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 makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. The University of Porto (Universidade do Porto — UP) is Portugal's second-largest university and one of its most research-intensive, with approximately 32,000 students across 14 faculties. Useful proof points: 32,000 students; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; Engineering (FEUP — one of Portugal's best), Economics and Management (FEP), Architecture (FAUP — ranked globally for design). Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
32,000 students
International Mix
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Engineering (FEUP — one of Portugal's best), Economics and Management (FEP), Architecture (FAUP — ranked globally for design) and are willing to check language, seats and campus rules before choosing. In porto, housing and the daily route matter as much as reputation.
Language of instruction: Portuguese (primary); English growing in engineering, economics, and exchange-specific courses
Exchange & application at University of Porto
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At University of Porto, 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. English B2 or Portuguese B1 as needed per faculty. 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
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | May 15 | June 30 |
| 2nd semester | October 31 | November 30 |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm enrollment and collect your student card at the faculty's international office.
- 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 U.Porto Welcome Week and faculty orientation.
- Apply for NIF at Finanças and collect Andante Sub23 transport card.
Academics & courses at University of Porto
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
FEUP (engineering) has broadest English catalogue; FEP (economics) and FLUP (humanities) also strong.
🎓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
University of Porto runs Portuguese semester rhythm with mandatory attendance for labs (aulas práticas) and tutorial groups. Continuous assessment (mid-term tests, lab reports, projects) typically weights 30–50%; final written exam covers the rest. Engineering (FEUP) and architecture (FAUP) programmes add intensive project crits and design juries. Recurso (resit) and época especial in February, July, and September.
📚Library Access
Library, learning platform and study spaces normally activate after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at University of Porto
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 950–2,500/year | U Porto public university: Licenciatura ~€950–1,400/year, Masters ~€1,500–2,500. Engineering slightly higher. Same rates EU and non-EU. Porto is significantl… |
| 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 950–2,500/year
U Porto public university: Licenciatura ~€950–1,400/year, Masters ~€1,500–2,500. Engineering slightly higher. Same rates EU and non-EU. Porto is significantl…
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 University of Porto
Housing near University of Porto should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
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
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 plans €25-40/month
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus services
Portuguese Language Course (Falar Português)
Free course for exchange students; intensive pre-semester option.
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
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 May 15; application by June 30
Check U.Porto exchange pages after home institution nominates.
-
2
Spring nomination & application
Nomination by October 31; application by November 30
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.