Catholic University of Portugal

Universidade Católica Portuguesa is the oldest non-state university in Portugal that is home to students from 113 countries. Founded in 1967 as a non-profit institution, it has campuses in four cities: Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Viseu.

Católica offers programmes across a wide range of fields—from medicine to the arts and humanities, from business and economics to biotechnology and the social sciences. Its academic community comprises more than 1,000 faculty members and over 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Recognized as Portugal’s most entrepreneurial university, Católica combines a strong focus on innovation with a vibrant campus life. With more than 3,500 international students representing 113 nationalities, it is the #1 university in Portugal for student diversity. 

Being a research-driven institution, several Católica faculty members are among the world’s leading researchers (World Top 2% Scientists Ranking). Its research units have been recognized as Centres of Excellence by the Portuguese Science Foundation (2025 research assessment) in the fields of arts and humanities, biotechnology and fine chemistry, business and economics, law, medicine and social sciences. It is also a member of numerous international research networks and currently holds the presidency of the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU).

Its alumni network comprises more than 70,000 former students, including a Nobel Laureate and numerous preeminent political and business leaders. Several of its alumni and faculty have led international organizations namely the European Commission, the European Council, the International Organization for Migration and the Vaccine Alliance Gavi. The Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, Cardinal Tolentino de Mendonça is also a former alumnus. 

Grounded on the humanist catholic tradition, its mission is to train individuals, to cultivate science, to renew the country and the world, and to lead by example. 

• 113 Student Nationalities
• + 70.000 Alumni Network
• Most Entrepreneurial University in Portugal (Redstone University Startup Index 2025)
• Home to Research Centres of Excellence in arts and humanities, biotechnology, business and economics, law, medicine and social sciences.
• 19 Schools

For more information visit: www.ucp.pt

If you would like to get in touch, please email info@ucp.pt