Dual Program Structure | Residence Permit

Undergraduate Programs

Programme Format

Dual Certification 

(Vocational Diploma + Advanced Academic Degree)

Duration

4 Years

(2 Years Diploma + 2 Years Degree)

Mode

Full-Time

(Theory + Practical Integration)

Year 1: Foundation Stage (Diploma Level - Year 1)

Semester 1

  • Introduction to core concepts and systems relevant to the field
  • Practical skills development through lab and workshop sessions
  • Foundational theoretical knowledge and academic techniques. 
  • Mathematics, logic, or analytical tools applied to field tasks. 
  • Communication, digital literacy, or professional writing.

Semester 2

  • Intermediate study of systems and practices. 
  • Continued practical exercises and simulations. 
  • Applied problem-solving using field-relevant tools. 
  • Workplace safety, ethics, or environmental principles.
  • Strengthening of quantitative or technical Communication skills, digital literacy, and professional competence.

Residency Permit Process: Between Year 1 and Year 2

As students approach the end of their first academic year, they will be guided by the institution’s International Student Office and Legal Immigration Office to begin the application process for their Cape Verdean residency permit. This residency permit is:

  • Legally required under the immigration laws of Cape Verde for international students residing for longer periods
  • Essential for the institution to officially present students to embassies and consulates within Cape Verde for visa applications, particularly for:
      – Internship placements abroad
      – Exchange programs
      – Final progression to Years 3 and 4 in partner universities abroad.

Note: The cost of the residency permit is to be borne by the students themselves. The permit is a critical step to ensure legal stay and future academic mobility.

Year 2: Advanced Diploma - Dual Training Phase

Semester 3

  • Advanced theoretical modules in key specialization areas.
  • Introduction to applied technologies and modern industry tools.
  • Language development or cross-cultural communication for global readiness.
  • First structured industry or vocational training placement.
  • Applied learning project or supervised field assignment.

Semester 4

  • Higher-level systems and concepts within the chosen domain
  • Project planning, innovation, and business practice integration
  • Final applied project or vocational capstone
  • Second industry-based training or internship experience

Diploma Certificate is awarded after successful completion of Year 2

Students must have completed their residency documentation by this point to facilitate timely visa processing for their transition abroad.

International Degree Continuation (Years 3 & 4)

Upon successful completion of the first two years, students progress to the final two years of their Bachelor’s degree (BSc) at one of our affiliated international partner universities. These universities are integrated into dual education systems that align with our academic and vocational training model.

Placement is determined by:

  • Field of specialization
  • Academic performance
  • Visa clearance
  • Availability within institutional agreement

Countries of Study:

  • Portugal (primary and most preferred destination)
  • Germany
  • United States of America (USA)
  • New Zealand

Year 3: Academic Degree – Applied Knowledge Phase

Semester 5

  • Deepening of domain-specific knowledge and advanced skills.
  • Introduction to research methodologies and academic writing.
  • Application of digital tools, simulations, or modeling software.
  • Exploration of industry standards, testing procedures, and compliance.
  • Preparation for major research or capstone project.

Semester 6

  • Specialized study in applied or advanced industry topics.
  • Integration of systems thinking, policy, or regulatory frameworks.
  • Capstone research/project development and presentation.
  • Continued focus on innovation and interdisciplinary approaches.

Year 4: Academic Degree - Research and Specialization Phase

Semester 7

  • Full execution of a capstone thesis or final applied research project.
  • Advanced specialization modules aligned with industry trends and career interests.
  • Supervised academic mentorship or collaborative field research.
  • Final academic evaluation and BSc degree certification

Bachelor-Level Degree is awarded at the end of Year 4