What makes this program unique

Applied labs

Hands-on learning through projects developed in collaboration with the NOVA Data-Driven Public Policies Lab, applying data to real-world public policy challenges.

Program Overview

Study plan

Program Coordinators

• 

  Pedro Simões Coelho

  Full Professor

  psc@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  Miguel de Castro Neto

  Associate Professor

  mneto@novaims.unl.pt Know more

Faculty

• 

  Pedro Simões Coelho

  Full Professor

  psc@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  Fernando Bação

  Full Professor

  bacao@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  Paulo Alexandre Neves Martinho Neto

  Full Professor at Universidade de Évora (Economics Department)

  neto@uevora.pt Saber mais

• 

  Miguel de Castro Neto

  Associate Professor

  mneto@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  Manuel Cabugueira

  Professor of the Practice

  mcabugueira@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  André Barriguinha

  Professor of the Practice

  abarriguinha@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  Guilherme Victorino

  Assistant Professor

  gmvictorino@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  Bruno Damásio

  Assistant Professor

  bdamasio@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  Nuno António

  Assitant Professor

  nantonio@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  José Carlos Costa da Silva Teixeira

  Adjunct Lecturer

  jteixeira@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  Paulo Simões

Admissions and fees

Applications phase

• Application

  Entry Requirements

  To enter this program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Hold a bachelor's degree;
  • Be proficient in English;
  • Have at least 5 years of professional experience relevant to the course or related areas.

  Application Fee

  The fee of the application is €51. The application can only be considered after the payment of the application fee, within the stipulated period, non-refundable in case of withdrawal or non-admission in the program.

• Registration Fee

  After being admitted to the program and upon confirmation of enrollment, the applicant must make a payment of a pre-registration fee (around one week after the admission result announcement), deductible in this postgraduate program's tuition fee, non-refundable in case of withdrawal, with the following value:

  • €1.250 for applicants with a nationality from a European Union member country;
  • €2.500 for applicants of other nationalities, unless their registration fee is provided by an official entity.

  Upon registration, students should make the following payments:

  • €35 - for enrollment fee (the value is updated annually);
  • €1.40 - for annual school insurance (the value is updated annually).

• Fees

  Tuition Fee

  The tuition fee of this executive master program is:

  • € 12.000, for applicants with a nationality from a European Union member country;
  • € 15.000, for applicants of other nationalities.

  Included in the tuition fee: parking, coffee break, lunch/dinner.

  Tuition fee payment dates

  Tuition fees may be paid in full or in six installments, with the following payment dates:

  Full payment September 25th to 30th, 2026.

  Payment in six installments:

  • September 25 to 30, 2026 (corresponding to 25% of the tuition fee);
  • November 25 to 30, 2026 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
  • January 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
  • March 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
  • From May 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
  • From July 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee).

FAQ

• Frequently Asked Questions about the Executive Master's in Data-Driven Public Policies

  1. Is this Executive Master in Data-Driven Public Policies suitable for professionals without a technical background?

  Yes, this Executive Master Degree program does not require a prior technical background.
  The program is designed for experienced professionals (minimum of 5 years) in areas such as public administration, management, economics, or decision‑making roles. Throughout the program, you will develop skills in data analysis, artificial intelligence, and evidence‑based public policymaking, even without a technical background.

  2. What skills are developed in an Executive Master's in Data-Driven Public Policies?

  You will develop skills to make better decisions based on data.
  Throughout the program, you will acquire competencies in: data analysis applied to public policy; impact evaluation; data governance; and the use of artificial intelligence to support decision‑making.
  All of this is delivered with a strong practical component, focused on real challenges faced by public administration.

  3. What is the difference between an Executive Master Degree program and a Postgraduate program in Data-Driven Public Policies?

  The Executive Master Degree program offers a more comprehensive and integrated education, including a final applied project and a strategic approach to public decision‑making.
  It is aimed at experienced professionals and prepares participants for roles with greater responsibility.
  A Postgraduate program is generally shorter and more focused on updating specific skills.
  Unlike a Postgraduate program, the Executive Master Degree program awards the academic degree of Master.

  4. What distinguishes this Executive Master's in Data-Driven Public Policies?

  Above all, it is the integration of public policy, data, and decision‑making.
  This program combines public policy, data science, and artificial intelligence with a clear focus on evidence‑based decision‑making.
  More than simply learning tools, you will learn how to: design more effective public policies; evaluate their impact; make more informed and transparent decisions.
  The program also stands out for its strong link to real challenges in public administration and the digital transformation of the public sector.

  5. What is the course format and schedule?

  The program is delivered in a concentrated format, with classes in the Fall Semester held on Mondays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  This format allows participants to combine attendance with their professional activity.

• Applications

  When can I apply?

  It is only possible to submit the application during its applications phase. However, you can fill the application form at any time, submitting it when the applications phase starts.

  How can I apply?

  The applications are submitted online, in NOVA IMS’ Applications Portal.
  
  To submit their application, the applicants must register in the Portal, fill the form, upload your Curriculum Vitae, choose the program and pay the application fee in the Portal. The application process is the same for all the applicants, national or international.

  Which documents are required?

  The required documents for the application process are the Curriculum Vitae and the Academic Degree certificate (in DOC or PDF format).

  How do I convert a file to .PDF?

  Here is a list of websites where you can convert files to the pdf format, as a reference:

  • https://smallpdf.com/word-to-pdf
  • https://www.zamzar.com/
  • https://cloudconvert.com/
  • https://www.ilovepdf.com/
  • https://online2pdf.com/doc-to-pdf

  Is there an application fee?

  The application fee is €51 in the academic year 2026-2027. The payment of the application fee will be made during the application process in the Applications’ Portal, through bank transfer/ATM reference, MBWay, PayPal or Visa. The application will only be considered successfully submitted after the payment of the application fee, within the stipulated time. It’s non-refundable in case of withdrawal or non-admission in the program.

  Can I apply to more than one program?

  You can apply to a maximum of 2 programs per application phase, by paying the application fee for each program, that is, the application to 1 program equals the payment of 1 application fee, the application to 2 programs equals the payment of 2 application fees.

  In the application form, a Tax Identification Number is requested. What is Tax Identification Number? I don’t have one, what should I put in that blank field?

  In Portugal, the Tax Identification Number is required to identify a taxable entity or person, in tax declarations or financial transactions. If you don’t have a Tax ID Number or similar, please put “999999999” in that field of the application form.

  What should I write in the field: “Goals/motivation to apply to this program”?

  In this field, please mention:

  • In which way your background (academic and professional) fits the program;
  • What are your short-term professional goals;
  • What are your expectations with the attendance of this program.

• Admission

  How does the selection process work?

  The selection process is based on the assessment of each candidate’s academic and professional background. An additional interview may be conducted during the process. All candidates who reach the final stage will have a mandatory interview with the program coordinator(s).

  In case I am contacted for an interview, can it be held at distance?

  Yes, the interview can be held at distance, preferably via Teams.

  When will I know the result of the application?

  The result of the application will be known, through email, in the date to be announced in the confirmation of submitted application email and/or by the Admissions’ Jury/Programs Manager.

  I was admitted in the program. What’s the next step?

  In case of admission, the applicant must make the payment of the pre-registration fee (around 1 week after the result announcement), until its deadline, in NOVA IMS’ Applications Portal and upload the diploma or other certificate of his latest qualification (example: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD).

  Can I attend more than one program by academic year?

  Yes, you may attend two programs per school year, although it’s not recommended.

  I was admitted in two programs, but I only intend to attend one. What should I do?

  In case of admission to two programs, the candidate will have to choose, in the Application Portal, the program in which they intend to attend. After choosing the desired program and paying the pre-registration fee, you must select the option "Withdrawal" in the 2nd program in which you do not intend to attend. Thus, your vacancy is available to a candidate on the Waiting List.

  I'm on the Waiting List. Can I still be admitted?

  Since it is possible for candidates to apply for two programs per application phase, there will be cases where the same candidate has been admitted to both programs, but intends to join only one. In these cases and if the limit number of vacancies is not completed, the remaining vacancy will be assigned to a candidate on the Waiting List.

  I intend the invoice for the payment of the application / pre-registration fees.

  The Invoice-Receipt will be available in this Applications’ Portal up to 2 business days after the payment, in the tab "Billing/Treasury".

  I was admitted in the program, but I need visa. What should I do?

  NOVA IMS can issue a document that proves admission in the program, that will be sent to the student. The document will only be issued or provided after the payment of the pre-registration fee. Regardless of issuance the document, the student must contact the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their country to get more information.

• Other Informations

  Is this program taught in Portuguese or English?

  The course is taught in Portuguese, though materials in English may be used.

  Is it possible to park on campus?

  Parking is included in the tuition. There are several parking areas on campus and near NOVA IMS.

Applications and Contacts

Regulations and Accreditations