Abroadly

Catholic University of Portugal

Lisbon, 🇵🇹 Portugal Private Non-Profit
#1 National #781 QS World #801 THE
Catholic University of Portugal campus
13,154 students 24% international Multiple Campuses €5k - €10k/yr

About Catholic University of Portugal

The Catholic University of Portugal (UCP) in Lisbon is a private, non-profit institution recognized for its academic rigor and ethical values. Established in 1967, UCP has grown to serve a diverse student body across its various campuses. It is consistently ranked among Portugal's top universities.

Academics


UCP Lisbon offers a wide array of programs across key faculties such as Católica Global School of Law, Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Human Sciences, and Católica Medical School. The university emphasizes an educational model that promotes interdisciplinarity, critical thinking, and a balance of research and teaching. Notable programs include those in business and economics, law, biotechnology, bioethics, and social sciences. The Faculty of Human Sciences, for example, offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs in communication sciences, culture studies, philosophy, social sciences, and psychology.

International Students


UCP provides various support services for international students, including assistance with accommodation referrals. Many programs are taught entirely in English, such as the International Undergraduate Programs in Business Administration, Economics & Finance, and Management & Data Analytics. The university fosters a diverse environment, hosting students from over 70 nationalities. Cultural integration is encouraged through initiatives like Cultura@Católica, which promotes art and culture within the academic environment and extends to public spaces. Student organizations, including international clubs, also play a crucial role in helping international students integrate.

Campus & Location


The main campus of UCP is located in Palma de Cima, in the center of Lisbon, housing 8 of its 19 faculties. Lisbon itself is a vibrant city known for its mild weather, an average of 290 days of sunshine per year, and picturesque landscapes. The campus is well-served by public transportation, with nearby metro stations (Cidade Universitária, Laranjeiras, Jardim Zoológico) and bus stops. Students can enjoy nearby attractions like the Lisbon Zoo and are within easy reach of cultural sites, museums, and beaches.

Career Outcomes


UCP boasts a high employment rate, with 97.5% for undergraduate degrees and integrated master's programs in 2020. The university maintains strong industry connections, and its career services offer continuous support to students, including job fairs, workshops, and mentoring programs. For instance, the Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics has a careerNETwork platform that connects students with recruiting companies. Over half of the students at CATÓLICA-LISBON receive job offers before completing their studies. The university's alumni network also contributes to career development, with many holding leading positions nationally and internationally.

Highlights

  • Top-ranked university in Portugal
  • Highly prestigious Catolica Lisbon business school
  • Strong international academic reputation
  • Multiple campuses across Portugal
  • Strategic partnership with Vatican authorities
  • Extensive global research network

Subject Areas

BusinessLawTheologySocial SciencesHumanities

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Scholarships Available

Photos

Catholic University of Portugal photo 1Catholic University of Portugal photo 2Catholic University of Portugal photo 3Catholic University of Portugal photo 4Catholic University of Portugal photo 5Catholic University of Portugal photo 6Catholic University of Portugal photo 7Catholic University of Portugal photo 8Catholic University of Portugal photo 9

Programs Offered at Catholic University of Portugal (20)

Offers programs in:

Bachelor Programs (7)

Communication Sciences

Communication

Communication
study communication in Portugalcommunication program Portugalcommunication sciences programstudy communication in LisbonBS in Communication
36 months Portuguese Full-time

Economics

STEM

Economics

Economics
bachelor in economicsbachelor economicsstudy economics in portugalbachelor economics in portugalbachelor economics in lisbon
36 months English Full-time

Law

Law

Law
bachelorjurisprudencelawlegalportugal
48 months Portuguese Full-time

Management

Management

Management
business management degreestudy management in portugalbachelor in managementmanagement program portugalmanagement program in lisbon
36 months English Full-time

Philosophy

Philosophy

Philosophy
philosophy program in portuguesebachelor in philosophybachelor of philosophybachelors philosophyphilosophy in Lisbon
36 months Portuguese Full-time

Political Science and International Relations

Political Science

Political Science
bachelor in Political Sciencebachelor of in Political Sciencestudy Political Science in Portugalbachelor's in Political Sciencebachelor's Political Science
36 months Portuguese Full-time

Psychology

STEM

Psychology

Psychology
bachelor in psychologyundergraduate degree in psychologystudy psychology in portugalportuguese-taught bsc psychologystudy psychology in lisbon
36 months Portuguese Full-time

Master Programs (9)

Business Administration (MBA)

Business Administration

Business Administration
administrationbusinesscatholicgraduatema
21 months English Full-time

Culture Studies

Culture Studies

Culture Studies
masters culture studies in lisbonmasters culture studiesstudy culture studies in portugueseportuguese-taught masters culture studiesmasters in culture studies in portugal
24 months Portuguese Full-time

Finance

STEM

Finance

Finance
financegraduatemamastermaster's
24 months English Full-time

International Relations

International Relations

International Relations
diplomacyforeign policyglobal studiesgraduateinternational
24 months English Full-time

Master of Law

Law (Master's)

Law

Law
law program in lisbonlaw schoolmasters degree lawmsc lawlegal studies degree
24 months Portuguese Full-time

International Management

Management

Management
International ManagementManagementmastergraduateMS
24 months English Full-time

Marketing

Marketing

Marketing & Communications
catholicmarketingmasterportugal
24 months English Full-time

Applied Psychology

STEM

Psychology

Psychology
psychology degreemaster in psychologymsc psychologyportuguese-taught master psychologymental health career
24 months Portuguese Full-time

Theology

Theology

Theology
catholicgraduatemamastermasters
24 months Portuguese Full-time

PhD Programs (4)

Communication Studies (PhD)

Communication

Communication & Media
broadcastingcatholiccommunicationjournalismmedia
48 months Portuguese Full-time

Economics (PhD)

STEM

Economics

Economics
english-taught phd economics in portugalphds in economicsphd economics in lisbonphd economicscatholic university of portugal phd program
48 months English Full-time

Law (PhD)

Law

Law
phd in LawLaw phd programPhD Lawstudy Law in PortugalLaw phd Portugal
48 months Portuguese Full-time

Management (PhD)

Management

Management
phd managementmanagement (phd)phd in managementphds in managementdoctorate management
48 months English Full-time

Catholic University of Portugal Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6.5+ IELTS
95+ TOEFL
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes Fall
Application Deadline June 3rd, 2026
Tuition (per year) €5k - €10k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$300
Application Fee $175
Teaching Language English, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin
Student : Faculty 13:1
Accreditation
Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino SuperiorAgência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior (A3ES)Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD-EQUIS)Association of MBAs (AMBA)

Ready to apply to Catholic University of Portugal?

Abroadly helps you manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched to programs.

Apply Direct →

Frequently Asked Questions About Catholic University of Portugal

Common questions from international students considering Catholic University of Portugal.

What is the acceptance rate at Catholic University of Portugal?

Catholic University of Portugal is classified as "Moderate (40-60%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Catholic University of Portugal cost for international students?

Tuition at Catholic University of Portugal ranges from €5k - €10k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately €300/month), books, and living expenses.

What is Catholic University of Portugal ranked globally?

Catholic University of Portugal holds the following rankings: QS World #781, Times Higher Education #801, #1 in Portugal. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does Catholic University of Portugal have?

Catholic University of Portugal typically requires IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 95+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at Catholic University of Portugal?

Yes, Catholic University of Portugal offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does Catholic University of Portugal start its semesters?

Catholic University of Portugal has intakes starting in Fall. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does Catholic University of Portugal offer?

Catholic University of Portugal offers 9+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is Catholic University of Portugal located?

Catholic University of Portugal is located in Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for Catholic University of Portugal?

For specific details about Catholic University of Portugal, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does Catholic University of Portugal offer?

For specific details about Catholic University of Portugal, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

Need help applying?

AI-powered tools to manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched.