Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

Knowledge that creates the future in the heart of Portugal.

📍 Coimbra, Portugal 🇵🇹

🏆 #20 in Portugal

Quick Facts about Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

  • Type: Public
  • Students: 10,160
  • Campus: Multiple Campuses
  • Tuition: $1,300 – $3,000/year
  • Language: Portuguese
  • Intakes: September, February

About Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

The Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra (IPC) is a public higher education institution in Coimbra, Portugal, established in 1979. It is recognized as one of the ten largest higher education institutions in Portugal, playing a significant role in the region's and country's development. IPC is known for its quality education, strong industry connections, and commitment to internationalization.

Academics

IPC comprises six teaching schools, offering a diverse range of studies from agriculture and environment to health technology and engineering. The institute provides Higher Professional Degree Programmes, Vocational Education, Bachelor's Degrees, Post-graduations, and Master's Degrees. Its teaching approach emphasizes practical training supported by solid theoretical foundations, with a focus on adapting to labor market needs. IPC also has two research units: the Applied Research Institute (IIA) and the Study Center on Natural Resources, Environment and Society (CERNAS).

International Students

The Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra actively welcomes international students and offers various support services. These include welcoming activities to help integrate students into academic life and Portuguese Language and Culture Courses for those who do not master Portuguese. International students can also benefit from social support services such as canteen catering, access to sports facilities at student prices, and potentially student residences. The Erasmus Students Network (ESN Coimbra) also plays an active role in supporting international students.

Campus & Location

Coimbra, known as the "City of Students," is located in the central coastal region of Portugal, between Porto and Lisbon. The city offers a high quality of life with excellent safety, health services, leisure, cultural diversity, and a good transport network. IPC has five of its teaching units located in Coimbra, with another in Oliveira do Hospital. The city's public transport system, SMTUC, provides extensive bus routes, and a student monthly pass is available. Coimbra boasts historical attractions like the Monastery of Santa Cruz, Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), and the Joanina Library, alongside natural spaces like Parque Verde do Mondego and Mata Nacional do Choupal.

Career Outcomes

IPC emphasizes a close connection with companies and encourages entrepreneurship, which are central to ensuring successful careers and high employability rates for its graduates. The institution's focus on practical training, adapted to market demands, contributes to students' career advantages. Student associations also contribute to employability by organizing workshops, conferences, seminars, congresses, and job fairs. The "PUC +SUCESS 2.0" project aims to improve students' skills and well-being, and includes actions to develop extracurricular skills.

Information for International Students at Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra in Coimbra, Portugal welcomes international students.

  • Visa support available
  • On-campus work allowed
  • Student housing available (~$120/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: Portuguese

Admissions Requirements for Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra:

  • Application fee: $75
  • Selectivity: Open (60%+)
  • Application deadline: May 31, November 30

Apply to Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra →

Scholarships & Tuition at Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

Annual tuition for international students: $1,300 – $3,000/year

✅ Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

  • National Ranking: #20 in Portugal
  • Ranking tier: Unranked
  • Research output: Medium

Campus & Facilities at Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Multiple Campuses
  • Housing cost: ~$120/month

Key Highlights

  • One of Portugal's largest polytechnic institutes
  • Located in historic student city Coimbra
  • Strong focus on applied practical learning
  • Six specialized schools across diverse fields
  • Extensive network of international research partnerships
  • Modern campus facilities and student residences

Accreditation

  • Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education)

Fields of Study at Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

  • Technology
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Business
  • Tourism

Notable Alumni

  • José Sócrates
  • Luis de Matos
  • André Sardet

Frequently Asked Questions about Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra

What is Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra?

Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra is a public university located in Coimbra, Portugal. It has approximately 10,160 students.

How much does it cost to study at Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra?

Tuition fees at Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra for international students range from $1,300 – $3,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $120/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra?

Application fee: $75. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: May 31, November 30.

What language are courses taught in at Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra?

Courses at Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra are taught in Portuguese.

What is Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra ranked?

#20 in Portugal.

Does Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra offer scholarships?

Yes, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra provide visa support?

Yes, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.

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