Erasmus guide University of Porto
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Porto in Porto, Portugal.
Study abroad at University of Porto: overview
Study abroad at University of Porto can suit students whose course choices match the host faculty and whose language plans fit the catalogue. U.Porto reports more than 35,000 registered students and a wide offer across its faculties and campuses. Most courses are taught in Portuguese, so check the teaching language, faculty requirements, available places, and commute before applying.
Enrollment
More than 35,000 registered students
International Mix
14% of registered students, according to U.Porto's facts and figures.
Why students choose it
A good fit for students whose plans match courses at FEUP (Engineering), FEP (Economics and Management), FAUP (Architecture), or U.Porto's health and science faculties. Faculties are spread across several campuses, so check the teaching language, course availability, faculty requirements, and commute before choosing.
Language of instruction: Portuguese (most courses); check each course and faculty for English-taught options
Exchange & application at University of Porto
Begin with your home institution's nomination process, then complete U.Porto's online application with the required transcript and signed documents. The host application does not guarantee a place; wait for the official acceptance letter and confirm faculty-level course approval.
✅Requirements
The home institution's mobility coordinator signs the application and Learning Agreement. U.Porto requires a transcript of records; academic and language requirements are set by the host faculty. Check those requirements and course availability before applying.
📨Nomination Process
Coordinate first with your home institution and its mobility coordinator, then submit U.Porto's online application with the required documents. Submission does not guarantee a place; wait for U.Porto's acceptance letter.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Ask your home institution for its internal deadline; submit the U.Porto application by May 21. | May 21; results are announced during June. |
| 2nd semester | Ask your home institution for its internal deadline; submit the U.Porto application by October 15. | October 15; results are announced during November. |
Arrival Checklist
- Keep your U.Porto acceptance letter and follow the host faculty's enrolment instructions.
- Confirm course registration and the faculty-specific academic calendar.
- Arrange accommodation; U.Porto provides accommodation information after acceptance.
- Arrange the health cover required for your status; U.Porto lists EHIC, PB4, or private insurance options.
- Check Portuguese entry and residence formalities for your nationality and length of stay with the relevant authorities.
- Ask your faculty about student-card access and any transport discounts for which you may be eligible.
Academics & courses at University of Porto
U.Porto uses ECTS, but course language, prerequisites, assessment, attendance, and exam arrangements vary by faculty. Verify these details in the current course offer and with the host faculty before finalising your Learning Agreement.
📝Course Registration
U.Porto lists the teaching language for each course. Most subjects are taught in Portuguese; confirm English availability, academic requirements, and places with the host faculty before finalising your Learning Agreement.
🎓Credit System
ECTS-based; 30 credits/semester.
💯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
Assessment methods, attendance rules, exam dates, and resit arrangements vary by faculty and course. Review the course information and confirm requirements with the host faculty before selecting modules.
📚Library Access
Library, learning platform and study spaces normally activate after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at University of Porto
For exchange, confirm whether your agreement exempts you from host tuition or other payments; insurance, accommodation, language courses, and other mobility costs may remain. Full-degree fees vary by programme and student status, so check the current faculty fee table.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 host tuition when the agreement provides an exemption | U.Porto exempts students under Erasmus+ and certain cooperation agreements from tuition and/or host-institution payments. The exemption depends on the agreem… |
| Full-degree student | Programme-specific; check the current official fee table | Full-degree tuition varies by programme and student status. Check the current faculty fee table; do not use these rates for an exchange semester. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | Check the current official faculty fee table | Full-degree fees depend on programme, credits and region; do not mix them with exchange status. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | Check the current official faculty fee table | Non-EU/EEA students can face different programme rules; verify the official page. |
EUR 0 host tuition when the agreement provides an exemption
U.Porto exempts students under Erasmus+ and certain cooperation agreements from tuition and/or host-institution payments. The exemption depends on the agreem…
Programme-specific; check the current official fee table
Full-degree tuition varies by programme and student status. Check the current faculty fee table; do not use these rates for an exchange semester.
Check the current official faculty fee table
Full-degree fees depend on programme, credits and region; do not mix them with exchange status.
Check the current official faculty fee table
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 University of Porto
U.Porto provides accommodation information after acceptance, including university residences and private options. Check SASUP eligibility and availability, then match any private room to your faculty's campus and verify the contract before paying.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Porto
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at University of Porto
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
Confirm the coverage required for your status and mobility period with U.Porto and your home institution.
🇪🇺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
Check whether your EHIC covers your planned care and full mobility period; confirm details with the host International Office.
Private insurance
Varies by status / nationality
Before travelling, confirm with the host International Office that your policy meets the requirements for your status and mobility period.
Campus services
Portuguese Language Course (Falar Português)
U.Porto lists Portuguese language courses; confirm current eligibility, timetable, and any fee with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
Academic Support (Porto)
University of Porto academic support: individualized services for students before and after arrival, disability inclusion (NAI), and psychological support (PsiCA).
Student Life (Porto)
University of Porto student life: welcoming programs for new students, campus integration, housing resources, and SASUP social services for quality of life.
Student life at University of Porto
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
- Tuna Masculina da FEUP
- AEFEUP
- AE FEP
- FAP (Federação Académica do Porto)
Buddy Program
ESN Porto UPorto buddy system
ESN Porto FEUP
Sports & Recreation
- CDUP (U.Porto Sports Centre) - football, rugby, swimming, martial arts
Public Groups & Communities
ESN Porto UPorto - main onboarding.
ESN Porto FEUP - engineering-specific.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Identify your faculty - campus location matters.
- Attend U.Porto Welcome Week.
- Join ESN Porto UPorto or FEUP.
- Apply for NIF; open Portuguese bank account.
- Collect Andante Sub23 transport card.
- Enrol in Portuguese language course.
Key exchange dates at University of Porto
For 2026/27, U.Porto lists 21 May for the first semester or full-year application and 15 October for the second semester; results are announced in June or November. Your home institution may set an earlier nomination deadline, and faculty calendars can differ.
-
1
First-semester or full-year application
U.Porto application by May 21; results during June
Your home institution may set an earlier internal nomination deadline; U.Porto requires a signed application from the home mobility coordinator.
-
2
Second-semester application
U.Porto application by October 15; results during November
Confirm your home institution's internal nomination deadline and wait for U.Porto's acceptance letter before treating the place as confirmed.
-
3
Arrival and faculty enrolment
Check the current faculty academic calendar and arrive by the end of the first teaching week if you cannot arrive on day one.
The 2026/27 U.Porto guide notes that calendars can differ by faculty and gives the first teaching week as the latest arrival point.