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University of Coimbra

Ranked
Coimbra, Portugal
401–500th in World University Rankings 2025
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About

Basic information and contact details for the University of Coimbra

institution

Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra (UC) is one of the oldest universities in the world and the oldest in all of Portugal. Up until the early part of the 20th century, it was also the only Portuguese-speaking university in the world. Built in the grounds of a former palace, its 16th century campus is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located in the historic city of Coimbra, the university is home to over 21,000 students, 10% of whom are international students, placing it among Portugal’s most international universities and lending the city a cosmopolitan feel.

UC is organised across three campuses and comprises eight faculties that offer a large and diverse academic portfolio. The university is particularly popular with technology and science students and the university is home to the largest science faculty in the country.

In keeping with its 700 year history, the university emphasises tradition alongside modernity and innovation.

Key features on campus include a theatre, sports facilities and stadiums, a publishing house, an astronomical observatory, a baroque library and an 18th century bell tower. The university also oversees a number of museums, including a science museum and a museum of sacred art.

The university lays claim to a number of unique traditions such as Queima das Fitas (Ribbon Burning), to celebrate the end of studies, and the tying of tin cans to the legs of new students to welcome them to the university.

Coimbra is regarded as a safe and friendly city to live in. Dating back to the Roman era, it is the fourth largest city in the country, situated on a riverfront, where medieval architecture sits alongside modern buildings.

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Impact Rankings

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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at the University of Coimbra

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
57 F : 43 M (1)
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International student percentage
18% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
19.9 (1)
student
Student total
22687 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2025

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Subjects Taught at the University of Coimbra

See below for a range of subjects taught at the University of Coimbra

Life Sciences251–300th

  • Agriculture and Forestry
  • Sport Science
  • Biological Sciences

Law101–125th

  • Law

Education251–300th

  • Education

Arts and Humanities151–175th

  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Archaeology
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • Architecture

Business and Economics301–400th

  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Business and Management
  • Accounting and Finance

Clinical and Health301–400th

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Computer Science501–600th

  • Computer Science

Engineering501–600th

  • General Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Social Sciences251–300th

  • Sociology
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Geography
  • Communication and Media Studies

Psychology201–250th

  • Psychology

Physical Sciences401–500th

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Mathematics and Statistics