Portugal is a country in southwestern Europe on the Atlantic side of the Iberian Peninsula, with hundreds of kilometers of beaches that attract many visitors. For students, the appeal also includes comparatively accessible public higher education costs, a rich cultural life, and the welcoming character of many university cities. Portuguese is the country’s official language, although English is commonly used in tourism and international settings.
However, as a prospective student in Portugal, it is best to familiarize yourself with Portuguese. It can help you build relationships and function in everyday life during your stay. Many bachelor’s and integrated master’s programs in Portugal are taught in Portuguese, and medical studies usually require Portuguese for clinical training. If you want to pursue medicine in the country, you should check each university’s current language requirements, as some programs require or expect Portuguese at B1 or B2 level by a specific stage of the degree. In this article, we will be looking at the best medical and health-related schools in Portugal.
Top Medical Schools in Portugal
1. University of Porto
The University of Porto Faculty of Medicine (FMUP) is one of Portugal’s leading medical schools. The faculty was established in 1911 and succeeded earlier medical teaching institutions in Porto, including the Medical-Surgical School. It originally operated in the old Medical-Surgical School building and later moved to the São João Hospital area at Asprela (Polo II), strengthening its links among education, research, and clinical care. The university welcomes international students and participates in mobility programs such as Erasmus+.
2. University of Coimbra
Established in 1290, the University of Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal. It was first founded in Lisbon and was definitively transferred to Coimbra in 1537. Its historic university area has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013 because of its importance to European and world academic culture. In 1986, the new Coimbra University Hospital (HUC) was built in Celas, and it remains important for clinical teaching, medical training, and health-related research.
3. University of Lisbon
Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), one of the best-known institutions for medical education in Portugal, was formed in 2013 through the merger of the former Universidade de Lisboa and the Universidade Técnica de Lisboa. The University of Lisbon includes the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, which is based at Hospital de Santa Maria. Its medical education and research are closely connected with major clinical and research institutions, including the university hospital setting and Instituto de Medicina Molecular. These links support the medical program and research environment the university offers.
4. Universidade Nova de Lisboa
NOVA Medical School, part of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, traces its medical education history to its first medical course, which ran from 1973 to 1980. The Faculty of Medical Sciences was established in 1977, and its early clinical training partnerships included Egas Moniz Hospital. Today, NOVA Medical School offers an Integrated Master’s in Medicine with 360 credits over 12 semesters, organized into two 180-credit cycles. Its curriculum combines scientific foundations, clinical training, and research-oriented learning for Portuguese and international students who meet the admission and language requirements.
5. University of Minho
The University of Minho was founded in 1973, and its School of Medicine was created in 2000. Despite being newer than some of Portugal’s older medical faculties, it has become an important medical education institution. Its medical degree follows the Bologna process and is designed around a student-centered curriculum that connects scientific knowledge, clinical practice, and research. The school also supports internationalization through university-level international student services and mobility opportunities.
6. University of Beira Interior
The University of Beira Interior has five faculties, including the Faculty of Health Sciences, which includes the Department of Medical Sciences. This public university offers an Integrated Master’s in Medicine as well as programs in Biomedical Science, Optometry and Vision Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gerontology, Biomedical Sciences, and related doctoral fields such as Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Biomedicine.
The faculty is committed to teaching, research, and internationalization in medical, biomedical, epidemiological, and clinical areas. Its programs are designed to develop technical and nontechnical skills needed by future health professionals and researchers.
Students also take part in pre-graduate and postgraduate training activities supported by academic staff, health professionals, research facilities, and clinical partnerships.
7. University of Aveiro
Another acclaimed Portuguese higher education institution is the University of Aveiro. It was established in 1973 and is known for its teaching and research environment. However, students should note that the University of Aveiro is best described here as a strong biomedical and health sciences institution rather than a physician-training medical school.
The university offers health-related study and research opportunities through areas such as Biomedical Sciences and medical sciences research. These courses are suitable for students interested in biomedical research, medical science, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, forensic science, public or private research institutes, and the development of biomedical products.
Students who want to become physicians should confirm whether a current Integrated Master’s in Medicine is available before applying. For students focused on biomedical science and medical research, the University of Aveiro remains a strong option in Portugal.
8. University of Algarve
The Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Algarve is one of Portugal’s important medical education providers. Its Integrated Master’s in Medicine is taught in Portuguese and uses an active-learning approach that includes problem-based learning, early clinical contact, and research training.
The Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences offers Biomedical Sciences at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as the Integrated Master’s in Medicine. The University of Algarve also has a School of Health that offers undergraduate programs such as Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Dietetics and Nutrition, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy, and Physiotherapy.
At the graduate level, the university also offers options in areas such as Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, and related health and biomedical fields. These programs are designed for students interested in clinical practice, health care, biomedical research, and health technologies.
9. University of Evora
The University of Evora was established in 1559, making it the second-oldest university in Portugal. Its School of Health and Human Development is an important health-related academic unit, although students should note that it is not the same as a physician-training medical school.
The School of Health and Human Development offers programs connected with health, human movement, biomedical and health sciences, psychomotricity, sports sciences, exercise and health, and related areas. These programs prepare students for health-related, research, education, and community-focused careers.
For example, the bachelor’s degree in Biomedical and Health Sciences is a six-semester, 180-credit program taught in Portuguese. The school also offers graduate study options in areas such as Exercise and Health, Psychomotricity, Sports Management, and related fields.
10. Higher School of Nursing, Coimbra
The Higher School of Nursing, Coimbra, is a public nursing school that resulted from the merger of two former nursing schools in Coimbra: the Escola Superior de Enfermagem Dr. Ângelo da Fonseca and the Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Bissaya Barreto. It provides higher education and professional training for students who want to become nurses and for health professionals who want to continue developing their skills.
Nursing students at this school are trained to practice according to professional ethics, protect human rights, respect patient privacy, and provide safe and appropriate care. They also learn to identify risk practices and use proper measures to protect patients.
Degrees offered at the Higher School of Nursing, Coimbra, include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and master’s programs in areas such as Medical-Surgical Nursing, Rehabilitation Nursing, Maternal Health and Obstetric Nursing, Mental and Psychiatric Health Nursing, Child and Pediatric Health Nursing, and Community Nursing. The school also offers postgraduate and specialization programs, as well as continuous training courses for health professionals.
FAQS About Studying Medicine in Portugal
Can International Students Enroll in Medical Schools in Portugal?
Yes. Portugal has a formal international student route for non-EU applicants to first-cycle and integrated master’s programs, and several universities publish specific international student admission calls. Medical schools that may accept international students include institutions such as the University of Porto, the University of Coimbra, the University of Lisbon, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, and the University of Minho. Admission requirements vary by university and year, so applicants should always check the current admissions notice for the program they want.
What is the Medical Curriculum Like in Medical Schools in Portugal?
Most public medical programs in Portugal are Integrated Master’s degrees in Medicine that students can enter after secondary school if they meet admission requirements. These programs commonly follow a six-year structure of 360 ECTS credits over 12 semesters. Clinical training is normally conducted in Portuguese, so language preparation is especially important for international students.
For example, the University of Porto’s Integrated Master’s in Medicine is structured over 12 semesters and 360 ECTS credits. The first 180 ECTS credits can lead to a degree in Basic Health Sciences, while the remaining 180 ECTS credits lead to the master’s degree in Medicine. In the later years, students focus increasingly on clinical subjects, hospital-based learning, and supervised clinical practice.
We hope that this article on the best medical and health-related schools in Portugal was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more information, check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
