The certification model assesses a set of 6 benchmarks , each composed of 4 indicators, which reflect the quality of policies and practices for welcoming and integrating international students in their different dimensions.

Reference Point 1: Pre-Arrival Information and Guidance

Reference 2: Institutional Reception and Integration

Reference Framework 3: Training Offer and Education in an International Context

Reference Point 4: Well-being, Accommodation and University Life

Reference 5: Post-Graduation Follow-up

Reference Point 6: Social Responsibility, Inclusion and Sustainability

Each indicator is assigned a performance level, from 1 to 3, based on the evidence presented by the institution. Among the 24 indicators that make up the certification model, 12 were defined as Key Certification Criteria , recognizing their essential role in ensuring sound and consistent practices for welcoming and integrating international students.

After analyzing the indicators for each benchmark, the institution is assigned a final certification level from 1 to 3, reflecting its overall performance.

Application : Institutions wishing to apply may submit their application for certification using the form provided for this purpose . This questionnaire will be based on a set of questions aligned with the established criteria for obtaining certification.

Analysis : The information submitted through the questionnaire will be analyzed by the Institute for Higher Education, as well as by two external evaluators. After weighing all the elements, a certification level will be proposed for the international student onboarding process in effect at the institution. The proposed level will be verified through a visit to the institution.

Certification : After validation, the institution will receive certification according to the level achieved, valid for 5 years, and may reference it in its promotional materials and initiatives for communication and attracting students. If it wishes to achieve a higher level, the institution may submit a new application in a later application period. After the 5-year validity period, and if it so wishes, the institution may submit an application for certification renewal.

A submissão de candidaturas à certificação “Bem-Vindo a Portugal” será realizada através do formulário disponibilizado online, acompanhado do envio da documentação de suporte para o endereço bemvindoaportugal@iesuperior.pt

Applications must be submitted by July 5th , in accordance with the criteria and procedures defined in the Call for Applications and the General Regulations for certification.

The application submission must include:

• duly completed application form;
• supporting documents and evidence;
• duly signed institutional commitment statement.

All eligible applications will be subject to a technical evaluation phase. The 30 applications with the best overall score will proceed to the verification visit phase and may be certified at the end of the process.

Please refer to the Documentation section, where you will find the documents required for preparing and submitting your application.

• General Regulations
• Invitation for Institutions to Submit Applications
• Application Form
• Commitment Statement

Coming soon.

To guarantee the quality, impartiality, and comprehensiveness of the certification process, it is essential to involve external evaluators with relevant experience in areas such as internationalization, welcoming international students, institutional evaluation, academic management and higher education policies, or representative structures. A Pool of Experts will be created, to which higher education teachers, technicians, and students may apply.

The specialists will be selected through a public call for applications and will be part of a rotating pool, and may be mobilized, according to the needs of the program, to support the analysis process of applications submitted by Higher Education Institutions, specifically through:

• Document analysis of applications;
• Participation in verification visits;
• Formulation of recommendations and technical assessments;
• Preparation of certification reports.

More information can be found in the Call for Applications for the Specialist Scholarship .

With the process of receiving and analyzing applications for the Expert Scholarship for the first edition of the "Welcome to Portugal" certification now complete, the results are being published.

Eventuais pedidos de esclarecimento relativos ao processo de candidatura deverão ser remetidos, no prazo de 3 dias úteis (até 1 de junho), para o endereço bemvindoaportugal@iesuperior.pt.

After this period, the final composition of the Expert Panel will be published.

Results of applications for the Specialist Scholarship

Participation as an expert assessor in the certification process includes:

• Financial compensation for the evaluation performed;
• Coverage of expenses associated with visits to institutions;
• Official certificate of participation;
• Priority access to national events for sharing best practices on welcoming international students;
• Opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of the program.