access the online Application Portal , which should have been sent to you by email after you applied for the ENES Form , which you also need to have with you in order to be able to apply. However, if you dont have it, you can request it through the DGES , where youll have to fill in a short form which will then allow you to receive a document that you must certify at your secondary school or at any GAES (Gabinete de Acesso ao Ensino Superior). Once all this has been done, youll receive a new email with the password youll use to log in to the Application Portal. As well as your password to access the online application portal, its important that you have your national identity card number with you - however, if you are a foreign national, you can request an internal number from your school or GAES for application purposes . Then, once you have the access password, your national identity card number and the ENES Form, you should have the Pre-Requisites Form with you , in the specific case of the courses where this is requested. Once you have all these elements in your possession, you must access DGES with your identification number and access password. As soon as you click on Submit , the process will begin. Here we summarise the mandatory elements you must have in order to submit your application Password to access the DGES Application Portal. ID card. ENES form. Pre-requisites form, if the course you want to apply for requires it. Fill in all your Curricular information As soon as you enter, youll be asked to p rovide information about your secondary school grades, specifically your final average. This is information youll find on your ENES Form , which you can and should copy into the fields on the Application Portal . You will be asked for the activation code of the form, the date of the form, your secondary school average and the school code. If you fill in any of the data incorrectly, the platform will stop the process from continuing and wont let you move on to the next step , so you should follow the Ficha ENES meticulously and pay attention to its date, as filling in this field incorrectly is one of the most common mistakes. Check that your national exams are correct Once you have entered all your curricular information, based on the ENES Form, you will move on to the National Exams that have been taken, valid for the purposes of access to Higher Education. All you have to do here is check that everything is correct. Enter your personal information Once you have confirmed that everything is correct with regard to your national exams, you will move on to filling in your personal details, where you must enter your personal contact information. All of these must be up-to-date, such as telephone number, email address and address. Choose your application options At this stage of the application you must first select the Higher Education Access Office closest to your area of residence. This is a fundamental choice because, if you have any problems during your application, this will be the place you can turn to , and it is important that you are close to it, regardless of the institution you are applying to. In the second option, relating to School Sport, you can select what you want. These two fields, both the one for the Office for Access to Higher Education and the one for School Sport, are statistical and have no bearing on your actual application, so you wont be committing yourself to doing sport at the university, contrary to what it may seem. In the block that follows, relating to economically deprived students, you must state whether or not you intend to apply for social action scholarships , but only in an indicative way, since to apply for scholarships, the process takes place on another platform, using accesses that DGES will then send you. Once this field has been filled in, youll move on to the Quotas field. Here, if you dont belong to any of the special quotas, such as the Azores, Madeira, Emigrants, Militants, People with Disabilities or Social Action Beneficiaries, you should select the General Quota. If you select one of the other quotas, youll have to go to the GAES to hand in the documentation proving your quota. Finally, youll come to the block dedicated to Proof of Regional/Contingent Preference. This is a benefit that you may or may not want, indicating the code of the Regional Preference previously requested when applying for the ENES Form. To benefit from this Regional Preference you must place the options in the first positions of your list , without interruption since, if you have an option without regional preference above an option with regional preference, the regional preference will not prevail in the option where you mentioned it. Choose your course options Youve reached the most important stage , where youll define your course options and for which youll also select the institutions youre applying to. You have up to six options and youre not obliged to fill in all of them, but we advise you to do so, as youll be increasing your chances of getting into at least one of them. The most important thing to bear in mind is the order of preference in which you place your six options, as you will only be placed in one of them. Even if you placed the option you most wanted in a lower option, and your average was good enough to get in, you wouldnt be able to enrol. Youll only be able to enrol in the order youve decided on, so pay attention to this point. Lets give you a practical example: imagine you really like the Biology programme, but the one you really want to go into is Biochemistry, and at the end of your preferences you have Energy and Environmental Engineering. The correct order would be, in 1st place, the Biochemistry course, in 2nd place the Biology course, and in 3rd place the Energy Engineering course, and so on depending on the options youre not so keen on. In the first position youll always put the course you really want to get into. Also bear in mind that you wont be disadvantaged by putting an option lower down on your list that another student might put in the first position, because the only factor that is taken into account at the time of placement is the grade of each application. So, if you have a third place option, and you dont get into the first two options on your list, youll get into your third option ahead of the first choice, but your application grade must be higher than that of those students. In front of each option you select will appear the application grade for the position you are applying for , with the national exams you have valid for that purpose. If the grade doesnt appear, and instead a message appears in red, it means that you cant apply for that option because you dont fulfil the access conditions for that course, because you dont meet the minimum grade or because youre missing an entrance exam. If this happens, you should delete that option and add another valid one. Fill in the prerequisites This is not a compulsory field , as not all courses require it, however, if one of your options is for a course with this requirement, you should see an indication, and they can be of two types: Prerequisites that require you to take physical, vocational or functional aptitude tests , and which you can prove have been taken by means of the Pre-Requisites Form that you should already have with you at the moment. Prerequisites that do not require physical, vocational or functional aptitude tests and only require documentary proof. You should therefore submit your Pre-Requisites Form, proving that you have taken the required tests or documents. Check everything Youre coming to the end of this process and, at this stage, once youve completed all the points above, you should confirm your previously submitted application options. You should carefully check that there are no errors in your application. Validate and submit your application Even after everything has been confirmed, you will still see a message confirming whether or not there is an error and, if there is, asking you to review it. If there is, you can go back to the previous steps and correct what isnt right. Once everything has been correctly validated, you should click on Submit , which automatically completes your application, and we suggest that you print out the receipt and keep it, as this is proof that you have made the application and that it has been submitted , should there be any problems in the future. This way you can be sure that youve done everything. You can submit several applications The best part is that if you change your mind about the courses youve chosen, you can submit as many applications as you like. In this case, the last application submitted is always taken into account and replaces the previous ones. Whenever you repeat the process, you should print out and keep the receipt so that you can be sure of your submission. 7. Higher education placement results: how you can prepare for this moment Preparing for university entrance is essential, so you should already have an idea of exactly where youre going and what youre going to do. Its therefore essential that you take certain steps to ensure that your future is as organised as possible in the short term. However, if you havent finalised this preparation yet, or if youre looking for guidance so that you can keep everything in order, here are a few to help you prepare until the results of your placements are released: Explore all the university forums Youre not alone in this process , as thousands of other young people are in exactly the same situation as you. There are online communities and forums to guide you through this process , directing you in the right direction to get as much information as possible at a time when many doubts can arise. You can research all your doubts, consult articles and also take part in discussion forums where other students , candidates and young people with more experience will offer their own perspectives.This is a fundamental form of preparation, as youll not only be answering your questions and insecurities, but also addressing your fears and anxieties by sharing them with other young people in the same situation as you. Find accommodation If you havent started this house-hunting process yet, its essential that you start researching your options as soon as possible, because as time goes by, there will be more competition for the rooms and residences that are still available. You should bear in mind that, depending on your financial availability, there will be various options that youll have to hurry up and grab. One of the tips we give you, and which you can use at any stage of your life, whenever you need accommodation, is to consult real estate portals. Searches will be made according to your needs and requirements , and youll have a wide range of options that you can consult in order to get in touch with the owners and make your visits . Its essential that you start preparing now , because as soon as the vacancies come out, the general rush for rooms will begin, leaving you with fewer options. The real estate portals SUPERCASA and CASA SAPO are two of the portals where you can do this research , not only because of their notorious presence in the real estate market, but also because of the informative content they offer. Plan your finances Its extremely important that you know what you can count on and, if youre relying on your parents for help, our advice is to involve them in all these processes so that they can manage their personal finances and help you to the best of their ability. If you are managing this yourself, either through your own funds or with someone elses financial help, it is essential that you make a forecast and take stock of the money you will need for this process. From tuition fees to food, rent and transport, there will be a lot of expenses to deal with, so even before you receive the results of the placements, draw up your financial strategy and organize your budgets . This will allow you to be more flexible in the long run with the money youll have available to spend during your time at university. Gather and organize all the essential documents Did you know that when you register, youll be asked for documents such as a vaccination card, ID card or proof of residence ? Some colleges require these documents, so to save time and know exactly where to find them, prepare them in advance . You could even put together a folder for this purpose, where you can add this type of document or other optional ones that you consider relevant. That way, once youve received the results of the placements, you wont be stressing out looking for these papers. Handle your scholarship application Scholarship applications run until the end of September , leaving you with plenty of time for this process. However, because once you know your placement and start your registration, time will fly by, the weeks that follow will seem chaotic and full of things happening, and that probably wont give you the space to remember this step, which is crucial for those who are eligible for support . Whats more, by getting this step out of the way now, youll be leaving everything organized so that you can focus on other things, such as the start of the school year and the university integration phase. In the days that follow, until the results are announced, collect all the documents and information you need for your application, and fill everything out calmly, ensuring a complete and thoughtful application. 8. Find out how you can prepare for your first year at university Going to college can seem daunting and completely unfamiliar, as youll be moving into a completely new time in your life and youll be faced with challenges and things you werent expecting. However, all of this is easier than it sounds. Its going to be a curious phase , in which youll have access to various experiences and moments that youll treasure for the rest of your life, whether its the people and teachers you meet or the moments spent in the academic bohemia so typical of young university students. The first year is usually the most challenging , but once the initial phase of strangeness, discomfort and unease has passed, everything will become easier and more familiar. The first step, right after youve finished your final exams, is to choose the course you want to take , apply for it and then start looking for a house or room, depending on whether or not youre going to an academic institution far from your usual home. To get you through this stage, once everything has been decided and youve been placed on a course you like, well give you some fundamental advice on how to get through the typical college rush , for which you need to make sure you have all the essential information and documents you need to apply, such as the ENES form and the password to access the application platform. Without these documents you wont be able to submit your application, but once youve done that, you can start preparing. Ensure your enrollment or registration Once all the anxiety of applying is behind you, and youve completed your placement process after applying, youll know exactly where to go. Following all this bureaucracy, youll receive information about the institution and course where youve been placed , which will be followed by fundamental steps to ensure your place at the college you wanted to go to. Were talking specifically about enrolment or registration, which is compulsory and will guarantee you a place on the courses where youve been placed. This stage usually takes place in the first week of the academic year , depending on each school, university or institute, so you should check with the academic services to make sure you dont fall behind in this process. Enrollment is essential, as it will be your first contact with all the information about the course, classmates, timetables and procedures. Our advice is that, during registration, you should try to get to know your universitys campus a little, so that you can start to get to know the lay of the land. Its essential that you familiarize yourself with the rooms, locations and all the spaces that are relevant to your academic career, such as libraries, canteens or academic services, which you can and should take the opportunity to do on the day you register. Youll also get access to your universitys digital platforms on this day, where youll then be able to register for classes and receive all the documents for classes. Pay attention to your timetable The enrollment phase will open doors to information about the curricular units for which you will be enrolling and, subsequently, access to timetables . In many cases these are timetables that you can choose from optionally , with multiple options depending on the type of course, the assessment practiced or the regularity of the subject taught. As soon as you have your timetable, you should study it to avoid delays, absences or forgetfulness. You probably spent your secondary school years listening to teachers tell you that everything would be different and more rigorous at university, and thats true. However, you will have less control over your attendance, as there is usually a maximum number of absences you can give, depending on the type of assessment practiced in the course. So make sure you find out in advance and avoid carelessness that could lead to poor results . And bear in mind that although in many curricular units there is no question of absences, because they are through final assessment , many teachers value your attendance and participation, and these factors can have a direct influence on your assessment. Organize your time and study Once youre fully integrated into your academic institution, in the middle of term, it can be difficult to manage everything you want to do . It may seem tempting to drop all your duties to go and enjoy the typical bohemian life of young university students, but our advice is to make sure you have all your work and study done before you make the rash decision to slack off on your learning or studying. In the first few weeks, in particular, its going to be quite difficult to keep up with everything thats being taught, so try to take as many notes as possible, be attentive in class and make weekly summaries so that you can organize yourself in the best possible way. This will make it easier for you to combine the two aspects of college, which include hazing, parties, socializing and other academic activities that you wont want to miss! Take care of yourself and your well-being All this new stuff can be too much at first, leaving you overwhelmed and feeling like you cant cope with everything. However, its important that you dont despair and that you make space for yourself so that you can breathe and take a break from the rush and frenzy of all these new things. Its important that you dont feel pressured, because everything will be fine, even if it doesnt seem like it. Youll meet dozens of new people who will become your friends, whether in class, at social gatherings or as housemates, and you should take advantage of your free time to have fun and unwind , always bearing in mind the increased responsibilities you have to take care of on a daily basis. 9. Get to know the types of residences and accommodation available If youve finished secondary school this year, youve no doubt realized that there are countless issues related to entering higher education that go far beyond formalizing your application and your entrance average. And all of this is completely new to you. Nowadays, concerns about university student accommodation are arising earlier and earlier, and we know that managing the anxiety felt during the application phase, along with the need to prepare all the logistics related to your entry into university, is not easy. So, in order to guide you through the process, here are all the tips and advice you need to decide which option best suits you: living in a residence or in a rented room, sharing a house with other students. Student residences These types of residences are managed by higher education institutions . Therefore, depending on the institution you are entering, if your entry is confirmed, you can formalize your registration/application straight away. In this type of accommodation, the allocation of a room and the respective costs borne by the student are decided on the basis of the institutions Social Action levels , which are reviewed and updated annually, taking into account the students household income. In addition, a certain number of rooms are reserved each year to cater for applicants for full scholarships, which, in addition to financial support, also include accommodation. For this reason, it is not always possible to guarantee integration in these residences for all students who request it , largely due to the number of scholarship students who apply for this type of support every year. Whats more, even if your application is accepted, theres a good chance youll be sharing a room with another student. Although this isnt the ideal solution for many students who would prefer not to have to share their room with someone else, the truth is that the savings it can represent for these students families make it a perfectly viable option. Considering the sums involved, its always worth trying your luck , but bear in mind that this type of accommodation always involves several rules to comply with and that you may, in most cases, have to share a room with one or two other students. Private residences As the name suggests, this type of residence is managed by private entities . As such, the costs associated with this type of accommodation are bound to be higher for residents and their families. Of course, we mustnt forget that were talking about a profitable business, which also provides its resident clients with the kind of amenities that student residences dont, such as room cleaning services and accommodation options that can range from shared rooms to luxury suites, among others. Usually, the monthly fee already includes all expenses , such as water, electricity, internet and others. In addition, the application process is usually smoother and less bureaucratic than with student residence accommodation, which can be seen as a great advantage, so if your family budget allows you to take on this expense, you can arrange accommodation more quickly and without having to wait for the results of the placements. However, as with student halls of residence , there may be a number of mandatory collection rules and a ban on bringing friends to your residence , as well as the fact that this is a more expensive option. So, if youre looking for the ideal type of accommodation for you, and the most affordable, you can check out the options on the student rental market, where the prices can be similar to those of a residence and even cheaper, and where you can have more freedom to manage your schedule and routines. We advise you to be proactive and find out whats on offer in the place where you want to study , so that you can prepare in advance and make a decision as soon as you know where youve been placed. 10. Tips for living in shared houses: find out what they are There are many reasons why someone chooses to live in a shared house , which requires not only a great deal of flexibility when it comes to household chores in the shared areas, but also some patience to deal with each others routines. If youre going to university, youll probably find yourself in this situation. Renting a room is much cheaper than paying rent on an entire property. However, the main disadvantage is the lack of privacy , as well as having to be extra careful to respect other tenants space, which can be easier if youre sharing a house with friends, for example. In either situation, whether with people you know or complete strangers, you will be dependent on rules that are essential for coexistence in the same space. Well show you what to do: Set rules and boundaries When all the tenants of the house youre going to share get to know each other, its essential to establish basic rules for living together . If youre lucky and your housemates are people with a minimum of respect for each other, these rules will probably come as no surprise to them. However, youll end up having to deal with people who find it difficult to respect boundaries, so its really important to set them. In order for everything to run smoothly, these rules must be established and discussed between everyone , so that a common sense can be reached and they can also be adapted according to the specific needs of each element . The aim of all this is to avoid conflicts and problems , so it is essential that everyone agrees with what is established at the outset, so that there are no misunderstandings or unnecessary confusion in the future. Cleaning the common areas We assume that the whole issue will be resolved in point 1, with the definition of rules and limits regarding the coexistence and management of the house by everyone. However, there are some points where difficulties can arise, such as cleaning. This is a sensitive subject for many people , especially in shared houses, and is often a source of conflict. To avoid this type of situation, the ideal is to have a rotating cleaning schedule , which can be daily, weekly or monthly. In addition, its assumed that whenever someone dirties something, regardless of whether its their week to clean or not, they should clean up after themselves. If, for example, youre going to use the stove and it gets dirty: regardless of whether or not its your turn to clean the house, out of respect for your colleagues and even out of a sense of zeal, you should clean up after yourself. Another important point, and one that many housemates forget at the beginning, is that t aking out the garbage should be everyones responsibility , regardless of whether its your turn to clean up or not. If, for example, you see a full garbage can, you should go and empty it, again applying the rule of common sense. Its extremely important that these rules are maintained throughout the living period, not least because if everything is followed as established, there will be fewer conflicts and youll certainly have a better relationship with your colleagues. And remember, each persons room is their own responsibility, but shared areas, as the name suggests, should be managed jointly. Respect other peoples space Your room is your private space , just as your colleagues rooms will be off-limits to you. You should always bear this in mind and not cross that boundary, just as you wouldnt want your colleagues to do with you. However, because there will be areas in the house that are common to everyone , such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom, it is essential to establish certain spaces where everyone can leave their things . The pantry, for example, if there is one, should be organized so that everyone knows exactly where their things are. On the other hand, if there are several cupboards, rooms, drawers or compartments, they should be divided equally by each resident. The same goes for the fridge. If everyone respects this rule and doesnt touch each others things, there wont be any conflicts. Establish routines and communicate Living with other people can sometimes be complicated, as everyone will be different and that also means having a different life, with different schedules and routines. The suggestion is that each person, depending on their schedule and the likelihood of them disturbing the other residents, gives advance notice of any kind of unusual situation. Lets say, for example, that one of your housemates studies at night, and this means he has a different schedule to you. So when you go to bed, hell be leaving the house, and when you wake up, hell be going to bed. You need to be aware of these situations so that you can avoid awkward situations. Another aspect to bear in mind is to understand the rules about bringing other people into the house, as there may be a limit with the landlord or even the residents. In addition, make sure that everyone agrees to this situation and, i f something unforeseen occurs in which the person has to stay longer, let the other residents know and ask them if there is any discomfort. Communication between everyone is essential, so as not to create misunderstandings or confusion that could be avoided with a simple conversation. You can talk about everything that bothers you and make suggestions for improving certain situations , but always have the sensitivity to have this discernment with your colleagues. Managing expenses If your rent doesnt include expenses, youll have to share them with your colleagues in a separate payment. In this situation , it is advisable to define who is responsible for collecting the money, defining the dates of payment and what the common expenses are. This is a function that can be simplified by using mobile applications that automatically divide bills. However, in order for none of this to be controversial, this is a moment that should be shared between all the tenants. You should analyze the water, electricity, gas and internet bills together and make sure that everything is in order, do the math between all the residents who use them, and then make the payment via the responsible person set up for this purpose. Everything needs to be organized and working as if it were the gears of an engine. Once you get into this rhythm, and believe that there will be no conflicts, everything will lead to your relationship with your housemates being harmonious, respectful and friendly . You may even meet people with whom you form a strong bond - and beware, there will certainly be tense situations in which patience, openness and dialog will be necessary. However, w e hope you have a good experience. 11. Discover the types of internships you can do Well show you the types of internships that exist, their benefits and how they work, so that you can make the right choice for you. Undergraduate Curricular Internships In many degrees (1st cycle of higher studies) you have the possibility of doing a curricular internship, usually in the last semester of the course. This is part of the study plan and can provide you with an excellent opportunity to have contact with the job market in the area you are studying. Some examples of degrees that include a curricular internship: Nursing Basic Education Psychology Engineering Social Communication Objectives You will have experience in a work context and be able to develop the theoretical and practical skills you acquired during the course . In this way, you will also be able to consolidate other skills, such as attendance, punctuality, flexibility, since you will be communicating with different people, keeping to schedules and performing different tasks. Duration The internship usually takes place during the last semester and can vary in length, depending on what is stipulated in the degree syllabus . As it is an integral part of the course, it is usually credited according to the European credit transfer system. Timetable The internship timetable is agreed between the company (usually called the host company) and the student intern , taking into account the companys interests and the students availability. Application You will always have a supervisor at the host company and a lecturer responsible for the internship at your university. Universities usually have protocols with various organizations and have their own internship regulations. Youll need to fill in a specific form (it varies depending on the university) to ask your course director for permission to have your proposal approved. Along with this form , you must submit your updated CV and a letter of motivation. At the end of the internship, youll have to submit an internship report , describing all the tasks youve carried out and reflecting on the company where you interned and everything youve learned. Remuneration Please note that a curricular internship should not be confused with an employment contract and is therefore not remunerated. What may happen is that you may receive a transport and food allowance, the so-called subsistence allowance , from the company if it wants to compensate you in some way. Curricular internships in the Masters program Curricular internships also exist as part of the Masters degree curriculum (2nd cycle of higher education studies). T hey usually take place in the final semester and can last a minimum of 400 hours in a work context , which may vary depending on the regulations of each university. They can also be considered professional internships (this is the case, for example, for those studying for a masters degree in teaching). The timetable and application process are very similar to those for curricular internships, so you should always check the regulations in force at your university. As an alternative to a curricular internship, you can choose to do a project or a dissertation, which are the three ways of completing the course that are usually offered by Portuguese universities. The aim of carrying out a curricular internship in the masters program serves 4 main purposes: Putting academic experience into practice in a work context; To apply different methodologies appropriate to each real situation in the workplace; Acquiring interpersonal skills for good professional performance; To complete your course, in this case, the masters degree. Duration The internship usually takes place during the last semester and can vary in duration, depending on what is stipulated in the masters study plan. Timetable The internship timetable is agreed between the company (usually called the host company) and the student intern, taking into account the companys interests and the students availability. There may be some time constraints here, as you have an internship plan that must be followed to the letter . This is because, once you have finished the internship, you have very little time to submit the final report , which will be submitted for evaluation and on which part of your final masters degree grade will depend. Applying If you choose the curricular internship option, it will serve the greater purpose of enabling you to complete your masters degree. Therefore, in addition to filling in the appropriate forms, you will have to submit a well-founded document to the course director for approval, explaining why you chose the topic, the organization and an internship plan. Along with this form, you should submit your updated CV and a letter of motivation. Extracurricular internships Some universities offer this option (some call it a free option or curricular volunteering). So, i f youre studying for a bachelors or masters degree without an internship course, check whether your university allows you to do an extracurricular internship , i.e. one that isnt part of the syllabus and is carried out outside of term time, or one that is a free option within your syllabus and isnt compulsory. It serves the purpose of allowing students whose degree does not include an internship curricular unit to also have experience in a work context in order to consolidate the skills they have acquired. Duration The internship usually takes place outside the school term and can vary in length, d epending on what is agreed between the organization and the student intern. Timetable The internship timetable is agreed between the company (usually referred to as the host organization) and the student intern, taking into account the interests of the organization and the time availability of the student intern. Application In this case, its up to you to look for organizations where you feel you could learn more in a work context, and which are related to your area of expertise. You can submit your updated CV and a letter of motivation. Remuneration As an extracurricular internship, it may or may not be paid . Youll have to check this out with the organization where youll be interning. They can and should sign a contract stipulating all these issues. Professional internships Professional internships are non-compulsory internships that can be paid and which are concluded between the intern and the promoting organization through an internship contract . They are usually funded by public institutions and have their own regulations. Any company can have a program for this type of internship: examples include SONAE, EDP, Vodafone, Bosch, RTP, Lidl, among others. There are also public institutions that promote this type of program, such as the Employment and Professional Training Institute (IEFP) and some local councils. This type of internship can be an excellent opportunity to complement a curricular or extracurricular internship ; it can also be useful when, for example, you have already completed your bachelors degree and are on your way to a masters degree; or when you already have a masters degree and are on your way to a doctorate. It can also be a great opportunity to enter the job market more easily , and also to see if the company youre going to is right for you. There is a whole set of specific rules for a professional internship, which you can see below. Mandatory points: - Meal or food allowance; - Monthly internship stipend; - Work accident insurance; - Traineeship contract between the organization and the trainee. Contract The internship contract must be in writing, with one copy for each of the contracting parties, and must contain the following information (in accordance with Decree-Law no. 66/2011, of June 1): a) The identification, signatures and address or registered office of the parties; b) The trainees level of qualification; c) The duration of the traineeship and the start date; d) The area in which the traineeship will take place and the duties assigned to the trainee; e) The location and daily and weekly duration of the traineeship; f) The amount of the traineeship allowance and meal allowance; g) The date on which the contract was signed; h) A copy of the insurance policy. Duration It may not exceed 12 months, unless it is a compulsory internship in order to be able to work in a particular profession (in which case it may extend to a maximum of 18 months). Timetable The internship timetable is agreed between the company (usually referred to as the host organization) and the student intern , taking into account the interests of the organization and the student interns availability. Applying In this case, youll be looking for organizations where you can learn more in a work context, and which are related to your area of expertise. You can see if these organizations already have a protocol with the IEFP or not. You can also turn to the IEFP itself. Whichever option you choose, dont forget to formalize everything with a well-founded document about why you chose it and to submit your updated CV and a motivation letter. Please note: if youve already done an IEFP traineeship, you can only do it again when youve obtained a new level of qualification according to the National Qualifications Framework (for example, if youve done a traineeship as an undergraduate, you can only do it again when youve obtained a masters degree). Remuneration Normally, if you do the internship program under the IEFP, y ou will be given a monthly internship stipend of the following amounts: 1.3 IAS - no level of qualification, level 1 and 2: € 624.56 1.4 IAS - level 3: € 672.60 1.6 IAS - level 4: € 768.69 1.7 IAS - level 5: € 816.73 2 IAS - level 6: € 960.86 2.2 IAS - level 7: € 1,056.95 2.5 IAS - level 8: € 1,201.08 Meal or food allowance Work accident insurance Now that you have all the possible options for internships during university on your side, its a question of exploring each one according to what makes the most sense to you. Clarify any doubts you may have with your course director and, most importantly: v enture into the world of internships and take advantage of the experience and added value they can bring you. 12. Do you need financial support? Find out how personal loans for higher education work More and more young people are giving up their studies due to the current state of the economy , which is jeopardizing the goals and future of a generation that is finding it increasingly difficult, both in the education sector and in other areas of everyday life, such as access to housing and a decent quality of life. For parents, this is a significant expense, and one that sometimes comes with difficulty, as a burden on the family budget. However, there are ways of getting around this problem. Nowadays, it is possible to take out loans for higher education with relief from fees and interest, which can be applied to the cost of materials, tuition fees or food. What is it? This type of contract is a type of personal loan and works for educational purposes , unlike other types of loans that can be used for vacations, for example. The borrower will benefit from better conditions while paying the same amount. Compared to other types of credit, its rates are minimal when put side by side with the rates of other types of credit, having been decreed by the Bank of Portugal precisely to relieve those who need this type of financial help. Mutual Guarantee System This type of loan guarantees the Line of Credit for Higher Education Students with Mutual Guarantee in which the State acts as guarantor of the credit , which allows for greater accessibility than in a common credit, having to apply directly to the participating banks. This system is aimed at all those who want to enter higher education institutions to continue their studies, whether public or private, in Portugal, and covers students applying for secondary education or professional technical courses, bachelors degrees, postgraduate degrees, masters degrees, doctorates or others that are eligible. Depending on the APR, which can range from 5.6% to 6.3% , the amounts of this loan can reach up to 30,000 euros, made available partially on a monthly basis over a period of six years. When do I start paying back the loan? You wont have to pay back this loan while youre studying , you can benefit from a grace period of up to two years, and only start paying it back once youve finished your studies, as it can be repaid in a maximum of six to ten years. However, if you dont do well in school, you may even lose this credit after the first year. What are the conditions for access? To access this credit, the student must be at least 18 years old, a national citizen with a valid residence permit, attending a public or private educational institution, whether polytechnic or university, and must make a commitment to keep up their studies and do well during the term of the contract. There are several banks that offer this type of loan, so its important to compare the prices of all of them in order to get the best deal. To do this, our suggestion is that you carefully analyze the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and the total of the loan with the credit costs, which translates into interest, commissions, taxes and other fiscal charges. Ask your parents or a credit broker for help and analyze the spread, associated products such as cards or insurance, and the type of rate (variable, fixed or mixed). If you found this Guide useful, please share it and keep following SUPERCASA Notícias . Well keep updating you on this topic!
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