University of Lisbon Logo University of Lisbon

Address: Alameda da Universidade, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
Phone: +351 21 798 9000
Email: info@ulisboa.pt
Website: www.ulisboa.pt


The University of Lisbon (ULisboa) has specific language requirements depending on the program and level of study (undergraduate, master's, or PhD). Since most programs are taught in Portuguese, proficiency in the language is often required, though some graduate and international programs are offered in English.

1. Portuguese Language Requirements

  • Undergraduate Programs: The majority of undergraduate programs are taught in Portuguese. International students are usually required to provide proof of proficiency in Portuguese, typically through exams like the Certificado de Proficiência em Língua Portuguesa (CAPLE). Some programs might offer a preparatory year in Portuguese for those who do not meet the language proficiency requirements.
  • Master’s and PhD Programs: While some master’s and PhD programs are taught in Portuguese, several are offered in English, especially in the areas of science, engineering, economics, and social sciences.

Accepted Proof of Portuguese Proficiency:

  • CAPLE (C1 or C2): For most Portuguese-taught programs, students need to have at least a C1 or C2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
  • Students who do not meet the proficiency requirements can often enroll in Portuguese language courses at ULisboa’s language center before starting their main program.

2. English Language Requirements

  • Programs Taught in English: For programs offered in English, students need to demonstrate proficiency through recognized language tests.
  • Accepted English Tests:
    • IELTS: Typically, a minimum overall score of 6.0 to 6.5 is required for most programs.
    • TOEFL: The score requirement is usually around 80-90 on the internet-based test (iBT).
    • Cambridge English Exams: C1 Advanced (formerly known as CAE) or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CPE) are also commonly accepted.

3. Exceptions

  • Some departments and faculties may have different or additional language requirements, depending on the nature of the program. For instance, if a program is more research-oriented, language requirements might be flexible if students can demonstrate proficiency in reading and understanding Portuguese or English for academic purposes.

It is advisable for international students to check the specific language requirements of the program they are applying to. The university also offers Portuguese language courses for international students who need to improve their proficiency.

The University of Lisbon (ULisboa) is the largest university in Portugal and offers a wide range of programs across its various faculties. Some of its key course specialties include:

1. Natural Sciences

  • Geology, Biology, and Chemistry: Known for strong research output in environmental sciences and sustainability.
  • Physics and Mathematics: Theoretical and applied research in physics, including space sciences.

2. Social Sciences

  • Political Science and International Relations: The Institute of Social and Political Sciences (ISCSP) is renowned for political science, sociology, and international relations programs.
  • Sociology and Anthropology: Focus on urban studies, migration, and cultural dynamics.

3. Engineering and Technology

  • Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering: The Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), part of ULisboa, is one of the leading engineering schools in Portugal and Europe.
  • Computer Science and Information Systems: Strong focus on AI, software engineering, and cybersecurity.

4. Law and Humanities

  • Law: The Faculty of Law is prestigious, offering international law and European law specializations.
  • Languages and Literature: Strong programs in Portuguese literature, linguistics, and translation studies.

5. Health Sciences

  • Medicine and Pharmacy: The Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy are known for biomedical research, clinical programs, and pharmaceutical sciences.

6. Economics and Management

  • Economics: The Lisbon School of Economics and Management (ISEG) is known for finance, business administration, and macroeconomics.
  • Management: It has robust programs in entrepreneurship, corporate finance, and marketing.

7. Arts and Architecture

  • Fine Arts: Courses in visual arts, multimedia, and design offered by the Faculty of Fine Arts.
  • Architecture: The School of Architecture is renowned for urban planning and sustainable architecture.

The University of Lisbon (ULisboa) is home to many renowned professors across various disciplines. Here are some of the top professors at the university, recognized for their contributions to research, teaching, and academic leadership:

1. Arlindo Oliveira (Computer Science and Engineering)

  • Position: Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST)
  • Expertise: Machine learning, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics
  • Accomplishments: Arlindo Oliveira is a leading figure in AI research in Portugal. He has authored the book The Digital Mind and is a former President of IST, playing a key role in advancing engineering education at ULisboa.

2. Miguel Tamen (Humanities and Literature)

  • Position: Professor at the Faculty of Letters (Faculdade de Letras)
  • Expertise: Literary theory, philosophy of language, comparative literature
  • Accomplishments: Tamen is a renowned scholar in literary studies and philosophy. He is well-known for his contributions to the field of semiotics and is a member of prestigious international literary and philosophical societies.

3. Manuel Heitor (Engineering and Innovation Policy)

  • Position: Professor at IST, former Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education in Portugal
  • Expertise: Science and technology policy, innovation systems, engineering education
  • Accomplishments: Heitor has been instrumental in shaping science and technology policy in Portugal. He has worked on various national and international initiatives to promote innovation, scientific research, and higher education reform.

4. Maria do Carmo Fonseca (Biomedical Sciences)

  • Position: Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Director of the Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM)
  • Expertise: Cellular biology, RNA research, molecular medicine
  • Accomplishments: A highly respected researcher in biomedical sciences, Maria do Carmo Fonseca's work focuses on the regulation of gene expression at the RNA level. She has received multiple awards for her research and is a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).

5. José Tribolet (Information Systems)

  • Position: Professor at IST
  • Expertise: Information systems, enterprise architecture, organizational engineering
  • Accomplishments: Tribolet is a key figure in the field of enterprise architecture and business process management. He has significantly contributed to research on how organizations manage information and has led several international collaborative projects.

6. Ana Paula Vitorino (Law and Maritime Policy)

  • Position: Professor at the Faculty of Law
  • Expertise: Maritime law, public policy, environmental law
  • Accomplishments: A well-known expert in maritime law, Vitorino has served in various government roles, including as the Portuguese Minister of the Sea. She has also contributed to major policy developments in ocean governance and environmental protection.

7. Carlos Fiolhais (Physics and Science Communication)

  • Position: Professor at the Faculty of Sciences
  • Expertise: Theoretical physics, science education, public understanding of science
  • Accomplishments: Fiolhais is a prolific author and communicator of science, having written numerous books and articles aimed at promoting scientific literacy. His research spans condensed matter physics, and he is a highly influential figure in science education in Portugal.

8. José Moura (Economics)

  • Position: Professor at the Lisbon School of Economics and Management (ISEG)
  • Expertise: Development economics, public policy, economic history
  • Accomplishments: Moura is recognized for his work on the economics of development and inequality. He has advised various international organizations on economic policy and development strategies, particularly in Europe and Africa.

The University of Lisbon has connections to Nobel Prize winners, though no faculty member has won the Nobel Prize while directly associated with the university. However, José Saramago, the first Portuguese writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1998), has ties to ULisboa.

Key Nobel Connections:

  1. José Saramago (Nobel Prize in Literature, 1998)

    • Connection to ULisboa: Although not a professor at the University of Lisbon, José Saramago, who won the Nobel Prize for his influential body of work in literature, is a notable Portuguese figure whose works are often studied in the university's literature and humanities programs. His connection to the country’s intellectual and literary community reflects the university's prominence in these fields.

  2. Nobel Collaborations in Science and Research

    • ULisboa’s research institutions, such as the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) and the Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), collaborate with Nobel laureates and leading researchers from around the world. These collaborations have advanced the university's research in fields like physics, biomedical sciences, and engineering, even if the prizes have been awarded to researchers from other institutions.

  3. Alumni and Research Contributions

    • Several ULisboa alumni and researchers have contributed to projects and research initiatives that were recognized by Nobel-winning discoveries, particularly in fields like medicine, chemistry, and physics. These contributions have strengthened the university’s global academic reputation.

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.

The University of Lisbon is famous for several key reasons:

1. Size and Prestige

  • Largest University in Portugal: With over 50,000 students and a wide array of faculties and research institutes, it is the most prominent academic institution in the country.
  • Prestigious History: Formed by the merger of the original University of Lisbon and the Technical University of Lisbon in 2013, it has a long academic tradition that dates back to the 13th century.

2. International Reputation

  • Global Rankings: ULisboa consistently ranks among the top universities in the world, particularly in Europe, according to major ranking systems like QS and Times Higher Education.
  • International Collaboration: The university participates in various academic and research networks such as the European University Association (EUA) and the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI).

3. Research Excellence

  • Leading Research Hub: ULisboa is renowned for its cutting-edge research, especially in engineering, technology, health sciences, and natural sciences. It hosts a large number of research centers and institutes that contribute significantly to scientific output in Portugal and internationally.
  • Instituto Superior Técnico (IST): A particularly well-known engineering and technology school, IST, is considered one of the top technical institutes in Europe.

4. Comprehensive Academic Offerings

  • Broad Range of Disciplines: ULisboa offers undergraduate and graduate programs in almost every field, from humanities and arts to science, technology, engineering, and health sciences. This breadth and quality of programs attract students from all over the world.

5. Notable Alumni

  • Influential Figures: The university has produced many prominent alumni, including government officials, scientists, authors, and Nobel Prize laureates.

6. Location

  • Prime Location in Lisbon: As the capital city’s major university, its central location makes it highly attractive for students. Lisbon itself is a vibrant cultural and historical city, which adds to its appeal for international students and researchers.

7. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

  • Strong Emphasis on Innovation: The university encourages innovation and has incubators and startup hubs that help students and faculty develop new technologies and businesses. It also has strong ties to industries and research institutions across Europe.