With its scenic and wide oceans, Portugal is one of the best choices to study abroad. It is home to the most prestigious and top universities. Moreover, it has some of the oldest universities where Law students can get their LL.B., LL.M., and Ph.D. degrees. Universities offer plenty of programs to their graduates and provide them with quality education and innovation.

Below are the five best law universities in Portugal.

Top Law Universities in Portugal

1. University of Coimbra

One of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra is a top law university in Portugal, and was first founded in Lisbon in 1290 where it was initially called “General Study”. It was in 1537 when the university was settled in Coimbra. The university is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site mainly emphasized by its great architecture and historical significance. With more than 700 years of operation, the university boasts of the “most sustainable institution in Portugal and in the 21st century.” Some areas of its focus include sustainable development, innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.

The University of Coimbra has more than 25,000 students and almost 2000 professors and researchers. It is composed of eight faculties including the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Humanities, and Faculty of Science and Technology.

The law degree in the university has three cycles: the 1st cycle or the graduate degree, the 2nd cycle or the master’s degree, and the 3rd cycle or the Ph.D. program. The law programs are Public and Private Administration, Law, and Administration of State-Owned Enterprises.

2. University of Lisbon

The University of Lisbon was founded in 2013 as a result of the merging of the University of Lisbon which operated since 1911 and the Technical University of Lisbon which was established in 1930. It is the largest and most prestigious Portuguese university. The university prioritizes intellectual freedom, democratic participation, societal innovation and development, and environmental responsibility.

The University of Lisbon has eight campuses and 18 schools and institutes including the School of Architecture, School of Sciences, School of Law, School of Agronomy, and School of Veterinary Medicine. It has over 50,000 students from the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees, almost 15,000 international students, and more than 6000 staff consisting of professors and researchers.

The University of Lisbon’s Law School is recognized as one of the best law schools in Portugal with its quality, accuracy, and innovation. It has LL.B. programs in the fields of Legal Science including Urban Planning Law, Environmental Law, and International Trade Law. Its LL.M. programs offer advanced courses in European Legal Practice and its doctoral and postgraduate programs specialize in new and interdisciplinary fields. The university offers plenty of opportunities to its students through various school conferences and partnerships with other institutions.

3. NOVA University Lisbon

Founded on August 11, 1973, the NOVA University Lisbon was established as a response to the rising demand for higher education in the city of Lisbon. Its mission involves contributing to the social and economic development in the country through various innovations in technology and interdisciplinary approaches. Its motto “Every city divided against itself shall not stand” instills unity in its constituents regardless of the differences. It ranked ninth among the university in Europe in the QS World University Ranking. Furthermore, it ranked top in the fields of Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, and Life Sciences and Medicine.

The university has more than 20,000 students and 1,800 professors and researchers. It has nine schools including the School of Business and Economics, School of Law, and School of Information and Management.

The NOVA School of Law has four years of studies for the LL.B. program. Its LL.M. programs include Master’s in Law and Management, Master’s in Litigation and Arbitration, and Master’s in Law and Financial Markets. Lastly, its Ph.D. law programs are Ph.D. in Law, Ph.D. in Law and Security, and Ph.D. in Gender Studies. Students in the School of Law can expect dialogued classes and monitored studies to ensure the development of critical thinking required the legal studies.

4. Catholic University of Portugal

The Catholic University of Portugal was established in 1967 by Decree Lusitanorum Nobilissima Gens. The university’s mission is based on three pillars: teaching, research and innovation, and university social service and responsibility. As a Catholic university, it aims to stand by its principles of Christian humanism while maintaining respect for diversity.

The university has more than 11,000 students and 1,200 professors. It has four centers located in Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Viseu. It is composed of 17 schools including the Faculty of Humanities, School of Arts, and Faculty of Education and Psychology. The first faculties to open are the Faculty of Philosophy and the Faculty of Theology. Times Higher Education World University and the World University have recognized the Catholic University of Portugal as the number one among the universities in Portugal.

The university’s LL.M. program offers degrees in Law in European and Global Context, Law in a Digital Economy, International Business Law, and Transnational Law. It also has global programs for Ph.D.

5. University of Porto

The University of Porto was established in 1911 and is known as one of the excellent law schools in Portugal. It is considered the top scientific research university in Portugal. It aims to provide quality education to its students and to contribute value to society through talent and innovation. The university consists of 14 faculties and over 50 research centers. It also supports international students together with its partnerships with other higher institutions from all over the world.

The university’s Faculty of Law (FDUP) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. It is known for having both degrees in Criminology combined with Law. The Bachelor’s degree is taken for three or four years, the Master’s is taken for two years, and the Doctorate for three to four years. Law students are equipped with intensive knowledge in legal and criminal studies to contribute to the legal practices in society.

 

We hope that this article on Best Law Universities in Portugal was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Law Programs for International Students!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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