Erasmus guide University of Coimbra
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Coimbra in Coimbra, Portugal.
Study abroad at University of Coimbra: overview
Study abroad at University of Coimbra makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. The University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra, UC) was founded in Lisbon in 1290 by King Dinis I and transferred permanently to Coimbra in 1537, making it Portugal's oldest university and one of the oldest in the world. Useful proof points: 25,000 students; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; Law and Jurisprudence, Medicine and Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
25,000 students
International Mix
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Law and Jurisprudence, Medicine and Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology and are willing to check language, seats and campus rules before choosing. In coimbra, housing and the daily route matter as much as reputation.
Language of instruction: Portuguese (primary); English-taught courses available for exchange students
Exchange & application at University of Coimbra
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At University of Coimbra, rules can sit at faculty level, so do not promise yourself courses before they are validated.
✅Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, academic transcript, learning agreement, language proof, and valid health insurance.
📨Nomination Process
Your home Erasmus coordinator nominates to UC's Gabinete de Relações Internacionais. UC then contacts the student directly with application instructions.
🛂Visa Support
EU/EEA students do not need a Portuguese visa. Non-EU students need a Portuguese long-stay student visa (Visto de Estudo) — apply at Portuguese consulate at least 8 weeks before arrival.
👥Buddy System
ESN Coimbra and UC Buddy Programme pair exchange students with Portuguese and Erasmus volunteers.
🧭Orientation Week
UC International Student Welcome runs at semester start — registration, student card, campus tour (including UNESCO buildings), and social events.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| First semester (Sep–Jan) | May 31 | June 30 |
| Second semester (Feb–Jul) | November 30 | December 31 |
Arrival Checklist
- EU: no visa but register with SEF/AIMA (immigration authority) if staying over 3 months.
- Non-EU: apply for Portuguese long-stay student visa at Portuguese consulate — allow 8–10 weeks.
- Register for Portuguese NIF (tax number) at Finanças office — needed for bank account and contracts.
- Get Coimbra bus pass (SMTUC) for city transport — very affordable, €20–30/month.
Academics & courses at University of Coimbra
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
Course selection via UC Sigarra (student portal) after admission. English-taught course catalogue available for exchange students. Learning agreement must be pre-approved by faculty. Build backup list.
🎓Credit System
Portugal uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS.
💯Grading System
Portuguese 0–20 scale: 10 = minimum pass. 10–13 = Suficiente, 14–15 = Bom, 16–17 = Muito Bom, 18–20 = Excelente. Grade conversion for Erasmus transcripts provided.
✍️Exam Culture
Final written exams at end of semester (época de exames). Continuous assessment varies by faculty. Law and Humanities often use oral components.
📚Library Access
UC General Library and faculty-specific libraries. The Biblioteca Joanina (1728) is UNESCO-listed — access for students is one of the great privileges of studying at Coimbra.
Tuition & fees at University of Coimbra
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 | €0 to UC (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to UC. Coimbra living costs: €500–750/month — one of Portugal's most affordable university cities, significantly che… |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | €697/year (Licence); ~€1,050/year (Master) | Portuguese statutory public university fees. EU students may qualify for social action grants (bolsas de ação social). |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | €3,000–7,000/year | Non-EU full-degree fees vary by faculty. Medicine highest. UC Scholarship Programme and FCT Research Fellowships available for eligible international students. |
€0 to UC (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to UC. Coimbra living costs: €500–750/month — one of Portugal's most affordable university cities, significantly che…
€697/year (Licence); ~€1,050/year (Master)
Portuguese statutory public university fees. EU students may qualify for social action grants (bolsas de ação social).
€3,000–7,000/year
Non-EU full-degree fees vary by faculty. Medicine highest. UC Scholarship Programme and FCT Research Fellowships available for eligible international students.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at University of Coimbra
Housing near University of Coimbra should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Coimbra
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at University of Coimbra
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 — EHIC + Centro de Saúde registration for EU; private insurance for non-EU visa.
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
SASUC (Serviços de Ação Social da UC) — health services, psychological support, and social welfare for UC students.
🧠Mental Health
SASUC psychological support and UC student counselling — free appointments for enrolled students.
EHIC + Portuguese SNS (Centro de Saúde)
Free after Centro de Saúde registration
Best option for EU students — Portuguese public health is free at point of use after registration.
Private insurance (Fidelidade, Allianz)
€150–350/year
Required for non-EU student visa. Also covers dental and private clinic access.
Campus services
Gabinete de Relações Internacionais (GRI)
Central contact for exchange admission, learning agreements, and arrival guidance.
SASUC (Social Services)
Housing, health, and social welfare services for UC students — essential first contact for accommodation.
ESN Coimbra
Very active ESN chapter — buddy matching, Fátima trips, fado evenings, and Queima das Fitas participation.
UC Sports (AADUC)
UC student sports association covering gym, pools, team sports, and student athletics.
Student life at University of Coimbra
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
- ESN Coimbra
- AADUC Sports
- Faculty republics (Repúblicas)
Buddy Program
ESN Coimbra and UC Buddy Programme pair exchange students with Portuguese and Erasmus volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- AADUC Sport facilities (gym, pool, courts)
- Mondego River rowing and kayaking
- Cycling routes through Serra da Lousã
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend UC International Welcome — Sigarra activation, student card, library access, and UNESCO campus tour.
- Register at local Centro de Saúde if EU — free Portuguese healthcare access.
- Get NIF (tax identification number) at Finanças office — needed for bank account and rent contracts.
- Attend a fado evening — Coimbra fado is a UNESCO Intangible Heritage and fundamentally different from Lisbon's.
Key exchange dates at University of Coimbra
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
Before nomination
Confirm active UC Erasmus partnership. Portuguese language prep strongly recommended.
-
2
Nomination deadline (Semester 1)
May 31
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to UC GRI.
-
3
International Welcome
September
Attend — Sigarra, student card, UNESCO campus tour, and ESN events.