The Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health was designed to address the contemporary challenges of the public health sector. It aims to train highly qualified professionals to act in different public health scenarios and contexts worldwide.
This programme stands out for its solid and up-to-date academic training, combining academic rigour with close ties to professional practice. Over six semesters, students develop the scientific, technical and human skills essential to meet the labour market challenges and/or continuing to second cycle studies.
The curriculum includes innovative course units in different areas such as public health sciences, innovation and entrepreneurship, digital health, a strong practical component, and active links with professional and institutional networks in the field. Through internships, applied projects, seminars with experts, and dynamic and innovative teaching methodologies, students are challenged to build a critical, multidisciplinary education focused on problem-solving.
The Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health is offered by the NOVA National School of Public Health, in partnership with the NOVA Medical School, the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and The Aga Khan University, all recognized by their commitment to high-quality, top notch higher education, pedagogical innovation, and human and social development.
Studying in Lisbon is more than an academic experience, it is a chance to live at the heart of a dynamic, multicultural, and constantly evolving ecosystem. As Portugal’s capital, Lisbon combines a rich historical heritage with a vibrant contemporary lifestyle, providing the perfect setting for academic, professional, and personal growth.
Choosing to study in Lisbon offers:
An academic environment of excellence: Lisbon is home to some of the country’s top higher education institutions, fostering innovation, research, and inter-institutional collaboration;
Connection to the labour market: the city is a growing economic hub with opportunities in the health sector, facilitating internships, networking, and employability;
Access to decision-making centres: being close to public bodies, leading companies and international organisations is an advantage for building a strong career;
Balanced lifestyle: nestled between the River Tagus and its famous hills, Lisbon offers a high quality of life, safety, excellent cuisine, vibrant culture, mild climate, and an efficient public transport network;
Multicultural environment: Lisbon attracts students and professionals from all over the world, creating a diverse and enriching community.
That’s why studying in Lisbon is an opportunity to broaden your horizons and prepare for your future.
The main objective of the Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health is to train professionals with a solid scientific, technical and ethical foundation, capable of critically and innovatively respond to current and future challenges in the health sector.
Graduates are expected to develop:
Fundamental and up-to-date knowledge in the core areas of the course, with an integrated and applied perspective;
Analytical and problem-solving skills, essential for informed decision-making in demanding professional settings;
Teamwork and effective communication abilities, valuing interdisciplinarity and collaboration;
Ethical awareness and social responsibility, promoting sustainable, equitable and human-centred practices;
A commitment to lifelong learning, encouraging further studies and continuous professional development.
The programme is structured to combine theoretical teaching with practical experience, strengthening ties to the labour market and preparing students for complex and constantly evolving contexts.
By choosing the Bachelor’s Degree in Global Public Health, you are investing in a programme:
Focused on global challenges: you will be prepared to work in diverse contexts, addressing health crisis, health inequalities, climate changes, and other critical global health issues;
Multidisciplinary approach: you will knowledge on health sciences, social sciences, environmental studies, and public policy, fostering a broad and systemic understanding of population health;
Strong practical component and real-world relevance: its student oriented, active learning methods, applied projects, seminars with specialists, and opportunities for engagement with organisations in the field will give you a broad view of the national and international ecosystem and the ability to operate in different settings;
Development of cross-sectional, cross-cutting skills: during your training you will work on your intercultural communication, critical thinking, collaborative work, and the ability to act ethically and knowledgeably;
International outlook: you will have access to mobility programmes, internships, and career opportunities in both national and international contexts through cooperation networks and global partnerships;
Prepares you for a meaningful and successful career: you will actively contribute to fairer, more sustainable, and inclusive health systems, with real impact on people’s lives.
Aspiring young people, looking to improve population health in local, national, and international contexts, through an interdisciplinary, ethical, and equity-driven approach.
If you…
Have a secondary school or vocational education and an interest in health, social sciences,
sustainability, and social justice;
Are seeking an internationally oriented education focused on major global health challenges;
Want to have a career in public health bodies, non-governmental organisations, international agencies, companies, academic institutions or research centres;
Want to work in multicultural and interdisciplinary settings, with critical thinking, analytical skills, and a commitment to the common good;
Wish to combine knowledge in public health, public policy, social and environmental sciences,
promoting integrated solutions to global health issues.
This is the training program for you!

1st Semester
Introduction to Public Health
6
Basic Epidemiology
8
Introduction to Health Statistics
8
Genetics for Public Health
4
Social and Behavioral Sciences in Global Public Health
4
2nd Semester
Introduction to Health Promotion
6
Introduction to Occupational and Environmental Health
6
Introduction to Economics for Health
6
Microbiology and Parasitology for Public Health
6
Demography and Health
6
During the programme you will meet national and international top teachers, scientists and researchers in public health and allied sciences and will have the opportunity to collaborate in projects from research to impactful interventions in public health.
Students can choose from a variety of courses offered either by NOVA NSPH, NMS and IHMT as well as other faculties within NOVA University. Students can also choose to do their elective courses in other European Universities.
Elective courses offered at NOVA NSPH cover:
During the bachelor degree students gain real-world experience through two hands-on internships designed to immerse them in diverse global public health settings and prepare them for impactful careers.
To be announced in due course.
The selection process follows the same rules of nationals. Applications are submitted through the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (DGES), between July and August, and subject to national competition. Students are chosen based on an application grade that results from:
50% final grade of the High Education Diploma
50% of National exams or equivalent
25% Biology and Geology (02) and 25% Portuguese (18)
25% Biology and Geology (02) and 25% Mathematics Applied to Social Sciences (18) or Mathematics A (19)
25% Biology and Geology (02) and 25% Geography (09)
25% Biology and Geology (02) and 25% Physics and Chemistry A (07)
25% Portuguese (18) and Mathematics Applied to Social Sciences (18) or 25% Mathematics A (19)
25% Portuguese (18) and 25% Economics (04)
For further information visit: https://www.dges.gov.pt/en
The selection process is made trough a separate competition. The number of vacancies is publicized yearly as well as the admission and rating criteria.
Students are chosen based on an application grade that results from:
50% certificate of High School completition or legal equivalent
50% National exams or equivalent
Online interview, if needed
International Student: do not have Portuguese or European Union citizenship; are not a family member (child, spouse or partner) of Portuguese nationals or citizens of an European Union country; have not been legally residing in Portugal for more than two years, on January 1st of the year of application, without interruption, nor are you the child, spouse or partner of a person in this situation; are not a beneficiary, on January 1st of the year of application, of the equal rights and duties status, granted under international treaty signed between the Portuguese State and the State of which you are a national.
Tuition fee (national and European Union students): €697 per year
Tuition fee (students from non-European Union countries): €7,000 per year
Contact us for more information