Erasmus guide Universidade de Lisboa
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Universidade de Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal.
Study abroad at Universidade de Lisboa: overview
Study abroad at Universidade de Lisboa makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. The University of Lisbon (Universidade de Lisboa — ULisboa) is Portugal's largest public university, formed in 2013 by the merger of the Classical University of Lisbon and the Technical University of Lisbon, with over 50,000 students. Useful proof points: 50,000 students; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; Law, Economics and Management, Social and Political Sciences. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
50,000 students
International Mix
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Law, Economics and Management, Social and Political Sciences and are willing to check language, seats and campus rules before choosing. In lisbon, housing and the daily route matter as much as reputation.
Language of instruction: Portuguese (primary); English available at master's level and in some exchange-specific courses
Exchange & application at Universidade de Lisboa
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At Universidade de Lisboa, rules can sit at faculty level, so do not promise yourself courses before they are validated.
✅Requirements
Candidates must be nominated by their home institution's international office. A minimum GPA of around 3.0/4.0 or equivalent is typically required. Portuguese B1 or English B2 depending on course language. Verify specifics with your home university.
📨Nomination Process
Your home institution nominates you directly via bilateral agreement. After nomination, the host faculty sends the application package. Self-applications not accepted.
🧭Orientation Week
Events hub: https://www.ulisboa.pt/en/org/dpri/incomings
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | April 30 (previous semester) | May 31 |
| 2nd semester | October 15 | November 15 |
Arrival Checklist
- Register at your faculty's international office and collect your student card.
- Register at local municipality (Junta de Freguesia) if staying over 3 months.
- Register for courses via the faculty academic portal.
- Set up institutional email and intranet access.
- Attend mandatory orientation at your ULisboa faculty.
- Apply for NIF at Finanças and open a Portuguese bank account.
Academics & courses at Universidade de Lisboa
Academics combine ECTS credits, exam calendars and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, the real teaching language of each course and whether course lists can change before enrolment.
📝Course Registration
Each school has its own course catalogue. IST (engineering), FCUL (sciences), FLUL (letters) have the widest English offer.
🎓Credit System
ECTS-based, 30 credits per semester standard.
💯Grading System
Portugal uses a 0–20 scale. Pass mark is 10. Grades 14+ are considered good; 18–20 is distinction. ECTS grade equivalencies on official transcript issued by the international office.
✍️Exam Culture
ULisboa's 18 schools each set their own rules but most follow Portuguese semester rhythm: ~75% attendance minimum for undergraduate seminars and labs. Continuous assessment (midterms, papers, group work) weights 30–50%; finals carry the rest. Sciences and medicine tracks add strict practical exams. Recurso (resit) and época especial (special exam season) in February, July, and September catch failed modules.
📚Library Access
Library, learning platform and study spaces normally activate after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at Universidade de Lisboa
For exchange, separate home tuition, local admin fees, insurance and living costs. Full-degree tuition is a different category and must be checked on the official fee page.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 25–50) | Portuguese universities waive exchange tuition under Erasmus or bilateral agreements. Administrative fees €25–50 plus mandatory student insurance (~€15–30/ye… |
| Full degree – international | EUR 697–2,000/year | ULisboa public university: base fee €697/year for most Licenciatura, Masters €1,000–2,000. Same for EU and non-EU. Medical school higher ~€4,000–6,000. Large… |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | Check official fee page | Full-degree fees depend on programme, credits and region; do not mix them with exchange status. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | Check official fee page | Non-EU/EEA students can face different programme rules; verify the official page. |
EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 25–50)
Portuguese universities waive exchange tuition under Erasmus or bilateral agreements. Administrative fees €25–50 plus mandatory student insurance (~€15–30/ye…
EUR 697–2,000/year
ULisboa public university: base fee €697/year for most Licenciatura, Masters €1,000–2,000. Same for EU and non-EU. Medical school higher ~€4,000–6,000. Large…
Check official fee page
Full-degree fees depend on programme, credits and region; do not mix them with exchange status.
Check official fee page
Non-EU/EEA students can face different programme rules; verify the official page.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Universidade de Lisboa
Housing near Universidade de Lisboa should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Lisbon
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Universidade de Lisboa
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin mistakes from becoming blockers.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
🧠Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
EHIC (EU)
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Private student insurance (~€25-40/month for non-EU)
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus services
Portuguese Language Courses (CAPLE)
A1 to C2 courses for international students; some free slots for exchange.
Student Support Services (ULisboa)
ULisboa student support services: housing in 19 residences, health and medical appointments, subsidized dining, and disability/inclusion support for enrolled students.
Students Hub (ULisboa)
University of Lisbon students portal: academic support, practical student life information, campus services, and resources for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Student life at Universidade de Lisboa
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, ESN or faculty groups. Do not wait for the campus to do all the work; join repeated channels early.
Student Clubs
- Faculty-level núcleos de estudantes
- Tunas (traditional student music groups)
- Sports clubs at Estádio Universitário
Buddy Program
ESN Lisboa ULisboa buddy system
Sports & Recreation
- CDUL sports centre at Cidade Universitária; rugby, football, athletics, swimming.
Public Groups & Communities
ESN Lisboa ULisboa - main onboarding for all incoming.
AAC (Associação Académica de Lisboa) for broader student life.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Confirm your specific faculty - ULisboa is decentralised.
- Register at the faculty's international office for welcome pack.
- Join ESN Lisboa ULisboa.
- Apply for NIF at Finanças; open Portuguese bank account.
- Pick up Navegante Jovem card for public transport.
Key exchange dates at Universidade de Lisboa
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Fall/full-year nomination & application
Nomination by April 30; application by May 31
Check ULisboa incoming pages after home institution nominates.
-
2
Spring nomination & application
Nomination by October 15; application by November 15
Confirm intake timing with home institution international office.
-
3
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.