Erasmus guide Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto in Porto, Portugal.
Snapshot
Porto's main private university and home to the Porto Business School: strong AACSB-accredited business programmes, law, and biotechnology with deep internationalisation.
Why students shortlist it
The Porto campus of Portugal's leading Catholic university, particularly strong in law, business, and education. Compact, well-organised, and located in one of Europe's most liveable student cities.
Teaching languages: Portuguese (primary); English-taught options in Business and Law programmes
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
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 is usually sufficient for Porto Business School programmes. Verify specifics with your home university.
Nomination Process
Your home institution nominates you directly via bilateral agreement. After nomination, UCP Porto sends the application package. Self-applications not accepted.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| May 31 | June 30 | |
| October 31 | November 30 |
Arrival Checklist
- Attend UCP Welcome Day and collect student card at the International Relations Office.
- Register at local municipality (Junta de Freguesia) if staying over 3 months.
- Register for courses via the UCP academic portal.
- Set up institutional email and intranet access.
- Apply for NIF at Finanças and pick up Andante Sub23 transport card.
- Enrol in free Portuguese language course for exchange students.
Academics
Course Registration
Porto Business School (PBS) runs nearly all programmes in English with a highly international classroom.
Credit System
ECTS-based.
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
UCP Porto runs Portuguese semester rhythm with strong attendance expectations (80% in most programmes) and case-method teaching in business/law tracks. Continuous assessment (avaliação contínua) weights 40–60% — papers, group work, presentations; finals carry the rest. Business school cohorts use cold-call discussion and peer-graded presentations. Recurso (resit) window in February and July catches failed modules.
Tuition & Fees
| 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 5,000–9,500/year | UCP Porto is a private Catholic university — tuition ~€5,000–7,000/year for Licenciatura, MBA/Masters €7,000–9,500. Significantly more than public Portuguese… |
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 5,000–9,500/year
UCP Porto is a private Catholic university — tuition ~€5,000–7,000/year for Licenciatura, MBA/Masters €7,000–9,500. Significantly more than public Portuguese…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
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
Student Services (Católica Porto)
Católica Porto Business School student services: application support, academic queries, document issuance, proximity services, library, and employability guidance.
International Office (Católica Porto)
Católica Porto International Office: international student admissions, accommodation assistance, practical information, and support throughout your stay.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- PBS Finance Club
- UCP Porto Debate
- Volunteer programmes
Buddy Program
ESN UCP Porto buddy programme
Sports & Recreation
- UCP on-campus gym; city sports leagues
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN UCP Porto - onboarding for Católica exchange.
UCP Porto Students' Association.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend UCP Welcome Day.
- Join ESN UCP Porto buddy programme.
- Apply for NIF.
- Pick up Andante Sub23 card.
- Enrol in Portuguese course (free for exchange).
Key Dates
Fall/full-year nomination & application
Nomination by May 31; application by June 30
Check UCP Porto incoming pages after home institution nominates.
Spring nomination & application
Nomination by October 31; application by November 30
Confirm intake timing with home institution international office.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.