Quick Summary
University of Coimbra, in Coimbra, Portugal, is a public that has shaped higher education since 1290. Ranked #355 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 25,500 students including 20% from outside Portugal. Known for strengths in Law, Pharmacy, Civil Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25-30%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
One of the world's oldest universities with UNESCO status, combining deep historical prestige with cutting-edge research and a vibrant student life.
Subject Strengths
LawPharmacyCivil EngineeringArchitectureArchaeologyClassics & Ancient History
Founded1290
TypePublic
Total Students25,500
Intl Students20%
Faculty Ratio15:1
CampusUrban / Historic
Campus SizeUNESCO World Heritage Site (Core) + 3 main poles
Affiliated HospitalsCentro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC)
AccreditationA3ES (Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation of Higher Education)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#355
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501-600
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Integrated Master's
Programs
Over 70 PhD programs across 8 faculties
PhD Programs
Distance Learning Unit (UC_D) offers several MOOCs and blended learning certifications
Online Programs
37 Research Units including CNC (Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology) and IT (Institute of Telecommunications)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
A3ES (Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation of Higher Education)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25-30%
IELTS6.0
TOEFL80
Min GPA3.0 (on 4.0 scale) or equivalent grade of 14/20 in PT system
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATAccepted for US-curriculum applicants
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July (Phase 3 for International Students)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November (Limited programs)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International students should apply during Phase 1 (February) to secure housing and visas. Ensure your high school final exams are recognized under the International Student Statute.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€7,000/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€8,800/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€20,007,500/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$55
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€15,850/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableSASUC Merit Scholarships, CPLP discounts, Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) grants
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidSocial Action Services (SASUC) provides meal and housing support for eligible students
Work-StudyLimited opportunities within university administrative departments and libraries
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Integrated Master's programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Pharmacy | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$28,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong partnerships with Portuguese industry leaders and Erasmus+ traineeships
Industry Connections
Critical softwareBluepharmaNavigator Companyand various European tech clusters
Notable Alumni
Luís de Camões, António de Oliveira Salazar, Eça de Queirós, Pedro Nunes, Aristides de Sousa Mendes
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes, university residences and extensive private market
Sports Facilities
UC Stadium, multi-sports pavilions, rowing center on Mondego River
Student Clubs
AAC (Associação Académica de Coimbra) - oldest and largest student union in Portugal
Library Resources
Joanina Library (Baroque library), General Library (over 2 million volumes)
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Santander Universities, Coimbra Group, Utrecht Network
Summer Programs
UC Summer School (Portuguese Language and Culture)