About the SUPERNOVA Summer School Lisbon

  • SUPERNOVA SUMMER SCHOOL is a unique vocational program to prepare high school students for life. The program will teach students lifelong practical skills to navigate higher education, the future workplace and interpersonal relationships.

  • Motivating and inspiring NOVA professors will teach students using lectures, case studies, games and activities. Please read the schedule page for more details.

  • The duration of the program will be two weeks.

  • The SUPERNOVA Summer School is located around NOVA’s campi in Lisbon.

Travel and Safety

  • Lisbon is one of the safest cities in the world. Portugal is ranked 4th in the world for safety, according to the Global Peace Index (2021).

  • The local Portuguese emergency number is 112.

  • The SUPERNOVA Summer School students will be supervised 24/7 by trained monitors, which will accompany the students throughout all activities.

  • NOVA University only admits staff who have passed the required background checks and necessary regulations.

  • Public health is free in Portugal but students are required to buy travel insurance before their arrival in Lisbon if they are not Portuguese or European Union citizens. Nationals of European Union countries are expected to carry their Euro Health card with them.

  • The City of Lisbon is safe and can be enjoyed by foot, public transport and taxi (Public travel cards will be purchased on behalf of the students).

  • Entry to Portugal depends on your port of departure and travel documents. Please check the Portuguese Government website here.

  • Our Summer School offers a full programme of classes and activities, and as such we know where our students are. If students choose to explore Lisbon during their free time, they will not be under SUPERNOVA Summer School supervision.

  • We require contact details from parents/guardians and ask students to provide an alternative emergency contact as a precaution.

Admissions process and policies

  • Yes, the application process has already started, and you can apply here.

  • The total size of the program is limited to 30 students per week.

  • The courses welcome all students from the ages of 16 to 19 years old.

  • Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an automatic email containing all the relevant information about the next steps. Please make sure to carefully follow the instructions provided to complete your enrolment process smoothly.

  • The Summer School will try to accommodate all types of students. Applications will be coordinated with NOVA University which has experience in dealing with special need students.

  • All fees will be refunded

Accommodation & Dining

  • The student accommodation is located here.

  • No, all rooms have the same facilities.

  • Yes, all students will share rooms.

    • Check in starts at 5pm 6th of January.

    • Check out until 11am 19th of July.

  • Breakfast will be delivered in the Residence, and will take place from 08:30 am until 9:00 am

  • Lunch will be served in the nearest NOVA School canteen from 1:00pm until 14:30 pm. Lunches are not included on the weekends

  • During the week, students will have the opportunity to enjoy dinners at a variety of carefully selected restaurants, exploring both local Portuguese cuisine and flavours from around the world. These dining experiences are designed to provide a cultural journey through food, fostering connection and unforgettable memories.

    Please note that dinners are not included during the weekends.

  • If you have an allergy, please inform us when you book so we can talk you through how we can best support you, to make sure that we can cater to your needs.

  • Our canteens are used to accommodating most dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, lactose intolerant, as well as religious dietary requirements. Please let us know your dietary requirements prior to arrival so we can ensure we can cater to your needs.

  • The students should pack light clothes, sportswear and bring one sweater for the evening and comfortable sneakers. Lisbon is a walking city! There will be days at the beach so bring a swimming costume. Sun protection is also important.

  • Bedsheets and towels are provided. One beach towel should be packed as well.

  • The residence is equipped with washing and drying machines and ironing.

  • Student accommodations have surveillance and Security Guard 24/7 to ensure your safety. However, we do not advise students to bring valuables with them like expensive watches and jewellery. SUPERNOVA Summer School takes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Summer Course information and more

  • The total cost of the program is 3,450€

  • The cost includes all classes, accommodation, transport, food, monitors and insurance for the full program. (Travel to Portugal, airport transfers and weekends are excluded.)

  • Applications close on the 20th of May.

  • We are pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships to eligible candidates under the following conditions:

    • The candidate must be attending a public school.

    • Candidates attending a private school are also eligible if they are recipients of a scholarship.

    In all cases, students must upload the required supporting documents as part of the application form. These scholarships aim to make SUPERNOVA Summer School accessible to talented students from diverse backgrounds.

  • All cancellations must be communicated in advance via email to supernovasummerschool@unl.pt.

    Refund Policy

    • Cancellation until March 6 (inclusive): 80% refund of the amount paid.

    • Cancellation from March 7 to April 6: 50% refund of the amount paid.

    • Cancellation from April 7 to May 6: 10% refund of the amount paid.

    • Cancellation from May 7 onward: No refund will be provided.

  • Yes, a laptop or tablet will be necessary for some case studies.

  • Students are expected to arrive on Saturday, the 6th of July, and depart on Friday, the 19th of July.

  • The last day is the 18th of July.

  • Students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Lisbon’s rich history and vibrant cultural activities. Additionally, they will also engage in team- building activities with their peers.

  • Temperatures usually average about 28°C during the day and 20°C at night.

  • Any student found to be using drugs or illegal substances will be immediately expelled from the Summer school. Bullying will not be tolerated and any student caught bullying will be expelled. If a student has committed an altercation, the student will be warned, and the parents informed. If the matter is a crime, the student will be expelled from the Summer school . Anyone expelled from Summer school will be offered no refund and the student or students will receive no references.

A final word from the Team:

SUPERNOVA Summer School Lisbon is a unique program that will transform the lives of its participants.  The students will be rewarded with knowledge, new friends from around the world and new experiences. SUPERNOVA Summer School will be an adventure, to last a lifetime.

Get ready for university in just 2 weeks!