Quick Summary
Public in Faro, Portugal — University of the Algarve, est. 1979. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 9200 students including 21% from outside Portugal. Known for strengths in Marine Sciences, Hospitality & Leisure Management, Tourism, it maintains an acceptance rate of 58%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier location for oceanography and tourism studies, affordable cost of living, and a vibrant international community.
Subject Strengths
Marine SciencesHospitality & Leisure ManagementTourismArchaeology
Founded1979
TypePublic
Total Students9200
Intl Students21%
Faculty Ratio14
CampusUrban
Campus SizeMultiple locations (Gambelas, Penha, Saúde, Portimão)
Affiliated HospitalsCentro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA)
AccreditationA3ES (Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation of Higher Education)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601-800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#801-900
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor, Integrated Master, Master, Doctorate
Programs
Biological Sciences, Tourism, History, Management, Educational Sciences, Clinical Psychology
PhD Programs
Select postgraduate certifications and distance learning modules
Online Programs
CCMAR (Centre of Marine Sciences), CIAC (Research Centre in Arts and Communication), CBMR (Centre for Biomedical Research)
Research Centers
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 Rate58%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA2.5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International students should utilize the 'International Student Statute' for simplified entry requirements; emphasize research interests for postgraduate levels.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€3,500/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€8,800/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€4,000/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$55
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€12,350/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidSASUALG Social Support and Merit Scholarships
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor, Integrated Master, Master, Doctorate programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Biology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Tourism Management | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Biomedical Sciences | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Psychology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Oceanography | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$20,000
Average Salary After Graduation
86%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh placement in tourism and marine research sectors
Industry Connections
Algarve Tech Hubregional hotel associationsand European marine research networks
Notable Alumni
Pedro Gadanho, João de Deus
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Sports pavilions, gymnasiums, and access to aquatic sports
Student Clubs
AAUAlg Student Association, cultural groups, and academic tunas
Library Resources
Integrated library system across all campuses with extensive digital archives
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Santander Universities, Campus Europae
Summer Programs
Portuguese Language and Culture, Summer School in Marine Science