Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve’s beaches are a major destination and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s–1800s, when Portugal had a powerful maritime empire. In this article we want to talk about best universities in Portugal and Portugal university rankings so read the entire article.

Best universities in Portugal

1. University of Porto

With origins dating back to the eighteenth century, the University of Porto is currently one the most prestigious Higher Education Institutions of Europe. Close to 32,000 students, 2,365 (1750 FTE) teachers and researchers along with 1,571 administrative staff attend its 15 schools and 52 scientific research units, spread across 3 university campuses located in the city of Porto. With 14 faculties and a business school, the University of Porto provides an exceptional variety of courses, covering the whole range of study areas and all levels of higher education. In fact, offering over 600 training programmes per year (from degrees to continuous professional training), the University of Porto has teaching solutions for everyone.

2. University of Lisbon

Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa) is the largest and most prestigious Portuguese university, and a major European university.

ULisboa has 18 Schools and over 100 research units, around 50,000 students, 4,000 lecturers, 2,500 non-academic staff and 400 degree courses. It is a major centre for teaching, research, innovation, sports, culture and art.

The inheritor of a seven century-old university tradition¸ ULisboa was created in July 2013, as a result of the merger of Universidade Técnica de Lisboa and Universidade de Lisboa.

ULisboa is deeply involved with Portuguese society and the Lisbon metropolitan area, accepting its responsibility to make the city of Lisbon one of the great European capitals of culture and science.

ULisboa welcomes every year more than 1,000 foreign students in search of high-quality education, and the culture, climate and hospitality that Lisbon and Portugal have to offer.

The quality of research, innovation and culture of the schools and research units at ULisboa attracts a growing number of international talents to create projects and research partnerships at the highest level.

ULisboa, a national and international leader, lives up to its motto: a University from Lisbon to the world.

3. Universidade Nova de Lisboa

Universidade NOVA de Lisboa is a higher education institution with internationally recognized research and quality teaching that ensures high levels of professional success to its students.

Founded in 1973, NOVA is the youngest public university in the Lisbon metropolitan area, with teaching units in Lisbon, Almada, Oeiras, and soon in Cascais. Its nine academic units constitute an incontestable cultural, artistic, academic and technological resource. NOVA has a strong tradition of work in areas of innovation, with corresponding outcomes in the economy, services, and in extracurricular training, establishing important protocols with its peers both nationally and internationally. NOVA also participates in several mobility programmes within the universe of European Higher Education Institutions, but also cooperates with Brazil, the Portuguese speaking countries and Latin-American countries, as well other regions of the world.

4. University of Coimbra

The University of Coimbra (UC), the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in the world, is also one of the best known and internationally celebrated, being a national landmark. With a history of more than seven centuries, presently UC has eight faculties, more than 40 research units and several other services that support the institution core activities – creation, critical analysis, transmission and diffusion of culture, science and technology. The university comprises three campuses, which accommodate more than 23000 students and 1600 teachers/researchers. Through research, teaching and services to community, UC contributes to the economic and social development, environmental protection, social justice and citizenship promotion and consolidation of knowledge-based sovereignty.

5. University of Aveiro

Created in 1973, the University of Aveiro quickly became one of the most dynamic and innovative universities in Portugal. Now a public foundation under private law, it continues to develop and implement its mission to provide undergraduate and postgraduate education, to generate research and promote cooperation with society.

Attended by about 15,000 students on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the UA has achieved a significant position amongst higher education institutions in Portugal, being one of the top universities regarding the quality of its infrastructures, the strength of its research and the excellence of its staff. The University of Aveiro offers a wide range of degree programmes in various areas of knowledge which reflect its multidisciplinary and innovative character and are designed to build student competences in scientific and technical areas that meet the emerging needs of business, industry and society.