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University of Coimbra
University of Coimbra is a public university in Coimbra, Portugal, founded in 1290, with about 25,600 students.
- Type
- Public university
- Location
- Coimbra, Portugal
- Founded
- 1290
- Students
- 25,580
- Teaching language
- Portuguese, English (some programmes)
Data from the official website · last checked 18 Oct 2026 · How we collect data · Report an error · Is this your university? Claim it to update
Logo: António Augusto Gonçalves, Public domain
The University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra) is a public research university in Coimbra, Portugal. Founded in Lisbon in 1290 and permanently established in Coimbra in 1537, it is the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in continuous operation.
Its historic hilltop campus, including the Joanina Library and the Paço das Escolas, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. The university has eight faculties: arts and humanities, law, medicine, sciences and technology, pharmacy, economics, psychology and educational sciences, and sport sciences and physical education, with modern campuses known as Pólo II and Pólo III.
Teaching is mainly in Portuguese, with some English-taught master's programmes. Coimbra's academic traditions, such as the black academic dress and the Queima das Fitas festival, are an important part of student life.
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Frequently asked questions
What language are courses taught in at University of Coimbra?
Courses at University of Coimbra are taught in Portuguese, English (some programmes).
When was University of Coimbra founded?
University of Coimbra was founded in 1290.
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