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University Of Coimbra Overview
The University of Coimbra (UC; Portuguese: Universidade de Coimbra, pronounced [univɨɾsiˈðad(ɨ) dɨ kuˈĩbɾɐ]) is a Portuguese public university in Coimbra, Portugal. First established in Lisbon in 1290, it went through a number of relocations until moving permanently to Coimbra in 1537. The university is among the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, the oldest in Portugal, and played an influential role in the development of higher education in the Portuguese-speaking world. In 2013, UNESCO declared the university a World Heritage Site, noting its architecture, unique culture and traditions, and historical role.
The contemporary university is organized into eight faculties, granting bachelor’s (licenciado), master’s (mestre) and doctorate (doutor) degrees in nearly all major fields. It lends its name to the Coimbra Group of European research universities founded in 1985, of which it was a founding member. Enrolling over 20,000 students, more than 15% of whom are international, it is one of Portugal’s most cosmopolitan universities.
Coimbra’s alumni over the centuries include Portugal’s national poet Luís de Camões, the mathematician Pedro Nunes, many statesmen, prime ministers and presidents of Portugal, and Nobel Prize laureate António Egaz Moniz.
Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra (UC) is one of the oldest universities in the world and the oldest in all of Portugal. Up until the early part of the 20th century, it was also the only Portuguese-speaking university in the world. Built in the grounds of a former palace, its 16th century campus is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Located in the historic city of Coimbra, the university is home to over 21,000 students, 10% of whom are international students, placing it among Portugal’s most international universities and lending the city a cosmopolitan feel.
UC is organised across three campuses and comprises eight faculties that offer a large and diverse academic portfolio. The university is particularly popular with technology and science students and the university is home to the largest science faculty in the country.
In keeping with its 700 year history, the university emphasises tradition alongside modernity and innovation.
Key features on campus include a theatre, sports facilities and stadiums, a publishing house, an astronomical observatory, a baroque library and an 18th century bell tower. The university also oversees a number of museums, including a science museum and a museum of sacred art.
The university lays claim to a number of unique traditions such as Queima das Fitas (Ribbon Burning), to celebrate the end of studies, and the tying of tin cans to the legs of new students to welcome them to the university.
Coimbra is regarded as a safe and friendly city to live in. Dating back to the Roman era, it is the fourth largest city in the country, situated on a riverfront, where medieval architecture sits alongside modern buildings.
University of Coimbra is ranked 455 in QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities and has an overall score of 3.2 stars, according to student reviews on Studyportals, the best place to find out how students rate their study and living experience at universities from all over the world.
On this page you can see how the university is ranked on international rankings and find out what students are saying about their study experience.
Study in Portugal
Portugal is one of the most popular destinations for people looking to study abroad, especially exchange students. Portuguese universities are highly focused on research and collaborate with important research centres worldwide. During studies, international students have various opportunities to take on internships at local companies. You also have the chance to learn Portuguese, an international language spoken by over 250 million people worldwide. It can be an asset on any CV and will serve you well in your future career. While studying and living in Portugal, the Mediterranean climate will make you never want to leave; hot summers and beautiful beaches — all you need to relax after big exams. If you’re a wanderer, Portugal’s natural beauty and unique sites are waiting to be explored. There are over 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among many other places worth visiting.
University of Coimbra is ranked #399 in Best Global Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.
University of Coimbra Rankings
- #399inBest Global Universities (tie)
- #169inBest Global Universities in Europe (tie)
- #3inBest Global Universities in Portugal
University of Coimbra Subject Rankings
- #241inArts and Humanities
- #280inBiology and Biochemistry (tie)
- #424inChemistry (tie)
- #321inClinical Medicine (tie)
- #321inComputer Science
- #344inElectrical and Electronic Engineering (tie)
- #343inEngineering (tie)
- #213inEnvironment/Ecology
- #587inMaterials Science (tie)
- #275inMolecular Biology and Genetics (tie)
- #320inNeuroscience and Behavior (tie)
- #147inPharmacology and Toxicology
- #466inPhysical Chemistry (tie)
- #228inPhysics (tie)
- #269inPlant and Animal Science (tie)
- #272inPsychiatry/Psychology
- #430inSocial Sciences and Public Health (tie)
The University of Coimbra has an outstanding academic reputation. Accessible to all skillful and talented students, regardless of their origin, the University of Coimbra offers customized and high-quality education with worldwide renown.
Social life surrounding the University is based on a friendly community, full of resources which are available to all students.
We are committed to ideals of equality and diversity, and this commitment is reflected in our wide range of extra-curricular and social activity offers.
The University of Coimbra guarantees its students an ability to adapt to the needs and dynamics of the new job markets, contributing to a high employability rate.
Are you thinking about applying to the University of Coimbra? Then you should think about the following questions:
 | Does the University of Coimbra offer the course you want? The time you will spend in the University of Coimbra is very important. Therefore, it is essential that you choose your course wisely. |
| Do you seek good qualifications? If you do, you are eligible for choosing a course offered by the University of Coimbra. |
| Will you enjoy studying at the University of Coimbra? Do you like to talk about the subjects studied in classes? Do you often talk about these subjects with teachers and friends? Do you like to read about the subjects studied in classes beyond what is strictly necessary for passing classes? Do you like to occupy your time with artistic, cultural and sport activities? If you do, you will certainly enjoy it. |
If you answered YES to all of these questions, you should apply to the University of Coimbra.
 | Ten basic steps to bear in mind: |
| 1 | Choose the course you want from the menu at the left. |
| 2 | Check the admission requirements and the selection criteria. |
| 3 | Check if the course has any specific admission/selection requirement (Portuguese language test, interview, prerequisite). |
| 4 | Check the application deadlines. |
| 5 | Apply at inforestud@nte, through the menu “Online Applications”, at the left side of this window. |
| 6 | When applying, don’t forget to attach all requested documents. These documents are necessary for assessing your application (Curriculum Vitae, qualification certification, time and program from other courses, etc.). |
| 7 | To finalize your application, seal it and pay the related fee. |
| 8 | Pay attention to the date of issue of the result list. |
| 9 | If you get admitted, you must complete your matriculation/registration. |
The University of Coimbra offers several master and PhD degree programmes taught in English and other languages within the framework of cooperation agreements, international programmes and partnerships such as Erasmus Mundus, MIT Portugal, UT Austin Portugal, and Carnegie Mellon Portugal.
Check this page for programmes taught in foreign languages and/or in partnership with foreign universities.
Undergraduate Programmes (1st cycle studies)
| Study Programme | Language(s) | Erasmus Mundus | Double/ Joint Diploma |
| Curso Integrado Bordéus-Coimbra (Sociology and International Relations) | Portuguese and French | X | |
| Law (UFBA-UC) | Portuguese | | X |
Master Programmes (2nd cycle studies)
| Study Programme | Language(s) | Erasmus Mundus | Double/ Joint Diploma |
| ALA: Architecture, Landscape, Archaeology | English | X | X |
| IMAE – International Master in Applied Ecology | English | X | |
| TRIBOS: Joint European Master in Tribology of Surfaces and Interfaces | English | X | X |
| Europhilosophie – Philosophies allemande et française dans l’espace européen | German and French | X | X |
| Cell and Molecular Biology | Portuguese and English | X | |
| Energy for Sustainability | Portuguese and English | ||
| WOP-P: Work, Organisational and Personnel Psychology | English;English and Spanhish;English and Portuguese. | X | X |
| Waves: Acoustics Vibrations Engineering Sound | English | X | X |
| Economics, Financial Economics (with Tomsk University) | English | | X |
| Economics, Financial Economics (with Khabarovsk University) | English | | X |
| Philosophy (USAL-UC) | Portuguese | | X |
| PhD Programmes (3rd cycle studies) |
| Study Programme | Language | Erasmus Mundus | Double/ Joint degree |
| Experimental Biology and Biomedicine | English | ||
| Mathematics | English | | X |
| Health Sciences: Ageing and Chronic Disease | Portuguese and English | ||
| Human Rights in Contemporary Societies | English | | |
| Information Science and Technology (Dual Degree UC-Carnegie Mellon) | Portuguese and English | X | |
| Electrical and Computer Engineering (Dual Degree UC-Carnegie Mellon) | Portuguese and English | | X |
| Pharmaceutical Sciences | Portuguese and English | | |
| Mechanical Engineering (Dual Degree UC-Carnegie Mellon) | Portuguese and English | | X |
| International Relations – International Politics and Conflict Resolution | English | | |
| Sustainable Energy Systems | Portuguese and English |
There is also a number of individual course units from other study programmes taught in English, especially for exchange programme students.
The Faculty of Sciences and Technology of UC delivers its course units in English at master and PhD levels, whenever there are foreign English-speaking students enrolled in the programmes.
University of Coimbra Tuition fees and other costs
In this page you’ll find the costs of several academic and administrative acts such as applications, request of pre-requisites evaluation, enrolment and registration in foundation year programmes, 1st cycle and integrated master degree programmes.
Amounts approved for international degree-seeking students, who enrol for the first time at UC in 1st cycle and integrated master programmes and in the Foundation Year Programme (when applicable) as from the academic year of 2014-2015 onwards, within the framework of the UC special call for applications for international students, as well as in a specific type of master programmes.
| Fees | Amount |
| Application fee | 50 EUR |
| Enrolment and registration fee* | 20 EUR |
| Degree and Foundation Year Programmes monthly tuition fee** | 700 EUR X 10 instalments |
| Pre-requisite – Portuguese language exam (B1)*** | 70 EUR |
| Pre-requisite – sport and physical fitness*** | 45 EUR |
| Medical exam for the confirmation of the Group B and D and physical endurance of the Group C*** | 40 EUR |
| * The enrolment and registration fee is paid annually in the beginning of each academic year and includes school insurance coverage.** The tuition fee is paid in 10 monthly instalments, per academic year.At the beginning of each academic year, the enrolment and registration are only confirmed after a single payment corresponding to 30% of the total amount of the tuition fee (3 monthly instalments), plus the amount of the enrolment and registration fee.The monthly instalments can be paid at once or until the last day of the month to which they correspond, being subject to interest rates in the case of failure to pay in due time; the 4th monthly instalment is paid in September, the 5th in October and so forth until the 10th monthly instalment, paid in March, or in the relevant month if the start of the study period did not occur in September.If the student drops out, under the terms of the article 21 of the Academic Regulation of UC, he/she is only exempt from the payment of the instalments due in the following month. |
The university was founded, or ratified, in 1290 by King Dinis, having begun its existence in Lisbon with the name Studium Generale (Estudo Geral). Scientiae thesaurus mirabilis, the royal charter announcing the institution of the University was dated 1 March of that year, although efforts had been made at least since 1288 to create this first University in Portugal; it is thus the second oldest of such establishments in the Iberian Peninsula. The Papal confirmation was also given in 1290 (on 9 August of that year), during the Papacy of the Pope Nicholas IV. In accordance with the Papal Bull, all the “licit” Faculties, with the exception of that of Theology, could be established. Thus the Faculties of Arts, Law, Canon Law and Medicine were the first to be created. It was, however, not to remain in Lisbon for long. In 1308, likely due to problems of emancipation from the Church (relations between the latter and the political power being somewhat strained at the time) and conflicts between the inhabitants of the city and the students, the University moved to Coimbra. This town already had old traditions in education, being home to the highly successful school of the Monastery of Santa Cruz. The university was then established on the site known as “Estudos Velhos”, which corresponds roughly to the area where the Main Library now stands.
In 1338, during the reign of Afonso IV, it was once again transferred to Lisbon, from whence it returned in 1354, this time to the centre of the town which was then in full expansion. In 1377, during the reign of King Fernando, it was transferred yet again to Lisbon, where it would remain for over a century and a half. The authorization for a Faculty of Theology probably dates from this period – around 1380. In 1537, during the reign of João III, the university moved definitively to Coimbra, where it was installed in the Alcaçova Palace which was subsequently purchased from the Royal Family in 1597.
The university institution, including all the books from its library, were moved from Lisbon to Coimbra. Teachers were not guaranteed a position at the new location and many did not move; in fact, most of the new faculty were previously with the University of Salamanca. For the most part, the curriculum was retained
At the same time, university colleges were created (abolished in the 19th century), a restructuring of the curricula was undertaken and new teachers, both Portuguese and foreign, were admitted.King John III of Portugal made Coimbra the definite home of the university.
In the 18th century, the Marquis of Pombal, Minister of the kingdom, made radical reforms in the University, especially regarding the teaching of sciences, in accordance to his Enlightenment and anticlerical creed. During many decades it was the only university in Portugal, since its foundation in 1290 until 1559 (a university in Évora operated between 1559 and 1759), and again between 1759 and 1911 (University of Lisbon and University of Porto were created in 1911). The long history and past predominance of the University of Coimbra made it an important focus of influence in Portugal, not only educational, but also political and social.
Initial steps towards some convergence of European higher education systems were taken with the signature of the Sorbonne declaration by the Ministers in charge of higher education in France, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany, in 1998, and later, in 1999, with the signature of the Bologna declaration. The Bologna process, aimed at creating a European Higher Education Area by implementing a comparable degree structure, common quality assurance standards and by promoting the mobility of students and faculty members, was a major revolution in Europe’s higher education. Globalization, technological change and increased international competition for scarce high-skilled labor highlighted the importance of making European higher education institutions attractive and competitive worldwide. A more integrated European Higher Education Market enhanced competition between European universities—a necessary condition for producing leading-edge innovations and for catching up with the US economy. In Portugal, the University of Coimbra decided to defer the adoption of the new Bologna Process model from 2006 to 2007/2008 (with exceptions authorized for a few programs on which a national consensus for change had been reached among institutions) in order to make the transition maintaining the highest standards of quality and academic integrity. Only in the 2008/2009 school year did the entire university fully adopt the new programs within its 8 faculties.
University Of Coimbra Reputation
| University rankings | |
|---|---|
| Global – Overall | |
| ARWU World | 501–600 (2019) |
| CWTS World | 386 (2019) |
| QS World | 406 (2020) |
| THE World | 601–800 (2020) |
| USNWR Global | 412 (2020) |
University of Coimbra’s reputation in teaching and research is testified by independent external rankings and reports. According to The Times Higher Education Supplement (2007 QS World University Rankings, by QS – Quacquarelli Symonds), the University of Coimbra is ranked number 3 among the universities in the Portuguese-speaking countries (behind the University of São Paulo and the University of Campinas), and ranked 318 in the overall world rank. It was ranked number one among the universities of the Portuguese-speaking countries in 2006. It is now ranked number one in Portugal, number 3 among the universities in the Portuguese-speaking countries, and number 394 in the world (234 in Natural Sciences, 260 in Engineering & IT, 282 in Social Sciences, 290 in Arts & Humanities, 325 in Life Sciences). In addition, it has students from 70 different nationalities; almost 20% of its students are foreigners, being among Portugal’s most international universities.
The University of Coimbra is among the major science and technology hubs for applied and fundamental research in Portugal. One of the most powerful supercomputers in Portugal belongs to the University of Coimbra and is managed by the Laboratory for Advanced Computing of the Department of Physics at the University of Coimbra. Built in the mid 2000s, the supercomputer was called Milipeia, using 528 processors and 1000 GB of memory. Its capacity has been expanded since then. The main tasks of the university’s supercomputer include modeling and calculus in molecular biology, genetics, particle physics, astrophysics, mathematics, engineering, geophysics, condensed matter physics, etc. Besides University of Coimbra’s researchers, other Portuguese scientific community members are allowed to work with Milipeia
University Of Coimbra Admission
Admission is strictly merit-based, and the university has several departments which are known for higher-than-average selectiveness. Numerus clausus is applied to select among competing applicants. To programmes such as medicine, pharmacy, biomedical engineering, and architecture, admission is an extraordinarily difficult process, and demand a minimum grade point average from high school plus the entrance exams, that usually ranges from 170 to 200 (out of 200). Acceptance rates may vary significantly from faculty to faculty or from department to department. Foreign applicants usually make up more than 10 percent of the applicant pool, and are considered individually by the merits achieved in their respective state of origin or through bilateral protocols between the governments of Portugal and foreign governments. There are also a number of other extraordinary admission processes for older people (admission for candidates older than 23 years old), sportsmen, degree owners from other institutions, students from other institutions (academic transfer), former students (readmission), etc., which are subject to specific standards and regulations set by each department or faculty.
University Of Coimbra Notable alumni and students
Many Portuguese historical figures and renowned personalities noted for their activity in fields ranging from politics to culture to the sciences, attended the University of Coimbra as students or lecturers. The long list of personalities includes Luís Vaz de Camões, considered Portugal’s greatest poet, the only Portuguese Nobel Prize in Medicine Egas Moniz, Portuguese dictator António de Oliveira Salazar who was the founder and leader of the regime that presided over the last period of the Portuguese Empire from 1933 to 1974, Aristides de Sousa Mendes, consul-general in Bordeaux, who in June 1940 defied Salazar’s regime to issue tens of thousands of visas to fleeing Jewish and other refugees, subsequently stripped of his position and 12 years after his death recognized by Israel as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, the first diplomat honored, or famous 16th century mathematicians like Pedro Nunes, who is considered one of the greatest Portuguese mathematicians ever, and the German Christopher Clavius, who was the main architect of the modern Gregorian calendar.
University of Coimbra Scholarships
The University of Coimbra (UC) offers courses and programs that lead to degrees in a variety of fields of study, including pre-bachelor degrees, such as certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, and foundation degrees, as well as bachelor, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The University of Coimbra (UC) Scholarships 2023-2024 for international students who have passed foreign higher education entrance exams such as the ENEM, International Baccalaureate, A-Level, Gaokao, Lanka, and Macao Joint Admission Examination. These students have the option to apply for merit scholarships. These awards exclude recipients from paying the 7,000 EUR in annual student tuition fees. The application grade for qualified candidates must be at least 16 marks (160 points) on the Portuguese grading system. The amount of scholarships varies by Faculty and degree program, and their renewal is contingent upon the student’s continued academic success in the degree’s latter years. By taking this action, the University of Coimbra hopes to attract more qualified applicants who have aspirations of receiving their first degree from a prestigious European university.
University of Coimbra is public research institute at Coimbra, Portugal. It was first founded in Lisbon in 1290 then in 1537 university is permanently moved to Coimbra. University has a global ranking of 430. University of Coimbra has the largest research faculty in the country which makes it hot prospect for students of science and technology. Interested in more scholarships in Portugal! You should not miss out on University of Porto Scholarships
Undergraduate Scholarships
Following undergraduate scholarships are available at University of Coimbra,
1.Merit Scholarships
Starting with the first year of their studies at UC and continuing throughout their program, students will get partial tuition exemptions from the University of Coimbra based on the grades they achieve. According to the specified quota, these Scholarships will be awarded to the international students in each Faculty with the highest marks. There are 200 merit scholarships available for undergraduate programs overall. The scholarship award will vary from 1000 EUR to 2000 EUR if the student’s admission score is equal to or higher than 160 points.
Eligibility Criteria
- Students admitted to the University of Coimbra through the special call for international students in the academic year 2019–20 with an application grade equal to or higher than 16 marks (160 points) on the Portuguese grading scale.
- As well as students admitted in previous years who maintain their status as international students and have an average score of 16.
- A grade on your application that is at least 16 does not guarantee you will receive the scholarship. Scholarships are subject to a cap per faculty and, in some situations, per degree program.
Benefits
- The scholarship exempts recipients from paying the 7,000 EUR in annual student tuition fees.
- We want to remind you that the registration fee, other course-related taxes, the cost of living, food, school supplies, and other personal expenses are still your responsibility as a student.
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2.Strategic Support Scholarships
The University of Coimbra will award students who applied to and were admitted in study areas that are relevant in terms of job and qualified training with scholarships totaling 2000 EUR in the first year of the program for specific programs (described each year).
The programs which are covered in the year 2022:
Faculty of Science and Technology
- Anthropology
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Civil Engineering
- Ambient Engineering
- Physical Engineering
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Medical Chemistry
Faculty of Pharmacy
- Bioanalytical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Science Integrated Degree)
- Biomedical Science
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Information Sciences
- Classical Studies
- Geography
- Tourism, Territory, and Patrimony
Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education
- Sports Sciences
Eligibility Criteria
- Students admitted to the University of Coimbra through the special call for international students in the academic year 2019–20 with an application grade equal to or higher than 16 marks (160 points) on the Portuguese grading scale.
- As well as students admitted in previous years who maintain their status as international students and have an average score of 16.
- A grade on your application that is at least 16 does not guarantee you will receive the scholarship. Scholarships are subject to a cap per faculty and, in some situations, per degree program.
Benefits
- The scholarship exempts recipients from paying the 7,000 EUR in annual student tuition fees.
- We want to remind you that the registration fee, other course-related taxes, the cost of living, food, school supplies, and other personal expenses are still your responsibility as a student.
Graduate Scholarships
If a student applies for and is accepted into a master’s program at UC and receives the scholarship, they will be paid the 2000 EUR throughout the course of each academic year or semester, as appropriate, until they complete the program (according to the total number of academic years or semesters of the program in question, on a full-time regimen). The University of Coimbra hopes to advance qualified research and globalization with the help of these scholarships.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants have a degree or other credential from a place where they are eligible to apply for and be admitted to higher education there.
- A Portuguese secondary education diploma from a Portuguese school abroad or a foreign credential that is legally comparable.
- When an applicant has a Portuguese secondary education diploma, the entrance score is determined using the grades and weighting factors that the university has stated.
Benefits
- Under some restrictions, international students will also be given free access to a non-degree online course as an additional training option.
- This is very pertinent to the student’s academic and career goals.
- In addition to the aforementioned scholarships, the University of Coimbra also provides access to PASEP – Social Support Programs to Students via Part-Time Activities and indirect social support facilities (including canteens, housing, child care, and medical services) for international students.
- PASEP supports impoverished students by offering them meal cards for SASUC (Social Action Services of the University of Coimbra) catering services, partial housing subsidies at SASUC student homes, or partial tuition subsidies for the programs they are enrolled in.
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