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.