Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria
Humanist excellence shaping the future of global healthcare.
📍 Porto, Portugal 🇵🇹
🏆 #57 in Portugal
Quick Facts about Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 2,500
- International: 10%
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $2,000 – $4,000/year
- Language: Portuguese
- Intakes: September
About Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria
Academics
The institution offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs focused on Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Social Work. The teaching approach emphasizes a strong connection between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, often utilizing the school’s own simulation labs and partner health centers. Notable strengths include a multidisciplinary curriculum that integrates ethical values with technical proficiency to ensure students are prepared for complex professional environments.
International Students
ESSSM actively participates in the Erasmus+ program and welcomes international students through various mobility agreements and cooperation protocols. While many primary degree courses are taught in Portuguese, the school provides support services to help international arrivals integrate into the academic community and local culture. The diverse student body benefits from a close-knit atmosphere where student organizations and the international office facilitate social events and administrative guidance.
Campus & Location
The campus is situated in the heart of Porto, a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Students enjoy excellent public transportation links, including the metro and bus networks, which provide easy access to the city’s historic center and the Douro River. The campus facilities are modern and specialized, located near major hospitals and cultural attractions that offer a perfect balance between intensive study and urban exploration.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of ESSSM benefit from high employability rates due to the school’s strong reputation and its extensive network of clinical partners across Portugal. The institution maintains close ties with hospitals, clinics, and social organizations, providing students with direct pathways to professional recruitment. Career services assist students in navigating the job market, while the rigorous clinical training ensures that alumni are highly sought after by both public and private healthcare employers.
Information for International Students at Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria
Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria in Porto, Portugal welcomes international students, with 10% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 10% of students are international
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$390/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: Portuguese
Admissions Requirements for Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria:
- GPA minimum: 9.5
- Application fee: $120
- Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
- Application deadline: September 30
Programs at Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria (27 programs)
Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria offers 27 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.
Bachelor Programs (5)
- Nursing (Enfermagem) (BSc) — 48 months · Portuguese · €4,389/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Provides scientific, technical, and human training for the provision and management of nursing care. Students prepare for careers as registered nurses in diverse clinical settings.
Field: Health / Nursing
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Hospital Nurse, Community Health Nurse
Deadline: July/August (National Access) - Physiotherapy (Fisioterapia) (BSc) — 48 months · Portuguese · €4,389/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Focuses on developing skills for the autonomous performance of physiotherapy, including rehabilitation and movement science. Graduates work in sports, clinical, and hospital environments.
Field: Health / Rehabilitation
Career outcomes: Physiotherapist, Sports Physiotherapist, Rehabilitation Specialist
Deadline: July/August - Health Data Management and Technologies (BSc) — 48 months · Portuguese · €4,400/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
A program combining health sciences with data management and information technology. Graduates are prepared for careers as Health Data Analysts and technology specialists in healthcare.
Field: Health Tech
Career outcomes: Health Data Analyst
Deadline: 1st Phase: March/April; 2nd Phase: July/August - Occupational Therapy (Terapia Ocupacional) (BSc) — 48 months · Portuguese · €4,389/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Trains professionals to help individuals with physical or mental challenges achieve independence in daily activities. Career prospects include roles in schools, hospitals, and elderly care.
Field: Health / Rehabilitation
Career outcomes: Occupational Therapist, School Therapist, Geriatric Specialist
Deadline: July/August - Health Data Management and Technologies (Gestão de Dados e Tecnologias em Saúde) (BSc) — 48 months · Portuguese · €4,389/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
An interdisciplinary program focusing on health informatics, data analysis, and digital health management. Prepares students for the growing field of digital health and clinical information management.
Field: Health / IT
Career outcomes: Health Data Analyst, Digital Health Consultant, Clinical Information Manager
Deadline: July/August
Master Programs (8)
- Medical-Surgical Nursing (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €2,500/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Advanced clinical training for nurses to specialize in medical-surgical care environments. Graduates gain specialist status for advanced clinical practice.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Specialist Nurse, Health Researcher
Deadline: 1st Phase: March/April; 2nd Phase: July/August - Maternal and Obstetric Health Nursing (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €2,500/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Specialized training in maternal health and midwifery for licensed nurses. Prepares graduates for specialist roles in obstetrics and maternal care.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Specialist Nurse, Health Researcher
Deadline: 1st Phase: March/April; 2nd Phase: July/August - Child and Pediatric Health Nursing (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €2,500/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Advanced nursing specialization focused on the healthcare needs of children and adolescents. Graduates achieve specialist status in pediatric nursing.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Specialist Nurse, Health Researcher
Deadline: 1st Phase: March/April; 2nd Phase: July/August - European Master in Medical Technology (EMMaH) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
An international program focused on the development and management of medical technologies. Taught in English, it prepares students for global careers in health tech innovation.
Field: Health Tech
Career outcomes: Health Tech Specialist, Medical Device Researcher
Deadline: 1st Phase: March/April; 2nd Phase: July/August - Rehabilitation Nursing (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €2,500/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Specialized training for nurses focusing on the rehabilitation of patients with diverse health conditions. Prepares professionals for specialist roles in rehabilitation units.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Specialist Nurse, Health Researcher
Deadline: 1st Phase: March/April; 2nd Phase: July/August - Physiotherapy in Neuro-Muscle-Skeletal Conditions (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €2,500/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Advanced specialization for physiotherapists focusing on complex neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Graduates are prepared for advanced clinical roles and research.
Field: Physiotherapy
Career outcomes: Advanced Clinical Physiotherapist, Health Researcher
Deadline: 1st Phase: March/April; 2nd Phase: July/August - Integrated Management of Health Services (Gestão Integrada dos Serviços de Saúde) (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · Part-time · €2,000/yr
Focuses on the management and administration of healthcare organizations and systems. Prepares students for leadership roles in hospital administration and health service management.
Field: Health Management
Career outcomes: Hospital Administrator, Health Service Manager
Deadline: June/July - Community Nursing (Enfermagem Comunitária) (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · Part-time · €2,500/yr · STEM
Advanced training in public health and community-based nursing interventions. Graduates specialize in managing health programs for specific populations and public health sectors.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Specialist Nurse in Public Health, Community Health Coordinator
Deadline: June/July
Scholarships & Tuition at Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria
Annual tuition for international students: $2,000 – $4,000/year
✅ Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria
- National Ranking: #57 in Portugal
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: Low
Campus & Facilities at Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
- Average class size: 30
- Housing cost: ~$390/month
Key Highlights
- Specialized health sciences focus since 1952
- Strong emphasis on humanist medical education
- Integrated theoretical and clinical practice training
- Active participation in Erasmus+ mobility programs
- Modern campus located in central Porto
- Close proximity to major hospital networks
Accreditation
- Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior
- APCER (Associação Portuguesa de Certificação) - NP EN ISO 9001:2015
- A3ES (Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior)
Fields of Study at Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions about Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria
What is Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria?
Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria is a private non-profit university located in Porto, Portugal. It has approximately 2,500 students, with 10% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria?
Tuition fees at Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria for international students range from $2,000 – $4,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $390/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria?
GPA minimum: 9.5. Application fee: $120. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: September 30.
What language are courses taught in at Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria?
Courses at Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria are taught in Portuguese.
How many programs does Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria offer?
Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria offers 27 programs: 5 Bachelor's, 8 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria ranked?
#57 in Portugal.
Does Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria offer scholarships?
Yes, Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria provide visa support?
Yes, Escola Superior de Saúde de Santa Maria provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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