International Graduate Programmes — MSc & MBA | LAGAI Institute

International Graduate Programmes

MSc & MBA Programmes

Two Academic Years. Two Countries. One International Pathway. 120 ECTS · Cape Verde → Portugal

About the Programme

An International Pathway for Graduates & Professionals

The LAGAI International Graduate Programme is an international postgraduate education model combining advanced academic study, structured professional internship, international exposure and research. Designed for graduates and professionals who want more than classroom-based education, students undertake their studies through a structured pathway connecting Cape Verde and Portugal — combining academic learning with practical professional experience.

Advanced academic knowledge
Specialist professional skills
Practical workplace experience
Research competence
International & cross-cultural exposure
Leadership & communication skills

Structured over two Academic Years · 120 ECTS

The Dual Graduate Model

Study. Experience. Research. Advance.

The programme is built around four interconnected pillars.

Academic Study

Advanced graduate-level coursework in your selected MSc or MBA specialization.

Professional Internship

Practical professional experience through a structured internship tied to your programme.

International Experience

An international pathway connecting Cape Verde and Portugal, subject to applicable requirements.

Research

Advanced research competence completed through a dissertation, applied project or approved capstone.

Programme at a Glance

MSc & MBA Comparison

Feature	MSc	MBA
Award	Master of Science	Master of Business Administration
Duration	2 Academic Years	2 Academic Years
Credits	120 ECTS	120 ECTS
Academic Year 1	Cape Verde	Cape Verde
Academic Year 2	Portugal	Portugal
Delivery	Blended	Blended
Specializations	7	7
Internship	Yes	Yes
Research	Yes	Yes
International Experience	Yes	Yes

Why Choose This Programme

A Distinctive Graduate Experience

International Pathway

Study and develop professionally across two international environments.

120 ECTS

A structured graduate programme carrying 120 ECTS.

Academic + Professional

Combine postgraduate education with practical internship experience.

Career-Focused

Connect academic knowledge with real professional challenges.

Research-Driven

Develop advanced analytical and research capabilities.

Blended Learning

Combine face-to-face academic activities with online learning.

International Exposure

Develop cross-cultural awareness for international environments.

Master of Science — MSc Programmes

120 ECTS · Advanced specialist knowledge, research competence, professional development & leadership capacity.

MSc 01 — Vocational Education & Skills Development

MSc

Developing the educators, trainers and skills systems of tomorrow.

Designed For: Educators, vocational trainers, curriculum developers, education administrators, skills-development professionals, policymakers.

Key Areas

Vocational education systems
Curriculum development & skills development
Education leadership & institutional transformation

Learning Outcomes

Design & evaluate vocational curricula
Develop skills-development strategies
Lead institutional reforms

MSc 02 — ICT for Development

MSc

Technology for sustainable socioeconomic transformation. Specializations: Cybersecurity, Digital Learning.

Designed For: ICT professionals, digital educators, development practitioners, technology managers, digital transformation professionals.

Key Areas

ICT strategy, digital platforms & cybersecurity
Digital education & technology for development

Learning Outcomes

Design ICT strategies & digital platforms
Develop scalable e-learning frameworks
Apply ICT to development challenges

MSc 03 — Construction Management & Sustainable Technology

MSc

Building the future through sustainable construction and innovation.

Designed For: Engineers, construction professionals, project managers, sustainability consultants.

Key Areas

Construction management & sustainable construction
Construction technology, project management & virtual simulation

Learning Outcomes

Apply sustainable construction principles
Manage construction projects & use modern simulation technologies
Integrate sustainability into construction planning

MSc 04 — Real Estate & Urban Development

MSc

Creating sustainable cities and intelligent property markets.

Designed For: Urban planners, real-estate professionals, property managers, public-sector professionals, development specialists.

Key Areas

Land administration, housing & urban planning
Real-estate investment & sustainable development

Learning Outcomes

Analyse land and housing policies
Develop urban strategies & evaluate property opportunities
Support sustainable urban development

MSc 05 — Hospitality & Tourism Innovation

MSc

Reimagining tourism and hospitality for a global economy.

Designed For: Hospitality professionals, tourism managers, destination professionals, tourism entrepreneurs.

Key Areas

Sustainable tourism & hospitality management
Digital tourism, tourism innovation & service delivery

Learning Outcomes

Develop sustainable tourism models
Integrate digital tools into hospitality
Develop innovative tourism strategies

MSc 06 — Cultural Heritage, Arts & Global Dialogue

MSc

Culture, creativity and international understanding.

Designed For: Cultural practitioners, museum professionals, arts managers, heritage professionals, creative-industry professionals.

Key Areas

Cultural heritage, arts & creative industries
Cultural preservation & international dialogue

Learning Outcomes

Preserve and promote cultural heritage
Develop cultural projects
Analyse global arts and cultural trends

MSc 07 — Sustainable Development & Community Leadership

MSc

Empowering communities and building resilient futures.

Designed For: Community leaders, NGO professionals, development practitioners, sustainability professionals, social-impact leaders.

Key Areas

Sustainable development & community leadership
Environmental resilience, participatory development & resource mobilisation

Learning Outcomes

Lead participatory development
Develop sustainable community initiatives
Mobilise development resources & promote resilience

Master of Business Administration — MBA Programmes

120 ECTS · Advanced management knowledge combined with sector-specific expertise.

MBA 01 — Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation

MBA

Transforming social challenges into sustainable opportunities.

Designed For: Entrepreneurs, NGO leaders, social innovators, impact investors.

Key Areas

Social enterprise, innovation & impact investment
Funding & strategic partnerships

Learning Outcomes

Develop social-enterprise models & build sustainable ventures
Develop funding strategies & establish partnerships

MBA 02 — International Business & Cross-Cultural Leadership

MBA

Leading across borders, markets and cultures.

Designed For: Business executives, diplomats, international managers, project managers, entrepreneurs.

Key Areas

International business, global trade & cross-cultural management
Diplomacy & leadership

Learning Outcomes

Conduct cross-cultural negotiations
Develop international business strategies
Lead diverse teams with inclusive leadership

MBA 03 — Vocational Enterprise Management

MBA

Professional management for the future of vocational education.

Designed For: Education administrators, training-centre managers, institutional leaders, programme managers.

Key Areas

Training-centre management & institutional leadership
Vocational enterprise, donor-funded programmes & programme design

Learning Outcomes

Manage vocational institutions & develop training programmes
Manage donor-funded initiatives & improve institutional performance

MBA 04 — ICT & Digital Business Management

MBA

Leading businesses through digital transformation.

Designed For: Technology entrepreneurs, digital strategists, ICT managers, innovation professionals.

Key Areas

Digital transformation & technology management
Data strategy, digital business & innovation

Learning Outcomes

Lead digital transformation
Develop digital business strategies & manage data strategy
Apply technology to business growth

MBA 05 — Construction & Infrastructure Leadership

MBA

Leading complex construction and infrastructure projects.

Designed For: Construction executives, project managers, engineers, infrastructure professionals, project financiers.

Key Areas

Infrastructure management & project finance
Construction leadership, international operations & project delivery

Learning Outcomes

Apply project-finance principles
Lead infrastructure projects & manage international operations
Improve project delivery

MBA 06 — Real Estate Investment & Property Development

MBA

Building value through intelligent property investment.

Designed For: Real-estate investors, property developers, investment professionals, property managers.

Key Areas

Property investment, valuation & development
Investment strategy & regulatory frameworks

Learning Outcomes

Conduct property valuation & develop investment strategies
Analyse property markets & lead cross-border ventures

MBA 07 — Global Hospitality & Tourism Strategy

MBA

Leading destinations, brands and international tourism enterprises.

Designed For: Tourism executives, destination managers, tourism marketers, hospitality professionals.

Key Areas

Destination branding & tourism economics
Global tourism, strategic management & hospitality leadership

Learning Outcomes

Develop destination-branding strategies
Evaluate global tourism trends & lead tourism organisations
Develop international tourism strategies

The Academic Journey

Two Academic Years. Two Countries. One Pathway.

Academic Year 1 — Cape Verde

Foundations, applied knowledge & professional preparation

Research Methodology
Academic Writing
Data Analysis
Digital Problem-Solving
Professional Communication
Advanced Theoretical Foundations

Semester 1 — Advanced Graduate Foundations

Specialization modules
Applied case studies, simulations & professional applications
Ethics, governance, sustainability & research preparation

Professional Preparation

CV development, professional orientation & interview preparation
Workplace preparation, professional communication & industry engagement

Portuguese Language Preparation

Students combine their programme with Portuguese language study during Year 1 in Cape Verde.
Instruction in Portugal may be delivered partly in English and partly in Portuguese, depending on specialization, host institution and course.
Language study eases the transition into academic modules, the internship and daily professional life in Portugal.

Academic Year 2 — Portugal

Advanced specialization, internship & research

Semester 3 — Advanced Specialization & Internship

Advanced specialization modules
Professional internship, workplace learning & industry engagement
Applied professional projects, research proposal development & academic supervision

Semester 4 — Research & Finalization

Master's research & dissertation or applied research project
Advanced electives & thesis development
Final presentation & dissertation defence or approved capstone assessment

Internship & International Mobility

Learn Through Real Professional Experience

Internship & Professional Experience

The internship is an integral component, enabling students to connect academic knowledge with practical professional experience in an approved host organisation.

Internship Objectives

Apply theoretical knowledge & develop professional competencies
Gain workplace experience & understand organisational practices
Build professional networks & strengthen leadership skills
Connect academic research with real-world problems

Potential Environments

Companies, educational institutions, vocational training centres, technology & construction organisations, real-estate & hospitality businesses, tourism organisations, NGOs, development organisations, public-sector institutions, and other approved environments.

International Mobility

🇨🇻 Cape Verde → 🇵🇹 Portugal

Students begin in Cape Verde and progress to Portugal as part of the second Academic Year, following completion of applicable academic and programme requirements.

Progression to Portugal

Academic progression & completion of required coursework
Academic assessment & documentation
International student preparation
Visa & immigration procedures where applicable
Institutional coordination

Admission & Application

Your Application to Admission

MSc · Academic Requirement

Who Can Apply — MSc

A recognized Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. Relevant professional experience is advantageous.

MBA · Academic & Experience

Who Can Apply — MBA

A recognized Bachelor's or Master's degree. Professional or managerial experience is expected; 2–3 years preferred.

Application Documents

Completed application form
Academic certificates & transcripts
Professional CV / Resume
Personal statement (500–750 words)
Two references
Passport data page
Language-proficiency evidence where applicable

Personal Statement: explain your academic background, professional experience, career objectives, motivation for the programme, and reasons for choosing your specialization.

Language Requirements

Applicants may be required to provide evidence of English or Portuguese proficiency depending on their background and programme requirements — e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, an equivalent recognized examination, or other evidence accepted by LAGAI.

Portuguese Component: Because instruction in Portugal may be delivered partly in English and partly in Portuguese, students combine their programme with Portuguese language study during Academic Year 1 in Cape Verde — supporting academic and professional integration regardless of their initial proficiency.

Online Application

Submit your application and supporting documentation.

Academic Assessment

LAGAI reviews your academic and professional profile.

Interview

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.

Admission Decision

Successful applicants receive an official admission decision.

Enrolment

Confirm your place and complete the required enrolment payment.

Academic Year 1 (Cape Verde)

Begin your graduate studies.

Academic Progression

Complete the requirements for Academic Year 1.

Portugal Transition

Prepare for the Portugal stage.

Academic Year 2 (Portugal)

Continue advanced study, internship and research.

Graduation

Complete final assessment and graduate.

HND Entry Pathway

HND Entry & Pre-Master's Bridge Programme

Applicants holding a Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent RQF Level 5 / TVET qualification are eligible to apply for both MSc and MBA programmes through the LAGAI Pre-Master's Bridge Pathway.

Academic Requirement

Recognized HND Qualification

Recognized Higher National Diploma (HND), Higher National Certificate (HNC) with Distinction/Merit, or Level 5 Higher Technical Diploma.

Bridge Component

Pre-Master's Bridge Courses

Completion of 30 ECTS Pre-Master's Bridge Courses during Academic Year 1 in Cape Verde, taken concurrently with core Year 1 modules and Portuguese language preparation.

Professional Experience

Work Experience

Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience — recommended (MSc) or expected (MBA).

Important: The tuition fees stated above cover academic services only. Accommodation, living expenses, and immigration or residence-permit fees are not included in the stated fee and are the student's own responsibility. See Sections 17 and 18 for full details.

Payment & What Tuition Covers

How Payment Works & What Is Included

15 · Payment Information

All applicable fees are payable according to the official payment instructions issued by LAGAI Institute following admission. Applicants will receive an official Fee Schedule and Payment Instructions with their admission documentation.

16 · What Tuition Covers

Unless otherwise stated in the official fee schedule, tuition covers academic services including:

Academic instruction, lectures & seminars
Online learning
Academic & research supervision
Assessments, examinations & assessment services
Academic administration
Access to applicable academic resources

17 · What Tuition Does Not Cover

Students should budget separately for:

International flights
Accommodation & food
Personal expenses & local transportation
Visa fees, immigration & residence-permit fees
Health & travel insurance
Airport transfers, equipment & personal study materials
Bank charges & currency-exchange costs

Living Costs

Estimated Living Expenses

Cape Verde

Accommodation	To be confirmed
Food & Personal Expenses	To be confirmed
Transportation	To be confirmed

Portugal

Accommodation	To be confirmed
Food & Personal Expenses	To be confirmed
Transportation	To be confirmed

Note: Living costs vary according to location, accommodation type and individual lifestyle.

International Student Support

Supporting Your Journey

LAGAI may provide guidance concerning:

Admission
Enrolment
Academic orientation
Cape Verde arrival
International student administration
Academic progression
Portugal transition requirements
General student orientation

Career & Professional Development

Where Can Your Degree Take You?

MSc Career Areas

Education
Vocational Training
ICT
Digital Learning
Cybersecurity
Construction
Real Estate
Urban Development
Hospitality
Tourism
Cultural Industries
Sustainable Development
Community Development

MBA Career Areas

Business Management
Entrepreneurship
International Business
Digital Business
Education Management
Construction
Infrastructure
Real Estate
Tourism
Hospitality
Strategic Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions, Answered

The International Graduate Programme is structured over two Academic Years and carries 120 ECTS.

Academic Year 1 is structured in Cape Verde and Academic Year 2 in Portugal.

Yes. The programme combines face-to-face academic activities with online learning.

Yes. Structured internship / professional experience is an integral component of the International Graduate Programme.

Yes. Eligible international applicants may apply.

No. Accommodation, food, and other living expenses are not part of the stated tuition fee, unless expressly stated in the official fee schedule.

No. Visa fees, government immigration charges, and residence-permit fees are not part of the stated tuition fee, unless expressly stated.

Progression is subject to the applicable academic, programme, visa, immigration and institutional requirements.

No. Internship placement depends on programme requirements, student suitability, host availability and other applicable conditions.

Application Checklist

Ready to Apply?

Before submitting your application, ensure that you have:

Completed application form
Academic certificate
Academic transcript
Updated CV / Resume
Personal statement
Two references
Passport data page
Language evidence where applicable
Additional documents requested by LAGAI

Graduation

From Application to Achievement

Complete 120 ECTS
Complete Academic Study
Complete Professional Internship
Complete Research / Dissertation / Capstone
Complete Final Assessment

An international academic and professional achievement connecting Cape Verde and Portugal.

Apply Now