collageUniversity of Coimbra or Universidade de Coimbra (UC) – public higher education institution in Portugal. UC began its academic activity in1290. The university campus is of urban type and is located in the vicinity of Coimbra.
University ranking. University of Coimbra is one of the best universities in Portugal, taking its rightful place among the top 5 educational institutions of the country. University of Coimbra is among the oldest and the most prestigious universities of Portugal. University of Coimbra is among the top 5% of world universities It excels in the fields of: «Arts and Humanities», «Engineering and Technology», «Life Sciences and Medicine», «Social Sciences and Management». The university is among the top 300 in the quality of education.
Application process and the cost of tuition. In order to enroll to the university the applicant must provide the results of the examinations and the certificate of the academic performance. It is worth mentioning that UC is characterized by a mild competition among the students, there are only 2 applicants per seat. The university shares the popular system in Portugal that divides the academic year into semesters. The cost of tuition for the bachelor’s programs is around 8,074 USD per year. UC is considered to be a pricey option when it comes to obtaining a master’s degree – 8,074 USD per year of study. Also the university allows students to participate in scholarship programs, that can dramatically reduce the cost of their tuition. Among the programs applicants can also find their online equivalents and other online courses. More information about tuition fees and admission requirements can be found on the official website of the university(http://www.uc.pt).
The composition of the university. University of Coimbra is among the largest universities that educates more then 21 thousand students. The university accepts both local and foreign students. The ratio of foreign students at UC is 8% of all students. The academic staff includes more than 1500 teachers and professors. During studies the students have the opportunity to participate in the international exchange programs. You can meet the students by following the university on social media: Itunes, Twitter, Youtube, Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram.
Infrastructure of UC. The university has a functioning library. For those who require accommodations dormitories on and off campus are offered. It is worth noting that in addition to being a part of the European University Association (EUA), the university also has a membership in the Coimbra Group and Utrecht Network.
| Ranking | 375 3 |
|---|---|
| Universidade de Coimbra | |
| Country | Portugal |
| City | Coimbra |
| Bachelor (foreigners) | 8,074 USD/year. |
| Master (foreigners) | 8,074 USD/year. |
| Bachelor (citizens) | 2,900 USD/year. |
| Master (citizens) | 2,900 USD/year. |
| Living expenses | $404 -737 USD/month |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% |
| Official Website | www.uc.pt |
| Finance type | Nonprofit |
| Organization type | Public |
| Established | 1290 |
| Abbreviation | UC |
| Teachers | 1,517 |
| Students | 21,976 |
| Foreigners | 8% |
| Religion | None |
| Academic calendar | Semesters |
| Admission | Based on grades and examinations |
| Gender limitation | No limits |
| Campus type | Urban |
| Housing | Available |
| Financial aid | Available |
| Distance learning | Available |
| Exchange programs | Available |
| Library | Available |
| Motto Universitas Conimbrigensis | |
| Accreditation • Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Portugal | |
| Affiliations • European University Association (EUA) • Coimbra Group • Utrecht Network |
Rankings
| World ranking | 375 |
| Country ranking | 3 |
| Academic Reputation | 272 |
| Citations per Faculty | 396 |
| Ranking in world by sphere | |
|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 380 |
| Engineering and Technology | 276 |
| Life Sciences and Medicine | 362 |
| Social Sciences and Management | 363 |
| International rankings | |
| UniPage World University Ranking | 375 |
| QS World University Rankings | 367 |
| ARWU Academic Ranking | 401 |
Cost of living in Coimbra
| Expenses – USD/Month | Min. | Med. |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 130 | 171 |
| Food | 139 | 249 |
| Transportation | 30 | 91 |
| Communications and utilities | 61 | 74 |
| Clothing | 23 | 90 |
| Sports and leisure | 20 | 63 |
| Total | 404 | 737 |
| Accommodation in Coimbra | USD/Month |
|---|---|
| Shared room outside of centre | 132 |
| Shared room in city centre | 172 |
| 1 bedroom apartment outside of centre | 247 |
| 1 bedroom apartment in city centre | 344 |
University of Coimbra – Official Description
The University of Coimbra (UC), the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world, is also one of the best known and internationally celebrated, being a national landmark. With a history of more than seven centuries, presently UC has eight faculties, more than 45 research units and several other services that support the institution core activities – creation, critical analysis, transmission and diffusion of culture, science and technology. The university comprises three campuses, which accommodate more than 23000 students and 1500 teachers/researchers. Through research, teaching and services to community, UC contributes to the economic and social development, environmental protection, social justice and citizenship promotion and consolidation of knowledge-based sovereignty.
Bachelor – University of Coimbra
The University of Coimbra (UC), the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world, is also one of the best known and internationally celebrated, being a national landmark. With a history of more than seven centuries, presently UC has eight faculties, more than 45 research units and several other services that support the institution core activities – creation, critical analysis, transmission and diffusion of culture, science and technology. Through research, teaching and services to community, UC contributes to the economic and social development, environmental protection, social justice and citizenship promotion and consolidation of knowledge-based sovereignty.
Description of University of Coimbra
The University of Coimbra (UC), the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world, is also one of the best known and internationally celebrated, being a national landmark. With a history of more than seven centuries, presently UC has ten Teaching and Research Units, including eight Faculties, and two Research Units. The University comprises three campuses, which accommodate more than 23.000 students and 1233 teachers (FTE). UC is an institution of creation, critical analysis, transmission and diffusion of culture, science and technology. Through research, teaching and services to community, UC contributes to the economical and social development, environmental protection, social justice and citizenship promotion and consolidation knowledge-based sovereignty.
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.
Notable alumni and students
Main article: List of University of Coimbra people
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.
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. |
Academics
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.Allegorical figures of the University.
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.
PhD/ Doctoral degree programmes at UC
The doctoral degree programmes of UC, also called 3rd cycle degree programmes, are offered by ten education and research units: 8 Faculties, the College of Arts and the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research. These encompass nearly all study fields.
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