Candidates to SUPERNOVA must satisfy the following requirements:
- High School Diploma or an official statement from the school confirming that the applicant is in the process of completing high school.
- Minimum B2 proficiency level in at least one of the following languages: Portuguese or English, depending on the language of instruction of the undergraduate degree the applicant intends to pursue after completing the programme.
- For undergraduate degrees taught in Portuguese, an official B2-level Portuguese proficiency certificate is mandatory.
- For undergraduate degrees taught in English, submitting an English proficiency certificate is not required at the time of application. However, if the applicant does not provide this document, they will later be required to take an English test, and their proficiency will also be assessed during the online admission interview.
- Applicants who are nationals of countries where Portuguese or English is the native language and who have completed their high school education entirely in one of these languages are not required to submit proficiency certificates, as they will be considered native speakers.
- Must have completed no more than the first year of a higher education programme (applicants who have completed more than one year of higher education are not eligible).
- Age range: 17 to 25 years old. Applicants between 25 and 30 years old will be subject to a more detailed evaluation. Applicants over 30 years old are not eligible.
*Equivalent European-level fluency B2 means that the candidate is able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
Admission guidelines for different educational systems
The information below serves as guidance regarding the most common educational systems represented in the SUPERNOVA Foundation Programme.
SUPERNOVA Foundation Programme and University Admission for EU Students
The successful completion of the SUPERNOVA Foundation Programme does not guarantee direct admission to an Undergraduate Program at NOVA University Lisbon or its partner universities for students who are citizens of the European Union (EU) or nationals of a State that is part of the European Economic Area (EEA). This is because these students do not qualify for the International Student Special Regime, which is specifically designed for candidates from outside the EU and EEA.
Who qualifies as an international student:
- Not have Portuguese nationality
- Not be a national of a Member State of the European Union
- Not be a national of a State that is part of the European Economic Area (EEA)
- Not have legally resided in Portugal for more than two consecutive years before January 1 of the year they wish to apply
- Not be a relative of a Portuguese or EU/EEA citizen
- Not benefit from equal rights and duties under any international treaty signed between Portugal and their country of nationality
You can verify all the conditions described in the law through this link: International Student Regime.
How can EU and EEA students apply to a university?
Since EU and EEA citizens must follow the same university admission process as Portuguese students, they can access undergraduate programs through:
Equivalence recognition of their diploma via DGES (Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior) – more information can be found on the DGES website.
Taking the Portuguese national entrance exams is required for their chosen degree.
Can EU and EEA students apply to SUPERNOVA?
Yes! Despite not offering direct admission to university for EU and EEA students, these students can still apply to the SUPERNOVA Foundation Programme. Many European students choose this program because it provides the best possible academic preparation for higher education at NOVA University Lisbon.
Admission to the SUPERNOVAFoundation Programme requires a minimum of 3 A Levels. Additionally, the IGCSE or AS Levels certificate does not meet the minimum admission requirements.
Furthermore, NOVA University highly recommends that students take courses relevant to their chosen program of study. If a student cannot provide proof of relevant coursework, they may be required to fulfil additional academic requirements.
Applicants must have a minimum grade of 50% (out of 100%) or 5 (out of 10) in High School.
The ENEM (National High School Exam) is not considered in the admission process for the SUPERNOVA Foundation Programme. The application is evaluated exclusively based on the final High School grade.
NOVA University highly recommends that students take courses that are relevant to their chosen program of study. If a student is unable to provide proof of relevant coursework, they may be required to fulfil additional academic requirements.
The SUPERNOVA Foundation Programme requires a minimum grade of 24 out of 45.
Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor.
We are looking for an average grade of 10 out of 20, or 50% out of 100%
Specific subject grades may be required depending on the bachelor.
We are looking for a minimum grade of C
Specific subject grades may be required depending on the bachelor.
In order to graduate with a US Diploma, the Portuguese Ministry of Education mandates that students must provide transcripts from their final three years of high school, which include Year 10, 11, and 12.
We generally look for a minimum overall grade of 50% out of 100% (or equivalent in your national grading system).
Please note that specific subject requirements may apply depending on the bachelor’s degree you intend to pursue after the programme.
If you are still completing your secondary education, you may submit the grades you currently have or your provisional results. You will be required to submit your final official transcript at a later stage, and it must be provided before completing the programme.
