Case Study: How moviinn® Helped One Family Navigate Portuguese University Admissions

Moving to a new country in pursuit of higher education is an exciting but often overwhelming experience. For families unfamiliar with the bureaucracy of a foreign system, the path to university can quickly become a tangle of forms, deadlines, translations, and unanswered questions.

In this case study, we share the story of Noa (name changed for privacy), a bright and determined student from Israel whose dream was to study Economics at a prestigious public university in Portugal. With the help of our expert consultants, Noa and her family were able to navigate this complex process, and achieve success.

 The Dream of Studying Abroad

Noa had long dreamed of studying Economics in Europe. Portugal, with its internationally respected universities and affordable public education, seemed like an ideal destination. She had completed Israel’s rigorous Bagrut exams and set her sights on Nova School of Business and Economics at Universidade Nova de Lisboa.

But despite her academic potential, her family quickly realised they had no idea where to begin. Portugal’s system was unfamiliar, its rules often unclear, and the language a barrier. So, they turned to us for support.

Step One: Securing the Equivalence Certificate

The first hurdle was obtaining recognition of Noa’s Bagrut. Portuguese universities require students with foreign qualifications to obtain an equivalence certificate, issued by the Ministry of Education. Without it, university applications aren’t even considered.

This was more than a matter of submitting a transcript. Noa’s family needed to:

•  Obtain official copies of her diploma and exam grades
• Have them translated into Portuguese
• Have the translations apostilled or certified
• Submit everything to a Portuguese secondary school or educational office
• Wait, sometimes for weeks, for validation

moviinn® coordinated every step of this process, liaising with Israeli institutions, certified translators, and Portuguese educational authorities. Delays were common, nerves were high, but we stayed in close contact throughout.

When the certificate was finally issued, it brought relief and renewed hope. Noa’s academic credentials were officially recognised. But we weren’t finished yet.

Step Two: Validating Exam Results

Next came another critical question: would Noa’s Bagrut exam results be accepted instead of Portugal’s national exams?

Each university, and often each program, sets its own admission requirements. For Economics, the focus was on her performance in Mathematics and Economics. But would her scores align with Portuguese expectations?

We reviewed national guidelines with the DGES (Direcção Geral do Ensino Superior, which translates to Directorate General for Higher Education), crosschecked Noa’s subjects and grades, and contacted admissions officers at Universidade Nova. Through careful analysis and communication, we were able to confirm that Noa’s results would be accepted and eligible for submission.

This was a turning point. For Noa and her family, it signalled that the goal was truly within reach.

Behind the Scenes: Managing Anxiety, Bureaucracy, and Expectations

The technical steps - collecting documents, completing translations, submitting forms - were only part of the story.

The emotional side was just as significant.

Noa’s family was deeply invested in her success. Every day felt like a countdown to application deadlines. There were moments of silence from institutions. Delays from translators. Emails that went unanswered for days. Their stress was understandable, and we were there to absorb it.

Our team’s role wasn’t just administrative. We were emotional buffers, translators of bureaucratic jargon, and advocates within an unfamiliar system.

Each time a new document was accepted or a question resolved, we celebrated with them. Each time a hiccup occurred, we offered clear next steps and reassurance.

Step Three: Final Application to Universidade Nova

With the equivalence certificate and exam validation confirmed, we moved into the final stage: submitting the university application.

Public universities in Portugal have a centralised application portal (DGES), strict deadlines, and no room for error.

We helped Noa’s family:

- Navigate the online system
- Upload all validated documents
- Ensure each requirement was met
- Verify submission confirmation from the DGES portal
- Follow up with university contacts directly

The stakes were high. Missing a step would mean waiting another year. But everything was submitted on time.

And then… the wait.

The Result: Admission to His Dream University

Weeks later, the acceptance letter arrived.

Noa had been offered a place at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Faculty of Economics, her top choice. Even better, her final average (based on the equivalence certificate) was an impressive 18.1 out of 20, placing her well above the minimum required grade.

It was a moment of joy, relief, and reflection. Noa’s academic future in Portugal was secure. And for her family, every document, every translation, and every anxious night had been worth it.

What Made the Difference?

In this case, Noa’s success was about more than just good grades. It was about expert guidance, emotional support, and consistent follow through.

Here’s how we made the difference:

• Bureaucracy Expertise: We knew which forms, translations, and certificates were needed, and in what order.
• Communication: We acted as intermediaries between the family and the Portuguese education system.
• Timeliness: We tracked deadlines closely to ensure nothing was missed.
• Emotional Support: We were there for the highs and lows, always just an email or call away.
• Customised Strategy: We tailored our service to Noa’s unique goals and documents, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

Key Takeaways for International Students

If you’re planning to apply to a Portuguese university, here’s what Noa’s story teaches us:

1. Start Early: The process is long and slow-moving. Begin as early as possible to meet application windows.

2. Document Everything: Make sure all academic records are certified, translated, and apostilled well in advance.

3. Know the Rules: Requirements differ by course and university. Do your homework or hire someone who knows the system.

4. Expect Delays: Bureaucracy is often slow and imperfect, prepare for setbacks.

5. Get Help: A professional consultancy can turn a confusing process into a manageable journey.

Noa’s story is just one of many. Every year, we support students from around the world who are seeking a better future through education in Portugal.

Whether you’re navigating a public university application, trying to validate your qualifications, or simply trying to understand the next step, we’re here to help.

We believe that the dream of studying abroad should not be stopped by bureaucracy. And with the right support, it doesn’t have to be.

If you're an international student (or a parent) considering Portugal for higher education, get in touch with our team today. We're ready to guide you through every step, just like we did for Noa.

Your future in Portugal shouldn’t depend on your ability to decode bureaucracy.

At moviinn®, we speak fluent paperwork, so you don’t have to. Book a complimentary consultation today and let our experts turn your university dreams into acceptance letters (minus the headaches).