Portugal stands out as a top choice for those seeking overseas education, particularly exchange students. Portuguese universities place a strong emphasis on research and actively collaborate with significant global research centers. Throughout their academic journey, international students have a range of opportunities to engage in internships with local companies. Additionally, the chance to master Portuguese, a widely spoken international language with a global reach of over 250 million speakers, can greatly enhance one's resume and contribute to future career prospects.
While immersed in the Portuguese study experience, the Mediterranean climate becomes an irresistible draw, offering warm summers and idyllic beaches that provide a perfect respite post-demanding exams. For the intrepid explorer, Portugal's captivating natural landscapes and distinct landmarks beckon to be uncovered.
Though Portuguese remains the primary language of instruction, Portugal's top universities are dedicated to global engagement. The universities have been diligently cultivating a global perspective through internationalization efforts by offering postgraduate programs in English, especially in fields that have a broader international appeal. This inclusive approach furthers Portugal's status as a prime destination for those seeking both tradition and innovation in their educational journey.
Here are Portugal’s top universities:
Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa)
Universidade de Lisboa is one of the largest and oldest universities in Portugal. It resulted from the merger of several universities and is divided into various faculties and institutes, fostering an environment of academic exploration.
ULisboa's commitment to research is evident in its numerous research centers and institutes, driving advancements in various fields. With its rich history and modern infrastructure, ULisboa provides a dynamic learning experience for students seeking to engage with cutting-edge knowledge while respecting tradition.
ULisboa offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, social sciences, engineering, and technology. It is particularly known for its research output and has strengths in fields like medicine, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The university offers more than 300 subjects and several degree courses, master's and doctoral programs lectured in English such as medicine, architecture, economics, data science, and engineering among many others.
Address: Alameda da Universidade 1649-004 Lisboa
E-mail: reitoria@ulisboa.pt
Contact Number: +351 217 967 624 | +351 210 113 400
Website: https://www.ulisboa.pt
Universidade do Porto (UPorto)
Universidade do Porto is known for its research and academic excellence. It offers a diverse array of programs and is home to various research centers and institutes. Its reputation spans international borders, attracting students and researchers from around the world.
UPorto's faculties and research centers are at the forefront of advancements in science, engineering, and humanities, contributing significantly to global knowledge dissemination. The university's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration fosters innovation and holistic development among its students, preparing them for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. It also offers some master's and doctoral programs in English to accommodate international students in the fields of business, engineering, and some sciences.
Address: Praça Gomes Teixeira 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
E-mail: up@up.pt
Contact Number: +351 220 408 000
Website: https://www.up.pt/portal/en/
Founded in 1290, Universidade de Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world and carries a legacy of academic excellence. It has a rich history and offers a variety of programs. Its historic campus and traditions offer a unique backdrop to modern education and research.
UC maintains its commitment to nurturing critical thinkers and contributing to the cultural and scientific progress of society. With a strong focus on research, it's a hub for cutting-edge projects, attracting scholars and students who seek to engage with both history and innovation.
UC has a history of academic excellence and is known for its programs in law, medicine, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences with a strong emphasis on research. The university has been offering an increasing number of master's and doctoral programs taught in English.
Address: Paço das Escolas 3004-531 Coimbra
E-mail: https://www.uc.pt/en/sga/e-mail-form/
Contact Number: +351 239 247 195
Website: https://www.uc.pt/en
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA)
NOVA is a modern university known for its innovative approach to education and research. It encompasses several faculties and institutes, offering a wide range of programs. Its multidisciplinary approach prepares students to tackle complex global challenges by integrating diverse knowledge domains.
NOVA's commitment to research and entrepreneurship cultivates a culture of forward-thinking. By fostering creativity and adaptability, the university equips its graduates with the skills needed to excel in a rapidly changing world.
NOVA is known for its business, economics, social sciences, and law programs. It also offers programs in engineering, natural sciences, and humanities. NOVA offers a variety of English-taught programs concentrated on the second and third university cycles. Bachelor’s degrees in information management, data science, and information system at the Information Management School are provided in English. The same goes at the School of Business and Economics where students have the choice between English and Portuguese as the medium of instruction.
Address: Campus de Campolide 1099-085 Lisboa
E-mail: reitoria@unl.pt
Contact Number: +351 213 715 600
Website: https://www.unl.pt/en
Universidade do Minho (UMinho)
Universidade do Minho is recognized for its quality of teaching and research in various disciplines. With campuses in Braga and Guimarães, UMinho offers a diverse range of programs that span various disciplines. The university has a strong emphasis on collaboration, both within academia and with industry partners.
UMinho's research centers contribute significantly to advancements in fields such as technology, health sciences, and social sciences. Its commitment to producing graduates equipped with practical skills and a deep understanding of their fields is reflected in its strong connections to the job market.
UMinho is known for its engineering and technology programs, including computer science, electronics, and industrial engineering. The university also has strengths in social sciences, natural sciences, and health sciences. Most course units are taught in Portuguese but there are some specific study areas with lectures offered in English. Students have the option to develop research and project work with supervision in English or in a common language between the student and the supervisor. The university also offers about 60 hours of starter lessons in Portuguese at the beginning of each semester.
Address: Largo do Paço 4704-553 Braga
Email: gcii@reitoria.uminho.pt
Contact Number: +351 253 601 100 | +351 253 601 109
Website: https://www.uminho.pt/EN/Pages/default.aspx
With a reputation for academic rigor and innovation, Universidade de Aveiro fosters an environment that encourages collaboration between academia and industry. The university's dedication to producing well-rounded graduates who can contribute meaningfully to society is evident in its emphasis on research-driven education and hands-on experiences.
UA is particularly strong in science, technology, and engineering programs. It offers degrees in fields such as computer science, materials science, telecommunications, and environmental engineering. It also has programs in social sciences, humanities, and arts. The university offers some courses and programs taught in English, particularly at the postgraduate level.
Address: Campus Universitário de Santiago 3810-193 Aveiro
E-mail: geral@ua.pt
Contact Number: +351 234 370 200
Website: https://www.ua.pt/
Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP)
A private Catholic institution that is known for its quality education, emphasizing values and ethics. Through its educational approach, the university aims to produce graduates who are not only skilled professionals but also compassionate and ethical individuals capable of making a positive impact on their communities.
UCP offers a variety of programs spanning humanities, social sciences, business, law, health sciences, and arts. Its programs are designed to provide students with a solid academic foundation while instilling a sense of social responsibility, ethics, and values. UCP offers some courses and programs taught in English, both for bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate level.
Address: Palma de Cima 1649-023 Lisboa
E-mail: info@ucp.pt
Contact Number: +351 217 214 000
Website: https://www.ucp.pt/?set_language=en
Instituto Politécnico do Porto (IPP)
Instituto Politécnico do Porto offers practical and career-oriented education. IPP focuses on providing students with practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to the professional world. The institute's programs are designed to prepare graduates for specific careers, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in their chosen fields.
IPP offers degrees in engineering, technology, business, arts, health sciences, and other applied fields. The institute collaborates closely with local and national companies, providing students with opportunities for internships, practical projects, and real-world experiences. This approach bridges the gap between academia and industry, enhancing students' employability. The availability of English-taught programs varies by department and program within the institute.
Address: Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 712 4200-465 Porto
E-mail: ipp@ipp.pt
Contact Number: +351 225 571 000
Website: https://www.ipp.pt/?set_language=en
ISCTE - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL)
ISCTE-IUL stands out for its modern approach to education and research. The institution's strong ties with the business world foster practical learning experiences and opportunities for internships. ISCTE-IUL's commitment to research and innovation ensures that its programs remain relevant and aligned with the needs of society.
ISCTE-IUL is known for its business and management programs, economics, social sciences, and technology-related fields. It offers degrees that prepare students for careers in business and society. The university offers most of its bachelor’s programs in Portuguese, with only one program, BSc Management, entirely taught in English. However, the university’s graduate-level offers numerous English-taught academic programs.
Address: Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1649-026 Lisboa
E-mail: geral@iscte.pt
Contact Number: +351 217 903 000
Website: https://www.iscte-iul.pt
Universidade do Algarve (UAlg)
The university is closely tied to the Algarve region, both in terms of its programs and its contributions to the local community. It's known for its research centers, particularly those related to marine sciences and tourism. The university's connection to its unique regional context influences its academic offerings.
UAlg offers a wide range of programs across various fields, including natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, arts, social sciences, business, and tourism. Its diverse offerings cater to different interests and career paths. The university offers some courses and programs taught in English for master's and doctoral degrees.
Address: Campus da Penha, 8005-139 Faro
E-mail: info@ualg.pt
Contact Number: +351 289 800 100 | +351 289 800 900
Website: https://www.ualg.pt/en
Founded in 1559, Universidade de Evora is one of the oldest universities in Portugal. It offers a mix of traditional and modern programs and is known for its historical significance. With a history dating back to the 16th century, the university embodies a blend of tradition and modernity. Its picturesque campus serves as a backdrop to a wide range of programs, both in the arts and sciences.
UE offers a range of programs in arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It has strengths in fields such as history, arts and letters, environmental sciences, and agriculture. The university offers several bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in English.
Address: Largo dos Colegiais 2, 7004-516 Évora
E-mail: uevora@uevora.pt
Contact Number: +351 266 740 800
Website: https://www.uevora.pt/
University of Beira Interior (UBI)
The University of Beira Interior is dedicated to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for its students’ academic exploration and personal growth. It offers various resources, support services, and extracurricular activities to enhance the student experience. Its location, 250 km northwest of Lisbon, makes it one of the most secluded universities in the Iberian Peninsula. Moreover, the university was created in order to give local residents a chance to pursue a university education without having to travel to the other side of the country.
UBI is recognized for its programs in engineering, health sciences, natural sciences, and arts. It's known for its innovative research, including projects related to renewable energy and technology. The university offers English Degree programs for bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.
Address: Convento de Sto. António. 6201-001 Covilhã
E-mail: https://www.ubi.pt/FormMensagens?lang=EN
Contact Number: +351 275 319 700
Website: https://www.ubi.pt/en/