The questions below address the most common enquiries received from prospective candidates. For matters not covered here, please consult the Admissions page or contact the programme directly via the Contacts page.

Eligibility

Who may apply to the Master in Cybersecurity?

The programme is open to holders of a degree in Informatics, Informatics Engineering, Systems and Informatics Engineering, Information and Communication Technologies, Systems Engineering, or a closely related area of Information Technology. Applicants holding foreign degrees recognised by the Scientific Council of the School of Engineering, or those whose academic, scientific, or professional curriculum is recognised as equivalent, are also eligible. Full criteria are listed on the Admissions page.

Is professional experience considered?

Yes. Candidates whose academic, scientific, or professional curriculum demonstrates the capacity to undertake graduate study in cybersecurity may be admitted under the corresponding eligibility criterion, subject to assessment by the Scientific Council of the School of Engineering.

Language

What is the language of instruction?

The official language of instruction is Portuguese. International students are expected to possess a working knowledge of the language sufficient to follow spoken lectures and read written course materials. Most course materials — textbooks, research papers, and reference works — are nevertheless in English, and faculty members are typically able and willing to deliver lectures, supervise assignments, and assess work in English upon request from international students.

Where can I learn or improve my Portuguese?

The University of Minho’s language centre, BabeliUM, offers Portuguese courses in annual, semester, and intensive summer formats.

Application

When can I apply?

Application phases for the 2026/2027 intake are detailed on the Admissions page. Phase 2 runs from 4 to 15 July 2026 and Phase 3 from 3 to 10 September 2026.

How do I submit my application?

All applications are submitted electronically through the official University of Minho student portal.

Are places limited?

Yes. The number of places available each year is fixed by the University. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early in the available phase and to ensure that all supporting documents are in order at the time of submission.

Foreign Qualifications

My degree was awarded outside the European Higher Education Area. What should I do?

Applicants holding qualifications from outside the European Higher Education Area must obtain formal recognition of their credentials through the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES). Three pathways are available — automatic, level, and specific recognition — with administrative fees and processing times set by DGES. Recognition may be initiated in parallel with the application to the programme, but confirmed credentials are required prior to final enrolment.

Fees and Living Costs

How much does the programme cost?

Tuition fees are set annually by the University of Minho and apply equally to domestic and international students. The current figures are published on the University’s postgraduate fees page.

What is the cost of living in Braga?

Living costs in Braga are generally lower than in other major European university cities. Practical guidance on accommodation, transport, and student support is available through the University’s International Relations Office.

Visa, Residence, and Practical Matters

Do I need a visa to study in Portugal?

Citizens of European Union and European Economic Area Member States, as well as Swiss citizens, do not require a visa; a valid identity document is sufficient. Citizens of other countries should consult the nearest Portuguese diplomatic mission regarding the appropriate study visa, and should apply once admission has been confirmed.

What about the residence permit on arrival?

Non-EU students, upon arrival in Portugal, must register with the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) in order to obtain a residence permit for study purposes.

Is help available for accommodation and integration?

Yes. The University of Minho’s International Welcome Centre provides incoming students with administrative support, orientation activities, and assistance with accommodation, health insurance, and integration into academic and social life in Braga.

Programme Structure

How long does the programme take?

The Master in Cybersecurity is a two-year programme totalling 120 ECTS, organised over four semesters: two semesters of taught courses, one semester combining advanced taught courses with the start of the dissertation, and one semester dedicated to the completion of the dissertation.

Can I study part-time?

Part-time enrolment is governed by the general University of Minho regulations on student status. Candidates who wish to enrol part-time should contact the programme management committee in advance of applying, in order to clarify the implications for course scheduling and the dissertation timeline.

Can I work while studying?

The programme is intensive, and the dissertation phase in particular requires substantial dedicated time. Students who plan to combine the programme with professional activity are encouraged to discuss this with the management committee at the time of enrolment.

Dissertation

How is the dissertation organised?

The dissertation spans the third and fourth semesters and is supervised by a member of the programme’s academic staff, optionally in collaboration with an industry or research partner. Topics are proposed both by faculty and by external partners; students select a topic in agreement with the proposed supervisor.

Can the dissertation be carried out in collaboration with industry?

Yes. Dissertations can be developed in close collaboration with industry or public-sector partners. The academic supervision and evaluation procedures are the same regardless of the proposal’s origin.