ISCTE - Lisbon University Institute - Emergency support for students with financial problems

Emergency Support at ISCTE

You get a one-off payment of up to about 1,950 EUR if your household runs into sudden money trouble during the academic year. You ask for the amount you can prove you need, up to the limit of the average social-action grant for the year. It is paid in one or several instalments. Instead of cash, you can get the support as meal vouchers, a cut or waiver of your housing fee, payment of your transport pass, or payment of your tuition fee. It comes from the Social Action Service (SAS) of ISCTE - Lisbon University Institute (ISCTE-IUL) in Lisbon, for students hit by an unexpected change in their family situation.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled at ISCTE-IUL for the current academic year.
• Degree level: You study for a bachelor's degree (in Portugal called licenciatura).
• Financial need: An unexpected change in your household has left you short of money. Your income per person stays within 1.5 times the Social Support Index (IAS), a yearly reference figure used in Portugal.
• Study progress: If you studied in higher education before, you passed at least 36 ECTS credit points when you were enrolled in 36 or more. If you took fewer than 36, you passed all of them.
• Time left: You can still finish your degree within the maximum allowed time. That is usually one extra year, or two for longer programmes.
• No double funding: You do not already hold a similar scholarship. The only exception is if that scholarship is clearly too small for your situation.
• Field of study: All subjects can apply.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• How often: You can get this support only once per academic year.

How to apply

You apply to the Social Action Service by email between September and 31 May. A jury appointed by the Rector interviews you and reviews your documents. The Management Board makes the final decision, and you hear back within 5 working days.