An English Master in Public Health at NOVA University Lisbon's National School of Public Health - top-ranked in Europe.
What is a master's in public health in Portugal?
A master's in public health in Portugal is an English-taught postgraduate degree - usually one to two years - that builds advanced expertise in public health. It is open to graduates with a relevant bachelor's degree, and leads to public and global health, international agencies, NGOs and consulting.
Public Health at a glance
| Degree | Master's degree (MSc) |
|---|---|
| Field | Public health |
| Language | English |
| Typical duration | usually one to two years |
| Location | Portugal |
| Universities | NOVA University Lisbon - National School of Public Health |
Why Portugal?
Portugal's NOVA University Lisbon runs a top-ranked (12th in Europe) English Master in Public Health, in an affordable, welcoming EU country.
About this programme
The Master in Public Health at NOVA University Lisbon's National School of Public Health (NSPH) is English-taught and ranks among Europe's best (12th in Europe in the Health Economics/Public Health category).
It's designed for those taking a critical role in health promotion, disease prevention and management at community, national and global scale.
It suits medical and health-science graduates aiming for careers in public and global health, international agencies, NGOs and consulting.
Course structure & how it works
A taught master's in public health in Portugal is usually one to two years. It combines taught modules - covering areas such as epidemiology and biostatistics, health promotion and disease prevention, health policy and management - with an independent research project or dissertation, typically worth 60-120 credits (ECTS). Most programmes start in September or October, and some universities also run a January intake. Teaching, assessment and supervision are all in English.
What you'll typically study
Programmes like this generally cover the areas below. The exact modules are set by NOVA University Lisbon - National School of Public Health and confirmed each intake.
- Epidemiology and biostatistics
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Health policy and management
- Global and community health
- Public-health research methods
Entry requirements
To apply for a master's in public health in Portugal, you'll typically need:
- A relevant bachelor's degree - usually a good second class (about 60%+ in an Indian degree)
- Proof of English, typically IELTS 6.5-7.0 or equivalent (sometimes waived for English-medium degrees)
- Official academic transcripts and your degree certificate
- A statement of purpose setting out your goals
- Two references (letters of recommendation)
- A CV; some programmes value relevant clinical or research experience
Requirements vary by university and intake - we confirm the exact criteria for your shortlist, free.
How to apply - step by step
- 1Shortlist - we match your background and budget to the right universities in Portugal.
- 2Prepare your documents - transcripts, English test, statement of purpose and references.
- 3Apply to your chosen universities (applications go directly to each university, often on a rolling basis).
- 4Receive and accept your offer, and pay any deposit to hold your place.
- 5Apply for your student visa, then arrange travel, insurance and accommodation.
- 6Enrol and begin your master's.
Who it's for
Medical and health-science graduates aiming for public/global health, agency, NGO or consulting careers.
Where it leads
Public and global health, international agencies, NGOs and consulting.
Fees, funding & careers in Portugal
Tuition & fees
Affordable for the EU; NOVA's MPH is competitively priced. Confirmed per programme.
Scholarships & funding
Portuguese (FCT) and university scholarships, plus Erasmus Mundus.
Job opportunities
A highly ranked public-health qualification opening careers in public and global health, agencies and NGOs.
A highly ranked public-health qualification opening careers in public and global health, international agencies and NGOs.
Entry & English
Entry is typically a relevant bachelor's degree plus proof of English (usually around IELTS 6.5). Exact prerequisites, fees and start dates are set by the university each intake - we confirm them for your profile before you apply.
These are taught postgraduate (master's / PhD) programmes in health and medical sciences - for research, public health, health management and academic careers. They are not clinical specialisation / residency, which in Europe is conducted in the national language and is largely restricted for non-EU doctors. For clinical PG, most Indian doctors return to India via NEET-PG.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a master's in public health in Portugal?+
A master's in public health in Portugal takes usually one to two years. A master's combines taught modules with a research project or dissertation.
Is a master's in public health in Portugal taught in English?+
Yes - it is delivered fully in English. English-medium schooling or an IELTS/TOEFL score (around 6.5) usually satisfies the language requirement.
Can I become a specialist doctor (cardiologist, surgeon, radiologist...) with this degree?+
No. Clinical specialisation - cardiology, surgery, radiology, psychiatry, paediatrics and the rest - is achieved through specialist (residency) training in hospital training posts, governed by the national medical council, not through a taught master's. This taught master's degree builds research and academic expertise in public health and related fields; it does not grant a licence to practise as a specialist. For clinical specialisation, most Indian doctors train in India via NEET-PG.
How much does a master's in public health in Portugal cost?+
Affordable for the EU; NOVA's MPH is competitively priced. Confirmed per programme. We confirm the exact figure for your shortlisted programme before you apply.
Are scholarships available for a master's in public health in Portugal?+
Portuguese (FCT) and university scholarships, plus Erasmus Mundus.
Can I work in Portugal after a master's in public health in Portugal?+
A highly ranked public-health qualification opening careers in public and global health, agencies and NGOs.
How is a master's in public health in Portugal structured?+
It combines taught modules with an independent research project or dissertation. A taught master's is usually one to two years, worth roughly 60-120 credits (ECTS), usually starting in September/October (some universities also run a January intake). You'll typically cover epidemiology and biostatistics, health promotion and disease prevention, health policy and management, then complete a supervised project.
What are the entry requirements for a master's in public health in Portugal in Portugal?+
Typically a relevant bachelor's degree - a good second class (roughly 60%+ in an Indian degree) - plus proof of English (usually IELTS 6.5-7.0), academic transcripts, a statement of purpose and references. Medical and health-science graduates aiming for public/global health, agency, NGO or consulting careers. Exact prerequisites are set per university each intake, and we confirm the current requirements for your profile.
How do I apply for a master's in public health in Portugal in Portugal, and when?+
You apply directly to the university. Start about 9-12 months ahead: shortlist programmes, prepare your transcripts, English test and statement of purpose, then apply - many universities admit on a rolling basis until places fill. We manage the shortlist, applications and timeline with you.
Is a postgraduate degree from Portugal recognised in India?+
Yes - it is a recognised European qualification, valued for academic, research and health-sector careers. It does not by itself grant clinical registration in India (that follows the separate NMC/DCI route). We explain exactly how this degree fits your goals before you commit.
What careers can a master's in public health in Portugal lead to?+
Public and global health, international agencies, NGOs and consulting. We help you plan the route - academic, clinical-academic, industry or a PhD - that fits your goals.
Interested in this programme?
Tell us your background and we'll check your eligibility and confirm the current fees, entry requirements and intake dates - free and honest.