Catholic University of Portugal

Quick Facts about Catholic University of Portugal

• Type: Private Non-Profit
• Students: 13,154
• International: 24%
• Campus: Multiple Campuses
• Tuition: $5,000 – $10,000/year
• Language: English, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Intakes: Fall

About Catholic University of Portugal

Academics

UCP Lisbon offers a wide array of programs across key faculties such as Católica Global School of Law, Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Human Sciences, and Católica Medical School. The university emphasizes an educational model that promotes interdisciplinarity, critical thinking, and a balance of research and teaching. Notable programs include those in business and economics, law, biotechnology, bioethics, and social sciences. The Faculty of Human Sciences, for example, offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs in communication sciences, culture studies, philosophy, social sciences, and psychology.

International Students

UCP provides various support services for international students, including assistance with accommodation referrals. Many programs are taught entirely in English, such as the International Undergraduate Programs in Business Administration, Economics & Finance, and Management & Data Analytics. The university fosters a diverse environment, hosting students from over 70 nationalities. Cultural integration is encouraged through initiatives like Cultura@Católica, which promotes art and culture within the academic environment and extends to public spaces. Student organizations, including international clubs, also play a crucial role in helping international students integrate.

Campus & Location

The main campus of UCP is located in Palma de Cima, in the center of Lisbon, housing 8 of its 19 faculties. Lisbon itself is a vibrant city known for its mild weather, an average of 290 days of sunshine per year, and picturesque landscapes. The campus is well-served by public transportation, with nearby metro stations (Cidade Universitária, Laranjeiras, Jardim Zoológico) and bus stops. Students can enjoy nearby attractions like the Lisbon Zoo and are within easy reach of cultural sites, museums, and beaches.

Career Outcomes

UCP boasts a high employment rate, with 97.5% for undergraduate degrees and integrated master's programs in 2020. The university maintains strong industry connections, and its career services offer continuous support to students, including job fairs, workshops, and mentoring programs. For instance, the Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics has a careerNETwork platform that connects students with recruiting companies. Over half of the students at CATÓLICA-LISBON receive job offers before completing their studies. The university's alumni network also contributes to career development, with many holding leading positions nationally and internationally.

Information for International Students at Catholic University of Portugal

Catholic University of Portugal in Lisbon, Portugal welcomes international students, with 24% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 24% of students are international
• Visa support available
• No on-campus work
• Student housing available (~$300/month)
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: English, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin

Admissions Requirements for Catholic University of Portugal

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Catholic University of Portugal:

• IELTS minimum: 6.5
• TOEFL minimum: 95
• Application fee: $175
• Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
• Application deadline: June 3rd, 2026

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Programs at Catholic University of Portugal (8 programs)

Catholic University of Portugal offers 8 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (2)

• Psychology (BSc) — 36 months · Portuguese · STEM
  This program provides a scientific understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and psychological theories. Students learn research methods and ethical practices in psychology, preparing them for further study or entry-level roles.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Research Assistant, Social Worker Assistant, HR Assistant, Further Study (Master's/PhD)
• Political Science and International Relations (BA) — 36 months · Portuguese
  This program analyzes political systems, international relations, and global governance. Students gain a deep understanding of political theories, foreign policy, and international organizations.
  Field: Political Science
  Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Relations Analyst, Policy Advisor, Journalist

Master Programs (4)

• Marketing (MSc) — 24 months · English
  This program delves into advanced marketing strategies, consumer behavior, digital marketing, and brand management. Students learn to develop and execute effective marketing campaigns in a dynamic global environment.
  Field: Marketing
  Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist, Market Researcher
• Applied Psychology (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · STEM
  This program focuses on the application of psychological principles to real-world settings, including clinical, organizational, and educational psychology. Students develop practical skills for professional psychological practice.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Psychologist (with further supervised practice), Counselor, HR Specialist, Educational Psychologist
• Finance (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
  This program provides advanced knowledge in financial markets, corporate finance, investment management, and financial risk. Students gain analytical and quantitative skills essential for careers in the financial industry.
  Field: Finance
  Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Investment Banker, Risk Manager
• Theology (MA) — 24 months · Portuguese
  This program offers advanced study in theological disciplines, including biblical studies, systematic theology, and moral theology. Students engage in critical reflection on faith, tradition, and contemporary issues.
  Field: Theology
  Career outcomes: Theologian, Religious Educator, Pastoral Worker, Researcher

PhD Programs (2)

• Economics (PhD) (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM
  This doctoral program prepares students for advanced research and academic careers in economics. Students conduct original research, contribute to economic theory, and develop expertise in specialized economic fields.
  Field: Economics
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Economic Researcher, Policy Analyst (Advanced), International Organization Economist
• Management (PhD) (PhD) — 48 months · English
  This program focuses on advanced research in various management disciplines, preparing students for academic and research-oriented careers. Students contribute new knowledge to the field of management through rigorous empirical and theoretical studies.
  Field: Management
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Management Consultant (Advanced), Head of Research and Development, Senior Business Strategist

Scholarships & Tuition at Catholic University of Portugal

Annual tuition for international students: $5,000 – $10,000/year

✅ Catholic University of Portugal offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Catholic University of Portugal

• National Ranking: #1 in Portugal
• QS World University Ranking: #781
• Times Higher Education (THE): #801
• Ranking tier: Unranked
• Research output: High

Campus & Facilities at Catholic University of Portugal

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• No disability support info
• Campus type: Multiple Campuses
• Housing cost: ~$300/month

Key Highlights

• Top-ranked university in Portugal
• Highly prestigious Catolica Lisbon business school
• Strong international academic reputation
• Multiple campuses across Portugal
• Strategic partnership with Vatican authorities
• Extensive global research network

Accreditation

• Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior
• Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior (A3ES)
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
• European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD-EQUIS)
• Association of MBAs (AMBA)

Fields of Study at Catholic University of Portugal

• Business
• Law
• Theology
• Social Sciences
• Humanities

Notable Alumni

• Ricardo Araújo Pereira
• Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo
• Paulo Portas
• Manuel José Macário do Nascimento Clemente
• António Pires de Lima

Frequently Asked Questions about Catholic University of Portugal

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