University of Coimbra (UC) is a Portuguese public higher education institution with over 700 years of experience in teaching, training and research. The first and only Portuguese-speaking university until the beginning of the 20th century, the University of Coimbra has consolidated itself over the years with a unique blend of tradition, modernity and innovation.
The UC was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2013 for its central role in the production of knowledge and dissemination of Portuguese-speaking culture in the world, as well as for the universal value of its campus, which dates back to the 19th century. century.
The University of Coimbra is a world leader in teaching and research
UC is a world-leading university offering education and research at all levels of study and in nearly all fields of study. It participates in joint programs with some of the best universities in the world. Erasmus Mundus, MIT Portugal, CMU Portugal, Harvard-Portugal Clinical Scholars Research Training Program and UT Austin Portugal are examples of these excellent partnerships, to name just a few.
UC is part of the Center for World University Ranking of the 500 best universities in the world. In addition, the UC is classified as a 5-star university by the QS Stars University Ratings and has achieved excellent results in several U-Multirank indicators, namely in the areas of research, knowledge transfer and internationalization. UC is also among the top 200 universities in the world in the fields of Civil Engineering, Law, Environment and many others.
In 2020, the UC was considered the best institution in Portugal and the only one in the world’s top 20 (17th place) in the Good Health and Well-being indicator.
The University of Coimbra is part of the European Higher Education Area, composed of 47 countries, which means:
- High-quality European teaching and research;
- Innovative and rigorous training, combining tradition and contemporaneity;
- Mutual recognition of higher education degrees;
- Mobility opportunities for internships and studies under the Erasmus programme;
- Transparency (readable and comparable degrees organized into three study cycles);
- European cooperation in quality assurance.
Information for International Candidates
Financial help
The academic culture of the University is deeply enriched by International Students from over 100 countries worldwide. To provide them with better living conditions and study experiences, the University of Coimbra offers a package of financial support options for International Students.
Scholarships for International Students at the University of Coimbra For the Bachelor’s and Integrated Master’s programmes:
Merit Scholarship for Undergraduate Programs
The University of Coimbra will partially exempt students from the tuition fee for some according to the grades obtained by the student, from the 1st year of studies at UC and throughout their course.
These University of Coimbra Scholarships will be awarded to International Students with the best grades in each Faculty, according to the established quota.
The total quota of Merit Scholarship for Undergraduate Programs is 200.
If the student’s admission grade is equal to or greater than 160 points, the amount of the scholarship received varies between 1000 EURO and 2000 EURO.
Strategic Support Scholarship for Undergraduate Programs
For some programs (defined every year) the University of Coimbra will grant a scholarship of 2000 euros in the first year of the program to students who have applied for and admitted to relevant areas of study in terms of employment and qualified training.
These are the programs covered in 2021-2022:
Faculty of Science and Technology
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Physical Engineering
- Geology
- Math
- Chemistry
- Medical Chemistry
Faculty of Pharmacy
- Bioanalytical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences (Integrated Master’s)
- Biomedical Pharmacy
Faculty of Letters and Humanities
- Information Science
- Glassical studies
- Geography
- Tourism, Territory and Heritage
Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education
- Sport science
Extraordinary Merit Scholarship for Undergraduate Programs
The University of Coimbra will exempt high merit students whose admission grade is equal to or greater than 180 values (without rounding) and who prove that they lack the financial means to continue their studies for the full amount of the tuition fee.
If the student fulfills the conditions foreseen in the Regulation, he/she can apply for the Extraordinary Merit Scholarship for Degrees.
The number of grants and the application conditions will be announced shortly in the public notice.
If the student fulfills the conditions established in the Regulation, he/she can apply for the Extraordinary Merit Scholarship for Degrees: namely the documents proving the lack of minimum socio-financial means and an Academic Progress Project at the University of Coimbra and University Extension” (article 4. º, no. 9).
Master’s Programs (2nd Cycle)
If the student intends to apply for a Master’s Program at UC
You can apply for the Research and Scientific Production Promotion Grant for Master’s Programmes, which allows the exemption of 2000 euros in tuition fees.
If the student applies for and is admitted to a UC Master’s Program and benefits from a scholarship of 2000 euros, this amount will be paid each academic year or semester, depending on the situation, until the completion of the course (according to the number total of academic years or semesters of the course in question, on a full-time basis).
These grants are intended to encourage qualified research and the progress of the internationalization of the University of Coimbra.
Other supports
In addition to the grants mentioned above, the University of Coimbra also grants International Students access to indirect social support equipment (such as canteens, residences, day care centers, medical services) and access to PASEP – Social Support Programs for Students in Partial Temporary Activities.
PASEP aims to support students in need through the following means: provision of meal vouchers for the catering services of the SASUC (Social Services of the University of Coimbra); partial exemption from accommodation expenses in SASUC student residences, or partial exemption from tuition fees for programs in which the student is enrolled.
Awards and Distinctions
In addition to the grants mentioned above, the University of Coimbra also recognizes the merit of students through the following mechanisms:
Merit Board for UC International Students
1. Merit Council for 1st Year International Students – the 5% of the best International Students admitted and enrolled in the 1st year, for the 1st time, in the Degree Courses, Integrated Masters at UC are recognized through admission to the Merit Council of international students of the year.
Diploma of Distinction for International Students at the University of Coimbra
This Diploma is awarded in a public ceremony to students whose admission grade is equal to or greater than 18 in the UC.
Diploma of Excellence
This Diploma is awarded in a public ceremony to students whose final Master’s classification is equal to or greater than 18, when they complete their Master’s degree at UC.
Best Doctoral Thesis
The Best Doctoral Thesis Award is intended for national doctors, national or international equivalents of the UC, whose scientific production throughout the program stands out for the recognition of the quality of the Doctoral Thesis.
This is an annual award that consists of the public attribution of the Medal of Scientific Merit and the Diploma of Best Doctoral Thesis of the UC defended in the previous calendar year, in a certain scientific area or interdisciplinary field (Regulation of Awards and Scholarships for of Coimbra, nº 685-A/2019).
You can also become an International Student Ambassador at the University of Coimbra
Who can become an International Student Ambassador at University of Coimbra?
International Students who have received one or more of the above mentioned scholarships or awards.
How it works?
The Ambassadors assume the mission of promoting the University of Coimbra abroad, as well as presenting the UC’s initiatives of integration, civic intervention and intercultural promotion.
How is this activity recognized?
The activity of an International Student Ambassador is recorded in the student’s Diploma Supplement and awarded in an annual public ceremony.
What are the other benefits?
The Ambassadors will also have free access, under certain conditions, to a non-degree online course as an extra training option. This is highly relevant to the student’s academic and professional curriculum.
Application process
To send your application, visit the official website of the University of Coimbra.
Official website: CLICK HERE
See Other Scholarships in Portugal HERE
