Erasmus guide Universidade de Lisboa
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Universidade de Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal.
Snapshot
Portugal's largest and most comprehensive university, with 18 schools covering everything from medicine to fine arts — and one of Europe's busiest Erasmus corridors.
Why students shortlist it
Portugal's largest university, a confederation of 18 schools covering the full academic spectrum — from law and economics to medicine and engineering. Solid research reputation and affordable Lisbon living costs make it excellent for Erasmus.
Teaching languages: Portuguese (primary); English available at master's level and in some exchange-specific courses
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. Portuguese B1 or English B2 depending on course language. 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.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| April 30 (previous semester) | May 31 | |
| October 15 | November 15 |
Arrival Checklist
- Register at your faculty's international office and collect your student card.
- 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 mandatory orientation at your ULisboa faculty.
- Apply for NIF at Finanças and open a Portuguese bank account.
Academics
Course Registration
Each school has its own course catalogue. IST (engineering), FCUL (sciences), FLUL (letters) have the widest English offer.
Credit System
ECTS-based, 30 credits per semester standard.
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
ULisboa's 18 schools each set their own rules but most follow Portuguese semester rhythm: ~75% attendance minimum for undergraduate seminars and labs. Continuous assessment (midterms, papers, group work) weights 30–50%; finals carry the rest. Sciences and medicine tracks add strict practical exams. Recurso (resit) and época especial (special exam season) in February, July, and September catch 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 697–2,000/year | ULisboa public university: base fee €697/year for most Licenciatura, Masters €1,000–2,000. Same for EU and non-EU. Medical school higher ~€4,000–6,000. Large… |
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 697–2,000/year
ULisboa public university: base fee €697/year for most Licenciatura, Masters €1,000–2,000. Same for EU and non-EU. Medical school higher ~€4,000–6,000. Large…
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 insurance (~€25-40/month for non-EU)
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
Portuguese Language Courses (CAPLE)
A1 to C2 courses for international students; some free slots for exchange.
Student Support Services (ULisboa)
ULisboa student support services: housing in 19 residences, health and medical appointments, subsidized dining, and disability/inclusion support for enrolled students.
Students Hub (ULisboa)
University of Lisbon students portal: academic support, practical student life information, campus services, and resources for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Faculty-level núcleos de estudantes
- Tunas (traditional student music groups)
- Sports clubs at Estádio Universitário
Buddy Program
ESN Lisboa ULisboa buddy system
Sports & Recreation
- CDUL sports centre at Cidade Universitária; rugby, football, athletics, swimming.
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN Lisboa ULisboa - main onboarding for all incoming.
AAC (Associação Académica de Lisboa) for broader student life.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Confirm your specific faculty - ULisboa is decentralised.
- Register at the faculty's international office for welcome pack.
- Join ESN Lisboa ULisboa.
- Apply for NIF at Finanças; open Portuguese bank account.
- Pick up Navegante Jovem card for public transport.
Key Dates
Fall/full-year nomination & application
Nomination by April 30; application by May 31
Check ULisboa incoming pages after home institution nominates.
Spring nomination & application
Nomination by October 15; application by November 15
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.