Student Support Services
Immigration &
Accommodation
Everything international students need — visa guidance for Cape Verde and Portugal, dormitory fees, and campus life at LAGAI.
Student Support
Cape Verde Immigration Checklist
Purpose — This checklist provides all necessary requirements and documents that international students must prepare and submit to Cape Verde immigration authorities before arrival. All documents must be authentic, complete, and submitted in a timely manner.
Pre-Arrival & Documents
-
1. Passport & IdentificationValid passport (minimum 6 months validity) and photocopies of all relevant pages.
-
2. Visa & Entry Requirements
- Non-ECOWAS students: Student visa application (Visto de Estudante) approved by Cape Verde Embassy or Consulate.
- ECOWAS students: May enter without a visa but must register with immigration upon arrival.
-
3. Admission DocumentationOfficial Letter of Admission from LAGAI Institute. Proof of tuition and accommodation fee payment.
-
4. Financial MeansBank statements covering living expenses, sponsor letters, or scholarship confirmation.
-
5. Health DocumentationValid health insurance for the full duration of stay. Vaccination certificates (e.g., Yellow Fever if required by country of origin).
Accommodation & Legal
-
6. Accommodation ProofConfirmation of private dormitory payment or other approved institutional housing. Exact address of residence for immigration registration.
-
7. Criminal Record CertificatePolice clearance from home country — must be coordinated through the institution's international legal office to avoid counterfeiting.
-
8. Academic CredentialsCopies of previous academic transcripts and diplomas to verify programme eligibility.
-
9. Immigration Registration & Reporting
- Register with local immigration office upon arrival.
- Apply for a residence permit valid for duration of studies.
- Inform authorities upon departure or visa expiration.
-
10. Special Requests
- Clarification of work rights during the study period (if applicable).
- Visa extension procedures for prolonged courses.
- Sponsorship or guarantee letters for students under 18.
Student Housing
Private Dormitory Fees
Per Semester · 3 Months + Holiday
Semester Accommodation
€500/ semester
- Includes Holiday Period
- Utilities & Internet included
- Weekly Cleaning Services
- Security & Administration
Approx. 55,133 CVE
Best Value · Full Academic Year
Annual Accommodation
€1,000/ year
- Covers Both Semesters
- All Holiday Periods Included
- Total Occupancy: 7.5 Months
- Priority Room Allocation
Approx. 110,265 CVE
Fee Breakdown — Where Your Money Goes
| Item | Allocation | Visual | Semester (€) | Annual (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Room Rent | 75% | 375.00 | 750.00 | |
| Utilities (Water / Electricity) | 8% | 40.00 | 80.00 | |
| Internet & Maintenance | 6% | 30.00 | 60.00 | |
| Cleaning Services | 4% | 20.00 | 40.00 | |
| Security & Administration | 3% | 15.00 | 30.00 | |
| Contingency Fund | 4% | 20.00 | 40.00 |
Per Month Avg
€133
Per Week Avg
€31
Per Day Avg
€4.46
Academic Year Total
€1,000
Important Dormitory Rules
- Accommodation fees are mandatory and non-refundable once paid.
- Residents must maintain cleanliness and responsible use of shared utilities.
- Guests are not permitted without prior written approval from management.
- Any damages caused must be compensated by the responsible resident.
- Late payment may result in restricted access to dormitory facilities.
- Students must respect all dormitory regulations and maintain a peaceful environment.
European Pathways
Portugal Immigration Checklist
Who is this for? Cape Verde nationals and international students legally residing in Cape Verde who wish to continue their academic journey at a recognised Portuguese institution. CPLP Mobility Agreements may entitle you to simplified procedures and reduced fees.
Step 1 — Before Arrival: Apply for a Student Visa (Type D)
- Valid Passport — Minimum validity of 3 months beyond intended stay; at least 2 blank pages.
- Acceptance Letter — From a recognised Portuguese institution, including programme details, duration, and tuition amount.
- Passport Photographs — 2 recent, ICAO-compliant photos.
- Proof of Financial Means — Bank statement, scholarship confirmation, or sponsor letter (approx. €820/month minimum).
- Proof of Accommodation — Rental contract, university dormitory confirmation, or notarised host declaration.
- Health / Travel Insurance — Valid within the Schengen Area; minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Tuition Fee Payment Receipt — Confirmation from the receiving institution (if applicable).
- Flight Reservation / Travel Itinerary — Recommended; sometimes requested by the consulate.
- Visa Fee — Approx. €90. CPLP nationals may benefit from reduced fees.
Additional Requirements — Cape Verde Nationals
- Criminal Record Certificate (Cape Verde) — Issued by the Direção de Identificação Civil e Criminal; apostilled or legalised if required.
- Medical Certificate — Confirming absence of contagious diseases (if requested by the consulate).
Additional Requirements — International Students Residing in Cape Verde
- Cape Verde Residence Card — Valid proof of legal residence in Cape Verde.
- Criminal Record (Cape Verde) — Issued by the local competent authority.
- Criminal Record (Country of Origin) — Apostilled / legalised and officially translated into Portuguese.
- Medical Certificate — Issued in Cape Verde or country of origin, depending on consular requirements.
Step 2 — After Arrival: SEF Residence Permit Application
- SEF Appointment Confirmation — Schedule as soon as possible after arrival in Portugal.
- Proof of Enrolment / Attendance — Obtained directly from the Portuguese institution.
- Updated Proof of Accommodation in Portugal — Current rental contract or institutional residence confirmation.
- Updated Proof of Financial Means — Current bank statement or active scholarship documentation.
- Criminal Record Check (Portugal) — Requested directly by SEF with your signed authorisation.
- Health Insurance Proof — Valid in Portugal. Cape Verde nationals may access the SNS; others may require private insurance.
- Residence Permit Fee — Approx. €156.
Important Notes for All Applicants
- Cape Verde nationals benefit from simplified procedures and reduced fees under CPLP Mobility Agreements.
- International students in Cape Verde must provide dual criminal records (Cape Verde + country of origin).
- All documents not in Portuguese must be officially translated and apostilled / legalised.
- Residence permits must be renewed annually until studies are fully completed.
- Cape Verde students may apply to join Portugal's Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) once residence permits are granted.
Student Experience
Campus Life at LAGAI
Campus Life
Experience a vibrant international community at LAGAI. Engage in cultural exchange, participate in student organisations, and build lasting connections with peers from across four continents.
Campus Job Opportunities
Various part-time roles are available for students to gain valuable work experience while studying — in administration, library services, IT support, and research assistance.
Student Welfare & Support
Our dedicated welfare team provides academic counselling, mental health support, and practical guidance to help every student thrive throughout their time at LAGAI.
Cultural Exchange Events
From international food festivals to multilingual workshops and networking evenings, LAGAI's cultural calendar ensures every student connects meaningfully beyond the classroom.
High-Speed Internet
Campus-wide Wi-Fi across all academic buildings, dormitories, and common areas throughout the year.
Catering & Dining
Affordable dining options with diverse menus reflecting the culinary traditions of our four partner nations.
Library & Resources
Physical and digital library access with thousands of academic titles, research databases, and study spaces.
Need Help with Your Immigration Process?
Our International Students Office guides you through every step — from visa applications and criminal record coordination to dormitory booking and on-campus orientation.