Universities in Portugal ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 85 Universities in Portugal

The Portuguese Republic is divided into 18 districts (Portuguese: distritos), which are further subdivided into municipalities (Portuguese: municípios), and includes 2 Autonomous Regions. The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in the most populated districts of Lisboa, which hosts the capital and largest city, Lisbon, and Porto. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings take into account all districts that include at least one Portuguese higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Aveiro (4)  
Azores (1)  
Beja (1)  
Braga (4)  
Braganca (1)  
Castelo Branco (2)  
Coimbra (5)  
Evora (1)  
Faro (2)  
Guarda (1)  
Leiria (2)  
Lisboa (28)  
Madeira (3)  
Portalegre (1)  
Porto (20)  
Santarem (2)  
Setubal (3)  
Viana do Castelo (1)  
Vila Real (2)  
Viseu (1)  

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Overview of Portugal Universities

Portugal's higher education system comprises universities and polytechnics offering diverse academic pathways. The country hosts 85 institutions total, blending historic universities with modern specialized schools. Public universities receive state funding and dominate top rankings, while private institutions offer alternative programs. Higher education follows the Bologna Process with bachelor's (3-4 years), master's (1-2 years) and doctoral programs (3+ years). Most instruction occurs in Portuguese, though English-taught programs are expanding rapidly to attract international students.

Top 10 Portugal Universities

1. Universidade de Lisboa (University of Lisbon) - UL | #1 in Portugal, #237 globally | Lisbon, Lisboa | Est. 1911 | Public | Comprehensive programs across all academic levels.
2. Universidade do Porto (University of Porto) - U.Porto | #2 in Portugal, #294 globally | Porto, Porto | Est. 1911 | Public | Comprehensive degree programs at all levels.
3. Universidade de Coimbra (University of Coimbra) - UC | #3 in Portugal, #414 globally | Coimbra, Coimbra | Est. 1290 | Public | Comprehensive programs including Portugal's oldest doctoral degrees.
4. Universidade Nova de Lisboa (New University of Lisbon) - UNL | #4 in Portugal, #593 globally | Lisbon, Lisboa | Est. 1973 | Public | Comprehensive undergraduate to doctoral programs.
5. Universidade do Minho (University of Minho) - UMinho | #5 in Portugal, #604 globally | Braga, Braga | Est. 1973 | Public | Comprehensive degrees across disciplines.
6. Universidade de Aveiro (University of Aveiro) - UAveiro | #6 in Portugal, #887 globally | Aveiro, Aveiro | Est. 1973 | Public | Comprehensive programs with technology emphasis.
7. Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE University Institute of Lisbon) - ISCTE | #7 in Portugal, #927 globally | Lisbon, Lisboa | Est. 1972 | Public | Specialized programs in social sciences and business.
8. Universidade Católica Portuguesa (Catholic University of Portugal) - UCP | #8 in Portugal, #1187 globally | Lisbon, Lisboa | Est. 1971 | Private | Comprehensive degrees with humanities focus.
9. Instituto Politécnico do Porto (Polytechnic Institute of Porto) - P.PORTO | #9 in Portugal, #1352 globally | Porto, Porto | Est. 1985 | Public | Specialized vocational and technical programs.
10. Universidade de Évora (University of Évora) - UE | #10 in Portugal, #1463 globally | Évora, Evora | Est. 1973 | Public | Comprehensive programs with regional cultural focus.

Analysis of University Types

Portugal's 85 higher education institutions divide between public (33 institutions, 38.8%) and private (52 institutions, 61.2%). Public universities dominate the academic landscape, claiming all positions in Portugal's top 7 and representing 88% of globally ranked institutions. Private institutions concentrate on specialized programs and professional training, comprising over three-fifths of total institutions but appearing only once in the top 10 rankings.

Global Ranking and Standing

While no Portuguese universities currently rank in the global top 200, 7 institutions (8.2% of total) place within the top 1,000 worldwide. These top-ranked Portugal universities demonstrate particular strength in engineering, marine sciences and history. The University of Lisbon (#237 globally) leads as Portugal's highest-ranked institution, followed closely by the University of Porto (#294) and historic University of Coimbra (#414). Collectively, these 7 universities represent Portugal's academic excellence on the global stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the oldest university in Portugal?
A: The University of Coimbra, established in 1290, is Portugal's oldest and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Q: Are public universities free in Portugal?
A: Public universities charge tuition fees, typically €700-€1,500 annually for EU students. Private institutions cost significantly more.

Q: How many Portuguese universities rank globally?
A: Seven Portuguese universities rank within the world's top 1,000 institutions.

Q: Do Portugal universities teach in English?
A: Many offer English-taught programs, especially at master's level. Language requirements vary by institution.

Q: What city has the most top universities?
A: Lisbon hosts four of Portugal's top 10 universities, including the top-ranked University of Lisbon.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Portuguese universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Portugal
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Portuguese post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Portugal
  Search for Portuguese higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Portuguese Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Portuguese town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Portugal
  Discover Portuguese public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Portugal
  Find out about Portuguese private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Portugal
  Explore Portuguese not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Portugal
  Look for Portuguese for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Portuguese Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Portugal have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Portuguese Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Portugal that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Portuguese Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Portugal are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Portuguese Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Portugal with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.