University of Coimbra
Where history inspires tomorrow.
📍 Coimbra, Portugal 🇵🇹
🏆 #3 in Portugal · QS World #347 · THE World #401 · ARWU #501
Quick Facts about University of Coimbra
- Tuition: $3,000 – $6,000/year
- Intakes: Fall
About University of Coimbra
Academics
The University of Coimbra is structured into eight faculties: Letters, Law, Medicine, Sciences & Technology, Pharmacy, Economics, Psychology & Education Sciences, and Sports Sciences & Physical Education. It offers a comprehensive range of bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees across nearly all major fields. The Faculty of Sciences and Technology is notably the largest in terms of faculty and student numbers, and it manages the most classrooms and research units. The teaching approach combines lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, with an emphasis on critical analysis and knowledge transfer.
International Students
The University of Coimbra is highly international, with over 20% of its student body comprising international students from over 100 nationalities. The university provides support services for international applicants, including guidance on applications and visa processes, and offers Portuguese language courses. While many programs are taught in Portuguese, there are several master's and PhD programs, as well as individual course units, available in English, particularly within the Faculty of Sciences and Technology. The student union, Associação Académica de Coimbra (AAC), is Portugal's oldest and fosters a dynamic associative life with numerous sports and cultural sections, aiding cultural integration.
Campus & Location
The University of Coimbra's campus is integrated within the city of Coimbra, with its historic Polo I campus situated on a hilltop offering scenic views of the Mondego River. The city itself is known for its vibrant student life and welcoming atmosphere. Coimbra is well-served by public transportation, including an urban bus network that connects the university campuses with the city center. Future plans include an electric Metrobus system set to open in 2025, further enhancing sustainable urban mobility.
Career Outcomes
The University of Coimbra boasts a high employment rate, with 97.7% of its graduates who obtained a higher education qualification between 2021 and 2023 finding employment. The university actively fosters industry connections through its UC Business initiative, which collaborates with various business structures on joint projects and promotes technology transfer and innovation. The Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), founded by UC, acts as a business incubator and innovation center, supporting the creation of university spin-offs and technology-based companies. Notable startup companies that originated from the University of Coimbra include ISA, Critical Software, Crioestaminal, Ciberbit, and Feedzai. The university also provides career services, including advice, internships, and job opportunities through its Student Hub and UC Job Portal.
Information for International Students at University of Coimbra
University of Coimbra in Coimbra, Portugal welcomes international students.
- No visa support offered
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
Admissions Requirements for University of Coimbra
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Coimbra:
- Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
Programs at University of Coimbra (29 programs)
University of Coimbra offers 29 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (10)
- Bachelor in Philosophy (BA) — 36 months · Portuguese
This program explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.
Field: Philosophy
Career outcomes: Researcher, Writer, Educator - Bachelor in Computer Engineering (BSc) — 36 months · Portuguese · STEM
This program covers fundamental concepts in computer science and engineering, including programming, algorithms, computer architecture, and software development, preparing students for the tech industry.
Field: Computer Engineering
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Computer Engineer, IT Consultant - Bachelor in Law (BA) — 48 months · Portuguese · €7,000/yr
The Law program provides a foundational understanding of legal principles, systems, and practices, preparing students for careers in law, public service, and various other fields requiring legal expertise.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Lawyer, Judge, Public Prosecutor, Legal Consultant - Bachelor in Sports Science (BSc) — 36 months · Portuguese · €7,000/yr · STEM
This program integrates scientific principles with practical applications in sports, covering areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, and training methodologies.
Field: Sports Science
Career outcomes: Sports Coach, Fitness Instructor, Sports Scientist, Physical Education Teacher, Rehabilitation Specialist - Bachelor in Medicine (BSc) — 72 months · Portuguese · STEM
This integrated master's program provides comprehensive medical education, covering basic sciences, clinical skills, and patient care, preparing future doctors for healthcare practice.
Field: Medicine
Career outcomes: Doctor, Physician, Medical Researcher - Bachelor in Psychology (BA) — 36 months · Portuguese · €7,000/yr
This program provides a strong foundation in psychological theories, research methods, and applications, covering areas such as cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Psychologist Assistant, Researcher, Human Resources Specialist, Social Worker - Bachelor in Architecture (BSc) — 60 months · Portuguese · €7,000/yr · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive education in architectural design, history, theory, and technology, preparing students for professional practice in architecture and urban planning.
Field: Architecture
Career outcomes: Architect, Urban Planner, Architectural Designer, Project Manager - Bachelor in Economics (BSc) — 36 months · Portuguese · €7,000/yr
This program offers a rigorous education in economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy analysis, preparing students for careers in finance, government, and research.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Market Researcher, Policy Analyst - Bachelor in Pharmacy (BSc) — 60 months · Portuguese · €7,000/yr · STEM
The Pharmacy program provides comprehensive training in pharmaceutical sciences, drug discovery, development, and patient care, preparing students for roles in pharmacies, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Field: Pharmacy
Career outcomes: Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher, Drug Development Specialist, Hospital Pharmacist - Bachelor in Biology (BSc) — 36 months · Portuguese · €7,000/yr · STEM
This program provides a broad understanding of biological principles, from molecular to ecological levels, preparing students for careers in research, conservation, and health sciences.
Field: Biology
Career outcomes: Biologist, Researcher Assistant, Environmental Consultant, Laboratory Technician
Master Programs (11)
- Master in Management (MSc) — 24 months · English · €7,000/yr
The Master in Management program develops leadership and strategic decision-making skills, covering areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, and operations management.
Field: Management
Career outcomes: Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Business Analyst - Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc) — 60 months · Portuguese · STEM
This integrated master's program provides comprehensive training in pharmaceutical sciences, covering drug discovery, development, manufacturing, and clinical applications.
Field: Pharmaceutical Sciences
Career outcomes: Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher, Regulatory Affairs Specialist - Master in Economics (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · STEM
This program offers advanced training in economic theory, econometrics, and policy analysis, equipping students with the skills to analyze economic issues and contribute to policy-making.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Advisor - Master in Environmental Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · STEM
This master's program addresses environmental challenges through engineering solutions, focusing on water and wastewater treatment, waste management, and pollution control.
Field: Environmental Engineering
Career outcomes: Environmental Engineer, Sustainability Consultant, Waste Management Specialist - Master in Data Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the principles and techniques of data science, including machine learning, statistical modeling, and big data analytics, to extract insights from complex datasets.
Field: Data Science
Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst - Master in Finance (MSc) — 24 months · English · €7,000/yr
The Master in Finance program offers specialized knowledge in financial markets, corporate finance, investments, and risk management, preparing students for high-level positions in the financial sector.
Field: Finance
Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Risk Manager - Master in Civil Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €7,000/yr · STEM
This master's program focuses on advanced topics in civil engineering, including structural analysis, hydraulics, transportation, and construction management, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the industry.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager, Consultant - Master in Computer Science and Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · €7,000/yr · STEM
This program offers advanced studies in areas such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, and data science, equipping students with cutting-edge skills for the tech industry.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Specialist, Cybersecurity Analyst - Master in Chemical Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · €7,000/yr · STEM
This master's program focuses on advanced principles and applications of chemical engineering, including process design, materials science, and environmental engineering, preparing graduates for industrial and research roles.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Materials Scientist, Environmental Engineer - Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · €7,000/yr · STEM
This master's program covers advanced topics in electrical engineering, electronics, telecommunications, and computer systems, preparing graduates for innovation in high-tech industries.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineer, Electronics Designer, Telecommunications Engineer - Master in Public Health (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €7,000/yr · STEM
The Master in Public Health program focuses on the promotion of health, prevention of disease, and improvement of healthcare systems through epidemiology, health policy, and environmental health.
Field: Public Health
Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Policy Analyst, Health Educator
PhD Programs (8)
- PhD in Mathematics (PhD) — 48 months · English · €7,000/yr · STEM
This program offers advanced research opportunities in pure and applied mathematics, fostering innovative contributions to various mathematical fields and their applications.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Researcher, University Professor, Quantitative Analyst - PhD in Chemical Engineering (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program offers advanced research in chemical engineering, focusing on process design, materials science, and sustainable technologies to address industrial and environmental challenges.
Field: Chemical Engineering
Career outcomes: Chemical Engineer, Researcher, Process Development Scientist - PhD in History (PhD) — 48 months · Portuguese · €7,000/yr
The PhD in History program offers advanced research opportunities across various historical periods and geographical areas, fostering critical analysis and original contributions to historical scholarship.
Field: History
Career outcomes: Historian, Researcher, University Professor, Archivist, Museum Curator - PhD in Physics (PhD) — 48 months · English · €7,000/yr · STEM
The PhD in Physics program provides an opportunity for in-depth research in various subfields of physics, contributing to fundamental scientific knowledge and technological advancements.
Field: Physics
Career outcomes: Physicist, Researcher, University Professor, Data Scientist - PhD in Materials Science and Engineering (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program focuses on advanced research in materials science, including the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel materials for various technological fields.
Field: Materials Science and Engineering
Career outcomes: Materials Scientist, Researcher, Product Development Engineer - PhD in Biomedical Sciences (PhD) — 48 months · English · €7,000/yr · STEM
This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in various areas of biomedical sciences, fostering critical thinking and innovation to address complex health challenges.
Field: Biomedical Sciences
Career outcomes: Researcher, University Professor, Biomedical Scientist, R&D Specialist - PhD in Earth Sciences (PhD) — 48 months · English · €7,000/yr · STEM
The PhD in Earth Sciences program offers advanced research opportunities in geology, geophysics, environmental sciences, and natural resources, contributing to our understanding of the Earth's systems.
Field: Earth Sciences
Career outcomes: Geologist, Geophysicist, Environmental Scientist, Researcher, University Professor - PhD in Literary Studies (PhD) — 48 months · Portuguese · €7,000/yr
This doctoral program provides advanced research opportunities in literary theory, comparative literature, and specific literary traditions, fostering critical engagement with texts and cultural contexts.
Field: Literary Studies
Career outcomes: Literary Critic, Researcher, University Professor, Editor, Writer
Scholarships & Tuition at University of Coimbra
Annual tuition for international students: $3,000 – $6,000/year
Visit the university's financial aid page for the latest scholarship information.
Rankings of University of Coimbra
- National Ranking: #3 in Portugal
- QS World University Ranking: #347
- Times Higher Education (THE): #401
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #501
- Ranking tier: Top 500
Campus & Facilities at University of Coimbra
- Student housing available
- No sports facilities
- No disability support info
Key Highlights
- Portugal's oldest university
- UNESCO World Heritage site
- Diverse faculties, comprehensive degrees
- High international student population
- Vibrant student life, historic setting
Fields of Study at University of Coimbra
- Law
- Medicine
- Science
- Technology
- Arts
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Coimbra
What is University of Coimbra?
University of Coimbra is a university located in Coimbra, Portugal. .
How much does it cost to study at University of Coimbra?
Tuition fees at University of Coimbra for international students range from $3,000 – $6,000/year.
What are the admission requirements for University of Coimbra?
Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%).
How many programs does University of Coimbra offer?
University of Coimbra offers 29 programs: 10 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and 8 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is University of Coimbra ranked?
#3 in Portugal · QS World #347 · THE World #401 · ARWU #501.
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