Who can apply for the Ph.D. programme?

All holders of the title of master of laws can apply for our Ph.D. programme. Those who do not hold a master’s degree, but who possess an undergraduate degree in law and a CV of notoriously high quality are also encouraged to apply.

Am I required to have completed my master’s degree to apply?

For application purposes, we do not need you to have obtained your degree yet, but you must have concluded the degree before the start of the Ph.D. programme. In such cases, admission is conditional upon the successful conclusion of the master’s degree.

Can I speak with an alumnus about his or her experience at Católica?

You are more than welcome to speak with our alumni. Please visit the testimonials section of our website, where you will find the names of former and current students.

How does the application process work?

For a detailed description of the application process, please click here.

What documents do I need to submit as part of my application?

Before submitting your application, please be prepared to provide the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter
• Two letters of recommendation
• Research plan (max. 1.500 words)
• Any research papers or theses authored by the applicant
• Official transcripts from schools attended
• Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS)
• Copy of identity card or passport
• One photo

What level of English do I need to have?

Our Global Ph.D. Programme is fully taught in English, so you will need a high level of fluency. During your application process, you may prove your English proficiency by submitting one of the exam scores below and through an online interview with our Admissions Committee: 

• TOEFL (recommended score): 600 (PBT), 250 (CBT), or 100 (IBT);
• IELTS (recommended score): 7.0

Are there scholarships available?

For every intake, Católica grants a limited number of scholarships on a merit basis, sometimes in partnership with other institutions. For more information, please click here.

After submitting my application, how can I be sure that it will be reviewed?

Upon the submission of your application, you will receive a confirmation email.

If I am admitted, do I need to obtain a visa to study at Católica?

If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to ask for a visa.

Please bear in mind that it can take anywhere from a few weeks to three months for a student visa to be processed, depending on your country of residence, the specific embassy, and whether everything is in order with your application. Make sure you start the application process as soon as you receive your admission letter.

While it is the students’ responsibility to contact the Portuguese Immigration and Border Services and to obtain a visa, our staff will be pleased to give you advice on visa-related matters upon your enrollment.

For more information, please click here and here.

What is the grading system like at Católica?

Students are graded either on a 0-20 scale (with 10 being the passing grade). The positive numerical grades have the following qualitative equivalence:

• 10 to 13: sufficient (rite)
• 14 to 15: good (feliciter)
• 16 to 17: very good (magna cum laude)
• 18 to 20: excellent (summa cum laude)

When and how do I choose my supervisor?

After finishing the first semester, students choose the topic of their thesis and request the designation of a supervisor. When the interdisciplinary or transnational nature of the thesis so justifies, they may also request the designation of a co-supervisor (who may be based at an academic institution other than Católica).

What is the expected length of the thesis proposal and the thesis itself?

The thesis proposal – which students must submit at the end of their first year – cannot exceed 80.000 characters, including footnotes, but excluding spaces, table of contents, bibliography and annexes.

The final thesis cannot exceed 1.000.000 characters, including footnotes, but excluding spaces, table of contents, bibliography and annexes. There is no minimum limit of characters that students need to respect, but the length of submitted theses typically varies between 200 and 400 pages.