Academic workload
A full workload is 30 ECTS per semester.
Academic calendar
September - January (exams are held in February), February - June (exams are held in July)
Tuition fee
No tuition fee for Erasmus+ students.
Number of student places
4 places per academic year (shared between faculties).
Housing
Student housing is available through the private market. Institution will assist you in finding housing upon completion of admission.
Cost of living
Cost of living is estimated to be about 400-500 euros per month. For more information about living costs, see here.
Admission requirements
Students must have completed one year of university level studies, equivalent to 60 ECTS.
Language requirements
English CEFR B2 is recommended by the institution for courses taught in English. Portuguese CEFR B1 is recommended for courses taught in Portuguese.
Exchange students from non-EU/EEA countries must apply for a visa/study permit before entering the country of destination. Generally, students must be able to satisfy the financial documentation in order to be issued visa. For more information, go to:Visa - IPCA
All exchange students must have valid health insurance, regardless of their nationalities. Students may be expected to purchase health care insurance for the duration of their stay, in addition to the insurance the students have from their home countries. EU/EEA students must bring their EHIC card. Non-EU/EEA students need to show that they have valid health insurance that covers their whole stay. For more information, go to: Insurance - IPCA
Polytechnic Institutite of Cavado and Ave (IPCA), founded in 1994, is the youngest polytechnic institute in Portugal. The institution has a student population of over 4100 spread across five different schools. Most of the teaching is done at the main campus in Barcelos. Barcelos is a city located in the north of Portugal, with a population of over 120,000.