Who can apply for the LL.M. programmes?

All law graduates or students in their final year of undergraduate studies can apply for our LL.M. programmes. In exceptional cases, we accept applications from students whose undergraduate degree was not in Law, but which had a relevant legal component.

Am I required to have completed my undergraduate degree to apply?

For application purposes, we do not need you to have obtained your degree yet, but you must be attending your final undergraduate year and submit a pre-transcript with all the courses you have attended and respective grades. In such cases, admission is conditional upon the successful conclusion of the degree.

What is the difference between an LL.M. programme and a Master’s programme?

Our LL.M. programmes are fully taught in English and have the duration of one year, as opposed to Master’s programmes, which are not necessarily taught in English and, under Portuguese law, last for at least three semesters.

Our LL.M. students who wish to obtain a Master’s diploma have the option of enrolling for a third semester, in which they will write, submit and defend a master’s thesis. During the LL.M. year, we host an information session about our Master of Transnational Law, following which students are given the option of enrolling for the third semester.

Is an LL.M. well regarded by potential employers?

Of course. After finishing their studies, our LL.M. graduates have gone on to work for top law firms, multinational companies, startups, international organizations, and EU institutions. For more information on the career prospects of the LL.M. Law in a Digital Economy, please click here.

Can I attend the LL.M. online?

No. Our LL.M. programmes are offered exclusively in-person, as we aim to provide a highly interactive and immersive experience to our students. Only exceptionally (e.g., due to travel restrictions) will classes be taught via Zoom.

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 Alumni section of our website, where you will find contacts of former students of each programme.

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?

To submit your application, please be prepared to provide the following information and documents:

• Personal information: You will begin by filling out the application form with your personal information. You will need to upload a copy of your ID card or passport and a photo.
   
• Higher education: The second section will ask you for information on the degree(s) you have obtained. You will need to submit an official copy of your university transcripts (or pre-transcripts, in case you have not yet concluded your degree on the date of the application).
   
• Documents: You will then be asked to upload supporting documents, specifically your CV, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
   
• English Language Proficiency: If English is not your native language and you have not completed a degree at an English-speaking institution, you may need to provide proof of language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or a similar test. These may be replaced by an online interview.

What level of English do I need to have?

Our LL.M. programmes are fully taught in English, so you will need a high level of fluency. During your application process, you may prove your English proficiency either through an online interview or by submitting one of these exam scores: 

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

Is there an application fee?

No. While you do not need to pay any fee in order to submit your application, you will need to pay an enrollment fee in case you are admitted to the programme and wish to secure your place.

Can I apply for financial aid?

We have a variety of financial aid options available for our applicants. Most scholarships are granted on a need basis. 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 unsuccessful, can I reapply?

We only accept one application per intake. If your application was unsuccessful and you wish to reapply, we strongly recommend you to improve your profile and to wait for the next application period.

Is there a Spring intake?

No, there is only one intake per year and classes start in September.

Can I do the programme part-time?

Yes, students can choose to enroll in the LL.M. Law in a Digital Economy on a part-time basis. In that case, they will be allowed to complete the necessary ECTS credits over the course of two academic years, instead of one. This allows busy practitioners to combine the LL.M. studies with their professional activity. If you wish to apply as a part-time student, please select the corresponding option in the application form.

Please note that the tuition fees for full-time and part-time students differ slightly.

Regarding tuition, is there any installment policy?

Yes. Upon admission, students can choose whether they wish to pay tuition (a) in full until September or (b) in 10 monthly installments from September to June.

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 typical schedule of an LL.M. student at Católica? Can I combine the LL.M. studies with a normal working schedule?

LL.M. classes take place between 9:00 and 19:00. The students’ schedule naturally depends on the courses that they have elected to follow, but, typically, on a given day students will have classes on either the morning or the afternoon. Also, since some courses are taught in a concentrated fashion (e.g., over the course of three days), some periods of the semester may be busier than others.

Students who wish to combine their LL.M. studies with a full-time professional activity are advised to enroll as part-time students.

What is the grading system like at Católica?

Students are graded either on a 0-20 scale (with 10 being the passing grade) or on a pass/fail basis. Typically, the Skills Seminars are pass/fail, whereas the Courses follow the 0-20 scale.