Universidade de Coimbra


Image of Coimbra Program
Study abroad for a semester or academic year in Portugal through MAUI-Utrecht.
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
Language of Instruction: PortugueseEnglish
Program Type: Semester or Academic Year
Open to non-KU Students: No
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

  • Take a wide variety of courses in either English or Portuguese
  • It is possible to intern through the University of Coimbra while studying abroad
  • Study at a university that is a World Heritage Site

The University of Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal, and it is the largest higher education and research institution in the country. Originally founded in 1290 in Lisbon, UC moved multiple times until its permanent establishment in Coimbra in 1537. The university is divided into 8 different faculties that house a variety of disciplines each. The University of Coimbra actually organized the Coimbra Group, an association of research universities in Europe. The university has over 20,000 students in attendance, and it has the largest international student presence in all of Portugal. 

Coimbra, Portugal, located close to the western coast of the country, is home to around 150,000 people, making it the third-largest urban center in Portugal. Coimbra has some of the most beautiful architecture that dates back to the time of the Romans, but the city also has well-preserved aqueducts and cryptoporticus. From 1131 to 1255, Coimbra was the capital of Portugal, and since then, it has developed into a cultural center for the country and Europe as well. The University of Coimbra is listed on the World Heritage Site because of its architectural significance. 

Coimbra experiences a mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year. This means that the winter experiences a temperature range of 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In the Summer, temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

UC is divided into eight different faculties that are as follows: 

  • Faculty of Arts and Humanities
  • Faculty of Economics
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Pharmacy
  • Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
  • Faculty of Sciences and Technology
  • Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education

Students attending the University of Coimbra through a MAUI-Utrecht exchange are able to attend classes in any of the academic disciplines within these faculties except for Agricultural Sciences. Most main courses are taught in Portuguese, but this university does offer some English courses.

Students will register for classes in advance instead of upon arrival, but this is outlined in the application.

For more information, visit the University of Coimbra International Website

Students have the option to live in university residence halls for a temporary period of time. Students may also use private accommodations for housing, but this is done at the responsibility of the student involved. 

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

For more information on costs and deadlines, please contact Jenna Hunter-Skidmore at jmhunter@ku.edu or stop by the Study Abroad Info Center in 105 Lippincott for Walk-In Advising.

More information can be found here: MAUI-Utrecht Portugal