Erasmus guide University of Porto
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Porto in Porto, Portugal.
Snapshot
Portugal's top research university and one of the country's largest — 14 faculties spread across Porto, with particularly strong engineering (FEUP), medicine, and sciences.
Why students shortlist it
Portugal's second-largest and most research-productive university, strong in engineering, sciences, economics, and architecture. Porto itself is the country's most photogenic city — and significantly more affordable than Lisbon.
Teaching languages: Portuguese (primary); English growing in engineering, economics, and 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. 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.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| May 15 | June 30 | |
| 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
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.
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 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… |
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…
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
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
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 & Erasmus 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 Dates
Fall/full-year nomination & application
Nomination by May 15; application by June 30
Check U.Porto exchange 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.