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Master's in International Development & Public Policy

Student Advising

Joining Nova SBE means stepping into a dynamic, international, and fast-paced academic environment, one that is as rewarding as it can be challenging.

At every stage of your journey, you won’t have to navigate it alone. Our team of dedicated Student Advisors is here to support you, offering personalized guidance and a human touch whenever you need it most.

We help students navigate decisions that impact their university experience, from academic planning to personal and financial challenges. Our goal is to guide students, connect them with the right resources, and support them in building a clear plan for a smooth and successful experience.

To get the most out of your relationship with your Advisor, we encourage you to:

Stay connected: Keep in touch throughout the year, whether by email or by scheduling one-on-one meetings at your convenience.
Be proactive: Reach out early if you have questions or face challenges and stay engaged with your Advisor’s communications.
Feel safe to share: Your Advisor is here to support you holistically, feel free to discuss both academic and non-academic topics.

Services Available

Specific Educational Needs

At Nova SBE, we are committed to creating the right conditions for every student to make the most of their academic journey. Students with specific educational needs benefit from the dedicated support of a Student Advisor, who will be by their side throughout their time at Nova SBE.

Upon joining Nova SBE, students will have access to a confidential form where they can request the accommodations they need. These requests are treated with full confidentiality and are shared only between the student and the Advisor. The aim is to ensure that each student has the necessary support to thrive academically and personally.

Academic Guidance

Our Student Advisors are here to help you make confident, informed decisions. Whether you’re exploring your interests or aligning your studies with your career ambitions, we’ll work with you to build a path that truly fits your goals and background.

With a wide range of electives, specializations, and workstreams available, shaping your academic path at Nova SBE is an exciting opportunity, but it can also feel overwhelming at times.

Individual advising sessions

In this journey, you will be accompanied by a dedicated Student Advisor who will guide and support you with personalized support to take the most of your experience at Nova SBE. The sessions provide individualized support for situations such as academic progress, enrollments, as well as personal or health-related challenges that may affect your university experience. You can easily schedule appointments with them to receive practical guidance, personalized advice, and ongoing support, ensuring that you have the resources and assistance needed to thrive throughout their academic journey.

Study Methods, Learning Hacks & Balance

Success at Nova SBE is not just about working hard, it’s about working smart while maintaining balance.

Through resources and in-person sessions, you’ll gain access to practical, evidence-based study techniques and simple “Learning Hacks” designed to help you learn more effectively, stay organized, and perform at your best. These strategies can reduce exam stress, improve retention, and help you achieve better results more efficiently.

At the same time, we support you in managing your time and energy in a sustainable way. With tools and guidance to structure your week around your priorities and personal rhythm, you’ll be able to stay focused, energized, and in control, turning student life into a more balanced, motivating, and rewarding experience.

“How to Thrive” sessions

These sessions guide you through your academic journey and its key milestones. You’ll meet your advisor, explore your degree program, discover student support services and essential platforms, and learn about opportunities such as Exchange Programs and the Work Project (thesis). Targeted sessions address specific topics or student needs, ensuring you start your master’s fully informed, supported, and ready to thrive.

These sessions guide you through your academic journey and its key milestones. You’ll meet your advisor, explore your degree programme, discover student support services and essential platforms, and learn about opportunities such as Exchange Programmes and the Work Project (thesis). Targeted sessions address specific topics or student needs—ensuring you start your master’s fully informed, supported, and ready to thrive.

I’m very grateful for the support and guidance I received throughout my academic journey with my student advisor. Having someone who was consistently available, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in my progress made a real difference. Her ability to listen, offer practical academic advice, and help me navigate campus resources truly elevated my overall experience at Nova SBE.

Maria Eduarda Neder Meneghelli, MSc IDPP

Student Advisor Services have truly been one of the biggest sources of support in my journey at Nova SBE, and I honestly do not know what my experience would have been like without them. As an International student from Ghana, my path to studying in Portugal was not straightforward. I faced visa difficulties that caused me to miss an academic year, which was an incredibly stressful and discouraging experience. During that time, the support I received from my Student Advisor meant a great deal to me. She helped me navigate the process of deferring my studies to the following academic year, and that gave me reassurance and hope during a very uncertain moment. When I eventually began my studies, I faced further challenges with anxiety and stress, which had a serious impact on my academic work, especially during exams and written assignments. Once again, Student Advisor Services were there for me. My Advisor listened with care, connected me with the school counsellor, and helped ensure that the necessary academic accommodations were put in place. That support made a significant difference in my ability to cope, perform better, and continue my studies with greater confidence. I also went through financial difficulties that affected my ability to focus on my studies. I reached out to my Advisor and asked if I could get support with meals at the school cafeteria. She supported communication and followed up with the scholarship team. Thanks to that help, I was able to receive support with meals which lifted a major burden and allowed me to concentrate more fully on my studies. My advisors were consistently approachable and willing to help, whether with personal difficulties, academic concerns, communication with professors, course-related issues, or guidance on what I needed to complete to graduate. Their support has gone beyond simply providing, they have made me feel genuinely supported and cared for. For me, the Student Advisor Services have been far more than just an administrative support system. They have been a source of guidance, comfort, and difficulty during some of the most difficult moments of my academic journey. I sincerely believe that their support has had a meaningful impact on both my well-being and my success at Nova SBE, and I will always be grateful for everything they have done for me.

Delinda Obeng Nketia’s, MSc IDPP