Studying at M-ITI brings you into an international research environment in a special part of Europe. Our institute in Madeira is one of the top-level institutes in Europe in the areas of HCI, Computer Science, and Entertainment Technology. Your study in any of these areas will give you the opportunity to obtain experience in a research-driven organisation with many ongoing research projects that enjoy both national and international collaboration.
The University of Madeira is situated at Funchal, and has two buildings, the Rectorship (at Colégio dos Jesuítas, city centre), and the University Campus of Penteada (at Caminho da Penteada).
The classes are normally held at Penteada, close to M-ITI.
M-ITI is located at the Polo Científico e Tecnológico da Madeira, floor -2 in Funchal. The infrastructure is comprised of one classroom, a room for master students, one for PhD students, the Critical Technical Practice Lab, the Neurorehabilitation Lab, two meeting rooms, one large lounge, an outdoor garden, and offices for staff and principal investigators.
M-ITI is located in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, an archipelago in the north Atlantic Ocean and an autonomous region of Portugal. With a spectacular natural landscape, Madeira offers an attractive lifestyle and high standard of living to its inhabitants, with a good health-care system, a ten-minute bus ride to beaches or mountains, a mild climate (about 20°C all year round), safety, fresh local food, and modest living expenses. Funchal is a 90-minute flight from Lisbon and has frequent direct flights to other major cities (London, Berlin, Amsterdam).
Funchal is a 90-minute flight from Lisbon and has frequent direct flights to several other major cities in Europe. Getting to Funchal (airport code FNC) is easy. It is well served by both national and international flights. The airport and transportation infrastructure are modern and efficient with approximately 100 flights arriving daily. The Portuguese national carrier is TAP Portugal, a Star Alliance member. Funchal also enjoys direct connections to much of Europe and beyond through carriers such as AirBerlin (Germany), Easyjet (UK), Transavia (France) and Scandinavia through TUI and Thomas Cook.
M-ITI is located in the Polo Científico e Tecnológico da Madeira (floor -2), next to the University of Madeira (Campus da Penteada).
This area is served by a bus network.
Buses: 13 15b 46 42
Nearest stops: Tecnopolo, antes do tecnopolo, rotunda tecnopolo.
Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, which is a member of the Schengen Agreement countries. At this time, a tourist visa is not required for citizens of EU countries, USA, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. Citizens from other countries may require a tourist visa. If you have any doubt whether you need a visa to visit Portugal, please check for yourself.
If you are coming to Portugal to study or work you will need to obtain a visa before entering the country (even though you do not need it to visit).
More information on how to get the visa is available here (General information about Schengen visas and Instructions on how to get a visa).
- Frequent public transport (bus) from airport to hotel district: 3 Euro
- Shuttle bus from airport-hotel (approx. every hour): 5 Euro (ask the driver to let you off at your hotel)
- Taxi (airport-hotel): 40 Euro
- Car rental from the airport (approx): 35 Euro / day
There are various options for public transportation on the island of Madeira, including taxis and buses.
Taxis are available in the major towns and tourist areas throughout Madeira. They can be recognised by their yellow colour. Finding a taxi is generally easy. There are plenty driving around the busy streets, and will stop when signaled by pedestrians. Catching a taxi at the airport is never a problem, and there are many taxi ranks (stands) around the city. Hotels and restaurants will be glad to arrange for a pickup. Fares in the city are set by the government, and are based on either destination or distance. Fares outside of the city are generally based by the kilometre. Any time that the meter is not turned on, make sure to agree on a price before beginning a journey. Don’t be afraid to bargain.
The typical price for a taxi around central Funchal: 3-10 Euro
Buses on the island are reliable and affordable. Their shortcoming is that certain routes are only traveled once or twice a day. There are three main companies that offer services around the island, and all three make stops in Funchal. Current, detailed information about routes, fares and timetables can be obtained at most hotels, and in all bus stations.
View Funchal and Madeira bus schedules and routes at Horarios do Funchal, the municipal bus company.
Accommodation costs will vary slightly with the rise and fall of the currency market. Make sure that when you are trying to gage the cost you look out for hidden costs and items which are not included in the base price. Try to calculate how much money you will have, and what you will need to spend on things to get you through student life, including but not limited to: food, rent, study materials, bills (everyday and utilities), clothes, social life and transport.
A good option is getting in touch with other students or alumni for answers and advice.
