Welcome Guide
Welcome Guide
Before Arrival
Get your Visa
European Union Students
You do not need a visa to come to Portugal. However, you must obtain a residence permit if your stay exceeds 90 days. If this is your case, you must present your ID (e.g. passport), financial support statement, and health care guarantee at the AIMA – Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylumé.
Non-European Union Students
Before coming to Portugal, students outside the EU must obtain a study visa at their home country’s Portuguese Consulate.
Get Insurance
European Union Students
Students from EU countries should obtain an EHIC – European Health Insurance Card in their home country before traveling to Portugal. This card provides access to the Portuguese public health system (National Health Service). More information on the card and how to obtain it is available at the European Commission.
Learn more about EHIC
Non-European Union Students
Students from outside the European Union must 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).
Find Accommodation
You can rent rooms, shared apartments, or private apartments directly from landlords. Rental conditions vary, so it’s important to review contract duration, internet access and included expenses. For your first few days, consider staying in highly-rated hostels while you search for a more permanent place. Additionally, reach out to your school’s student association for more advice.
Our institution offers student residences in Leiria, Caldas da Rainha, and Peniche, but these are primarily reserved for Portuguese students.
Accommodation Portal Alojamento.ipleiria.pt
Casulo Apartments
Learn more about Casulo
Erasmus Student Network
Learn more about ESN
Students’ Union
Learn more about SU
welcome guide
Arrival
Presentation at the Polytechnic University of Leiria
When you arrive at the Polytechnic University of Leiria (in Leiria, Caldas da Rainha, or Peniche), make sure to check in at the International Relations Office to receive all the essential information for your stay.
Responsible persons
ESECS: Margarida Cerejo | internacional.esecs@ipleiria.pt
ESTG: Gustavo Duque | internacional.estg@ipleiria.pt
ESAD.CR: António Horta / Sandra Ferreira Taurino | gamci.esad@ipleiria.pt
ESTM: Rúben Almeida | internationaloffice.estm@ipleiria.pt
ESSLei: Tânia Mota | gcci.esslei@ipleiria.pt
Meeting with coordinators
After your check-in at the International Office, you can meet with your course coordinator. In this meeting, you can confirm all the details of your academic activities (courses, content, schedules, and assessments) and, if you are an exchange student, review your pre-defined study plan.
Registration and academic information
At the same time, you must also deal with the formalization
of your process in academic services of the school you will
attend.
If you are an exchange student
After you meet with the coordinator you should visit the
academic services, to complete your enrollment and pay
for academic insurance.
Welcome guide
On Campus
Classes and Calendars
You can access all necessary academic information online including schedules, calendars, and assessment results.
Email Account
As an IPLeiria student, your email will be Username: número_de_estudante@my.ipleiria.pt. Set it up at www.ipleiria.pt/dsi or get support at suporte.dsi@ipleiria.pt.
Moodle Platform
All courses have a dedicated space on Moodle têm um espaço no Moodle. Visit www.ead.ipleiria.pt to check if your professors have already posted any information or materials.
WI-FI
You have free Wi-Fi in all IPLeiria schools, residences, cafeterias, and common areas. You can find setup instructions at www.ipleiria.pt/dsi and request support suporte.dsi@ipleiria.pt.
welcome guide
Your daily routine
From home to school
To get around in Leiria, you can use the Mobilis buses. You can also get around by bicycle through the U-Bike program. For travel within Portugal, you have the Rede de Expressos and Flexibus.
Where to save money on meals
You can use any of the 5 canteens and 8 bars across all campuses. If you purchase your meal ticket in advance, each meal will be cheaper. Podes consultar os preço e os menus online. You can check the prices and menus online. Head to a bar to pick up your tag for free, which will give you access to the dining service and the SIGA portal.
Telephone
If you already have a mobile phone, you can use roaming or buy a prepaid SIM card. You can also choose to sign a contract with a service provider.
Electric Power
In Portugal, the electrical current is 220/240V at 50Hz, and the outlets are type F and C. If you’re coming from a country that uses a different voltage or plug type, don’t forget to get a suitable adapter.
Currency
Portugal is part of the EU and uses the euro (€) as its currency. ATMs are widely available across the country and can be easily identified by the MB symbol. The daily withdrawal limit is €400, with a maximum of €200 per transaction. Credit and debit cards are accepted at many supermarkets, shops, and restaurants. The most commonly used credit cards are Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
welcome guide
Discovering the Polytechnic University of Leiria
Supporting Your Success
You can receive personal and social guidance, psychological support, and vocational counseling through the CAE- Student Support Center.
Keep up to date
To find out which books and resources are available at any of the libraries, you don’t need to leave home—just check the online catalog.
Learning Portuguese
Portuguese courses are available each semester at the Polytechnic University of Leiria. You can also join the SPEAK Community to connect with people from different nationalities and exchange language skills.
Learn more about it at: plc@ipleiria.pt
Keep in Shape
The Polytechnic University of Leiria holds the “Healthy Campus” certification, highlighting our commitment to physical activity for promoting overall well-being. We offer a range of sports activities categorized into leisure and competitive options.
Health Services
The Social Services provide the academic community with access to various health services at reduced costs, including general consultations, gynecology/family planning, dentistry, sports medicine, occupational medicine, and ophthalmology
Discounts
As a student, you receive discounts at bookstores, restaurants, gyms, and many other services.
welcome guide
Unlock More Opportunities
Mentorship Program
The Mentorship Program connects new students (mentees) with experienced students (mentors) who use their academic insights to offer support and guidance, helping ease their transition and adjustment to academic life.
RUN‑EU – Regional University Network – European University
RUN-EU is an alliance of seven European higher education institutions dedicated to creating a European University focused on sustainability, multiculturalism, and inclusion. It offers students the chance to participate in SAP – Short Advanced Programs and experience academic life at one of the partner institutions.
Volunteering Opportunities
The Polytechnic University of Leiria holds the “Voluntary Academy” Quality Seal for its promotion of volunteering practices, awareness, and mobilization within the academic context. Learn more by sending an email to: voluntariado@ipleiria.pt
Don’t forget to Follow us at @ipleiriaglobal e facebook.com/IPLeiriaGlobal