The NOVA Medical School (NMS), part of the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, is one of Portugal's most prestigious medical institutions. Located in the heart of Lisbon, it is known for its research-driven curriculum and strong clinical partnerships. Notably, the 2025/2026 academic year marks a historic shift as the school officially opened its Integrated Master’s in Medicine to international students for the first time.
Established: 1977.
Location: Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
Program: Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine (a continuous 6-year program combining Bachelor's and Master's levels).
Language of Instruction: Primarily Portuguese.
International Students Note: Applicants must have A2 Portuguese or basic English proficiency at the time of enrollment. However, they must commit to reaching B2 Portuguese proficiency by the start of the 3rd year (when clinical rotations begin).
Accreditation: Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognized by the ECFMG, allowing graduates to pursue medical careers in the US, UK, and beyond.
Historical Site: The main campus is housed in a grand historical building in central Lisbon, offering a blend of traditional European academic heritage and high-tech medical research facilities.
Carcavelos Campus: A new, secondary campus focusing on advanced training, featuring a high-fidelity Clinical Simulation Center and postgraduate research facilities.
Innovation: The school is highly focused on "Medicine of the Future," integrating disease prevention and precision medicine into the curriculum from early stages.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
NMS is famous for its extensive network of affiliated healthcare units, providing diverse clinical exposure.
Partner Hospitals: Students rotate through major public hospitals in the Lisbon area, including:
Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central (which includes the Hospital de São José and Hospital de Santa Marta).
Hospital Dona Estefânia (renowned for pediatrics).
Future Hub: The school is heavily involved in the development of the Hospital de Todos os Santos, a massive upcoming medical facility that will serve as a triple-mission site for care, research, and teaching.
State University Affordability
As a public university, fees for local (EU) students are low, but international student fees reflect the global market rate for medical education.
International Tuition (Medicine): Approximately €18,000 per year.
Enrollment Deposit: Admitted students typically pay 30% of the annual fee upon registration to secure their seat.
Application Fee: €70 – €100 (non-refundable).
Payment Plans: Usually payable in installments throughout the academic year.
Vibe: One of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe, known for its sunny weather, tram system, and vibrant coastal lifestyle.
Safety: Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.
Transport: Excellent public transport (Metro, Trams, and Trains). A monthly student pass is roughly €30.
Accommodation: NMS does not have large on-campus dormitories, but students have several options:
University Residences: Limited spots are available in shared university housing for roughly €150 – €300/month.
Private Student Residences: Modern facilities like Livensa Living or Uniplaces offer studios and shared flats for €500 – €750/month.
Mess/Dining:
University Canteen: Offers subsidized healthy meals (Portuguese/Mediterranean cuisine) for approx. €3.50 – €5.00 per meal.
Self-Catering: Living in Lisbon is generally affordable if you shop at local markets. A monthly food budget of €200 – €300 is common.
NRI Seats: There is no specific NRI quota. Admission for non-EU students is processed under the "International Student Statute."
Admission Requirements (2026):
Academic: High school final exams in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics (or equivalent national exams like Brazil’s ENEM).
Grades: Admission is highly competitive; the average entry grade for the medical program is consistently one of the highest in Portugal.
Interview: The school reserves the right to conduct an interview (in-person or via video) to assess motivation and communication skills.
NEET (For Indians): Mandatory for students who plan to return to India to practice.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus