What is the cost?
- The course fee for 2027 will be 1500 euros (includes VAT at 23%) plus 518 euros for accommodation (includes VAT at 6%) – a total of 2018 euros. If you do not want the course accommodation see the following point.
Do I have to stay in the planned course accommodation?
- No. Participants are free to find and finance their own accommodation if they prefer. In this case the overall fee will be reduced to 1500 euros.
Note about VAT (taxes)
- The course fee of €1500 for the Summer School include VAT (Value Added Tax) at the Portuguese rate of 23%. Because the course takes place in Portugal we are obliged to charge this tax (which we then pay to the Portuguese State). However, tax registered companies, and possibly individuals, may be able to obtain a refund in their countries of origin. We suggest that participants investigate this possibility with their local tax offices.
What is the accommodation?
- Accommodation is in University Halls of Residence which are of excellent quality. Every participant is allocated a single room with private bathroom and each room is equipped with a fridge, stove and microwave oven. The residence is four metro stations (direct) to the centre of the city, where the course venue is situated.
Is a deposit payment required?
- Yes. Once applicants have received notification of acceptance onto the course, they will have seven days in which to pay a commitment fee of €200 euros. This deposit is not refundable, unless for any reason, the course does not go ahead.
What is the procedure for application?
- Applications should be made via this website (section–Apply). Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis up until the deadline of May 31st.
When is the deadline for application?
- We will continue to accept applications until the deadline of Monday 31st May 2027. We will regularly issue notification of place availability on the website and allied social media.
What sort of participants does the course hope to attract?
- We’re looking for graduate and post-graduate design students, professional designers, and in general for people who have a passion for making, exploring, testing themselves and sharing with others. The minimum age for participants is 20. There is no maximum.
Is a portfolio required for application?
- Yes. We would like to see some examples of your work in order to help us make our selection. This can be done in the application form by providing a weblink we can visit or by submitting a pdf.
How many places are there on the course?
- There are a maximum of 20 places available on the course and a minimum of 14. The course will not take place unless the minimum allocation is reached.
How much graphic design experience do I need?
- We would expect participants to have at least a basic knowledge of editorial design (typography, pagination etc). Above all we welcome participants who have a passion for books, publications, the construction of narratives, and for enjoying themselves doing these things.
When do I pay the full amount?
- The full course fees (minus deposit) must be paid in full by May 31st. Each accepted applicant will be sent payment details.
What is included in the Course Fee?
- The Course fee of €1500 includes tuition, lectures, production materials (printing), and two course receptions (dinners). Individual accommodation is an additional €518.
Are flights included in the Course Fee?
- No. Participants are responsible for their own flight arrangements.
Are meals included in the Course Fee?
- Only the opening and closing receptions are included. For other daily meals the course venue is situated in the centre of the city, an area full of new and traditional restaurants and bakeries offering lunches, snacks and low-cost dishes-of-the-day.
What kind of equipment should I bring?
- Each participant is required to bring a laptop. The course venue is equipped with printers, scanners and internet access. A digital camera is recommended together with download cable. Participants should also have Adobe CS6 (minimum) software packages installed on their laptops (specifically InDesign, Photoshop & Illustrator).
Is there financial aid or scholarship available?
- There is no financial aid or scholarship available for this course.