Before applying, students must be aware of both CATÓLICA-LISBON and Partner Universities’ eligibility requirements (such as GPA, language proficiency, etc.). Students who simultaneously satisfy the required conditions can apply for the Exchange Program. 

Students from previous intakes that did not participate in the Exchange Program before should inform the International Relations Office – by sending an e-mail with their full name and student number to outgoing.clsbe@ucp.pt –, in order to be included in the upcoming application period.

CATÓLICA-LISBON’s eligibility requirements for the Exchange Program

*From the Academic Year 2023/2024 onwards (including), students will be required to have completed a minimum of 60 ECTS before the application period (i.e. at the end of the Fall Semester of 2023).

Those who do not fulfil CATÓLICA-LISBON's requirements cannot apply; however, they are welcome to apply for next year’s intake. This restriction aims to ensure that students have the minimum academic background to have a gainful time abroad.

Partner Universities’ requirements

The requirements of our partner universities can be found in their websites, at the Universities' Factsheets and at the Universities Profile section, in the Outgoing Platform.

Proficiency in a Foreign Language

At the table of slots available, students will be able to confirm in which universities courses are offered only or mostly in the native language. In most of our Partner Universities, English is the main language of instruction.

Students must:

• Be able to hold a conversation in English, namely in an academic context and other moments of their mobility;
• Demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in the English language in order to follow lectures, read course materials and complete the required exams. 

Some Partner Universities require proof of English proficiency – namely in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA –, in the form of an IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge exam. As a result, you should verify prior to the application process which certificates are valid. 

At the time of your application to the Exchange Program at CATÓLICA-LISBON, you do not need to submit any language certificate. Nevertheless, you should comply with this requirement at the time of your application to the Host University, i.e. upon your allocation.

Information on language requirements is available at the Partner Universities' websites, on the Universities' Factsheets and at the Universities Profile, in the Outgoing Platform. 

The most common required certificates are TOEFL and IELTS.

Comparing TOEFL and IELTS scores here.
Comparing Cambridge exams to other exams here.

Should you wish to know if any other certificate is acceptable, please contact the Partner University directly.

CATÓLICA-LISBON's Language Proficiency Declaration

Some Partner Universities may accept a declaration from CATÓLICA-LISBON stating your English level.

Undergraduate Students

- Licenciaturas Nacionais: CATÓLICA-LISBON will provide students who were approved at/waived the English admission test with a Language Proficiency Declaration of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level B1.

- International Undergraduate Programs: CATÓLICA-LISBON will provide all students with a Language Proficiency Declaration stating that the student is attending a Curriculum entirely taught in English.

Master Students

CATÓLICA-LISBON will provide all Master students with a Language Proficiency Declaration stating that the student is attending a curriculum entirely taught in English.

You may check which universities accept these declarations by consulting the Language Requirements List.