Yes. You must inform the staff of your student number on first use and purchase a barcode identification plate associated with your number, which is rechargeable. Additionally, after completing your registration on the Student Portal, you can print your registration certificate and present it to participating entities (transport, etc.) to receive student discounts.

Application deadlines and procedures vary whether you are an EU or non-EU applicant and depending on the type of study program. In some cases, you must go through the National Call for Admission to Higher Education, managed by the Portuguese Directorate General for Higher Education. In other cases, you must apply through the Applications Portal – INFORESTUDANTE, which is managed by the Polytechnic of Leiria.

First, browse the programs to find the right fit. Then, check the international student’s advice page to verify eligibility and admission requirements. Review the vacancies and required documents. Next, submit your application online on the INFORESTUDANTE portal (after creating an account). An application fee of €60 is required. If you are applying in the first phase, you may also be eligible for a scholarship.

Several types of scholarships are offered: Merit Awards (50% tuition reduction for students with a score of 16 or higher); Incentives for Development Cooperation (50% reduction for students from Portuguese-speaking countries under specific protocols); AUIP Scholarship Programme (50% reduction for students from affiliated institutions); and IPLeiria Global Academy Awards (50% reduction for Bachelor's students within the Global Academy network).

The Polytechnic of Leiria’s Social Services can support students directly with scholarships and emergency funding, and indirectly by offering food, accommodation, medical services, cultural and sport activities, and other educational support.

You can rent rooms, shared apartments, or private apartments directly from landlords. Rental conditions vary, so review contract duration, internet access, and included expenses. The university offers student residences in Leiria, Caldas da Rainha, and Peniche, but these are primarily reserved for Portuguese students, so international students should explore private market options.

The application for accommodation is submitted online on the SASOCIAL platform within 10 days from the date of enrollment in the course. Monthly payment must be made until the 8th of each month; failure to do so can result in dismissal from the Residence Hall. Places cannot be guaranteed for all exchange students, but the university does its best, and the Residence Hall is inclusive and prepared to receive people with disabilities.

EU students do not need a visa to come to Portugal. However, they must obtain a residence permit if their stay exceeds 90 days. To do so, they must present their ID (e.g., passport), financial support statement, and healthcare guarantee at AIMA – the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum.

Yes. Non-EU students must obtain a study visa at their home country’s Portuguese Consulate before coming to Portugal. They must also ensure they have private health insurance when handling their visa requirements. Non-EU citizens from countries with an international health and social security agreement with Portugal should bring the necessary documents to access the Portuguese public health system (e.g., the CDAM/PB4 form for Brazilian students).