Nova Medical School
Lisbon, PortugalLisbon, PortugalGMC RecognisedNo UCAT RequiredNova Medical School
Nova Medical School is one of Portugal's most modern medical schools, affiliated with Hospital de Santa Maria and known for its innovative curriculum. The school has English-taught elements and is an EU-recognised institution in the heart of Lisbon.
Annual Tuition
£13,000/year
Did You Know?
About Nova Medical School
NOVA Medical School (Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA University Lisbon) is one of Portugal's leading medical schools, known for innovation in medical education and strong international partnerships. The six-year programme trains students at multiple Lisbon hospitals, including Hospital de São Francisco Xavier, Hospital de Santa Marta, and Hospital CUF Descobertas. NOVA Medical School is Portugal's pioneer of Problem-Based Learning and integrated curricula.
Research excellence includes the Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), which focuses on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer — producing highly cited research that punches well above Portugal's weight internationally. The Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), part of NOVA, is Europe's leading Portuguese-speaking centre for tropical disease research, maintaining connections to Lusophone Africa and Brazil. Lisbon offers outstanding quality of life — surfing, sunshine, world-class gastronomy, and a rapidly growing tech ecosystem — at living costs below most Western European capitals.
For UK students with Portuguese proficiency, NOVA provides access to excellent research and tropical medicine expertise in one of Europe's most dynamic cities.
Programmes Offered
Key Highlights
Modern innovative curriculum
Hospital de Santa Maria affiliation
EU/GMC-recognised
Lisbon cosmopolitan city
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
A-levels or equivalent, interview, no UCAT
No UCAT required. A Level grades are sufficient for admission.
Student Accommodation
Private accommodation in Lisbon; student districts available
Nova Medical School vs UK Medical Schools
| Factor | Nova Medical School | UK Medical Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Annual) | £13,000/year | £9,250/year |
| Duration | 6 years | 5 years |
| UCAT Required | No | Yes (33 schools) |
| Teaching Language | Portuguese/English | English |
| Acceptance Rate | Higher — focused entrance criteria | ~8% average |
| GMC Pathway | PLAB/UKMLA → Full Registration | Direct Registration |
| Gap Year Risk | None — rolling admissions | High — 12-month UCAS cycle |
| NHS Eligibility | Yes — after UKMLA | Yes — direct |
Application Timeline — Nova Medical School
| Step | Phase | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free Strategy Consultation | Week 1 |
| 2 | Eligibility Assessment & University Match | Week 1 |
| 3 | Document Preparation & Personal Statement | Weeks 1-2 |
| 4 | Application Submission to Nova Medical School | Weeks 2-3 |
| 5 | Entrance Exam / Interview Preparation | Weeks 3-4 |
| 6 | Offer Confirmation | Weeks 4-5 |
| 7 | Visa Processing & Accommodation | Weeks 5-7 |
| 8 | Pre-departure Briefing & Arrival Support | Weeks 7-8 |
Quick Reference — Nova Medical School
Frequently Asked Questions — Nova Medical School
Student Reviews
Write a Community Review
Studied at Nova Medical School? Your insight helps thousands of UK students make informed decisions. All reviews are moderated before publication.
Other Universities in Portugal
View allReady to Apply to Nova Medical School?
Our admissions team has placed 107+ UK students in top medical schools worldwide. We will guide your application from document preparation to enrolment.