Erasmus guide University of Coimbra
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Coimbra in Coimbra, Portugal.
Snapshot
Portugal's oldest university and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (QS ~471–500, founded 1290) — 25,000 students in a medieval hilltop city known for fado, academic tradition, and one of Europe's most iconic university campuses.
Why students shortlist it
Historic public university in Coimbra, with a hilltop campus and strong options in law, medicine-related fields, sciences, humanities, economics and management. Good fit for students who want Portuguese academic life in a classic student city.
Teaching languages: Portuguese (primary); English-taught courses available for exchange students
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
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.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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
| 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 | €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
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
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
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 Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active UC Erasmus partnership. Portuguese language prep strongly recommended.
Nomination deadline (Semester 1)
May 31
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to UC GRI.
International Welcome
September
Attend — Sigarra, student card, UNESCO campus tour, and ESN events.
Queima das Fitas
May
University week festival — one of Portugal's largest student celebrations. Don't miss it if on spring semester.
Exam period
January / June–July
Confirm all exam dates before booking return travel.