As automation and digital systems continue to expand, many high school graduates are considering degrees in Computer Science. The field can lead to careers in software development, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other technology-related areas.
Many international students prefer to complete a Computer Science degree in a country where they may also want to work. Portugal has several universities offering Computer Science and closely related computing programs. Let’s take a look at the top schools offering computer science in Portugal.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Portugal
1. University of Lisbon
The present-day University of Lisbon was created in 2013 through the merger of the former University of Lisbon and the Technical University of Lisbon. Its institutional history can be traced to the establishment of Portugal’s first university in 1290. Today, the university has 19 schools, more than 51,000 students, and more than 11,000 international students.
At Instituto Superior Técnico, the University of Lisbon offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in Computer Science and Engineering. The bachelor’s degree, or first-cycle program, takes three years, consists of six semesters, and carries 180 ECTS credits. Its curriculum includes foundational coursework in Mathematics, Programming, and Physics, along with core Computer Science and Engineering subjects, humanities courses, and an integrative project.
The master’s degree, or second-cycle program, takes two years, consists of four semesters, and carries 120 ECTS credits. It includes core courses, elective options, an integrative project, and a dissertation that may take the form of a scientific thesis, company internship, or capstone project. The PhD program normally takes four years and carries 240 ECTS credits, including coursework and doctoral thesis research.
2. University of Porto
The University of Porto was officially established in 1911, although its academic roots extend to institutions founded in Porto during the 18th century. The university has 14 faculties, more than 35,800 students, and more than 300 degree-awarding programs. International students account for approximately 14% of its student population.
The Faculty of Sciences offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in Computer Science. The bachelor’s degree takes three years, consists of six semesters, and carries 180 ECTS credits. Its curriculum combines Computer Science with supporting subjects such as Mathematics and other sciences.
The master’s program takes two years and carries 120 ECTS credits. Students receive advanced training across several areas of Computer Science. The PhD program takes three years and carries 180 ECTS credits.
3. University of Minho
Established in 1973, the University of Minho has three campuses: Gualtar and Couros in Braga and Azurém in Guimarães. The university comprises 12 schools and institutes covering a broad range of academic disciplines.
The first-cycle bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Minho takes three years, consists of six semesters, and carries 180 ECTS credits. The curriculum provides a foundation in Computer Science and Mathematics and prepares graduates for employment or further study.
For graduate study, the University of Minho offers related computing programs, including a 120-ECTS, four-semester master’s degree in Informatics Engineering and a PhD in Informatics. Other related areas available at the university include Bioinformatics and Information Systems.
4. University of Aveiro
The University of Aveiro is a public university established in 1973. It currently enrolls more than 15,000 students and includes 16 academic departments and four polytechnic schools.
Computer Science and related subjects are available at several degree levels. The university offers a three-year, 180-ECTS bachelor’s degree in Computer and Informatics Engineering, as well as graduate programs such as the master’s degree in Computer and Telematics Engineering and the MAP-i doctoral program in Computer Science.
MAP-i is a joint doctoral program offered by the Universities of Aveiro, Minho, and Porto. It is taught in English and begins with a 60-ECTS curricular year, followed by approximately two to three years of research and thesis work. The degree may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
5. Nova University Lisbon
Nova University Lisbon, officially Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, was established in 1973. The university has nine schools and recorded 25,327 students during the 2024–2025 academic year, including 5,620 registered foreign students.
NOVA School of Science and Technology currently offers a standalone bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering, with Portuguese and English listed as teaching languages. It also offers a separate two-year, 120-ECTS master’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Therefore, the university’s current structure is no longer limited to the former five-year integrated master’s model.
The university also offers a PhD in Computer Science. The doctoral program normally takes four years and carries 240 ECTS credits, combining advanced training with original research in fundamental or applied areas of Computer Science.
We hope this article on the Best Universities for Computer Science in Portugal was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Computer Science Programs for International Students!
