University of Lisbon
University of Lisbon is a public research university located in Lisbon, Portugal.
The history of the University of Lisbon can be traced back to 1290, when King Dinis of Portugal founded a studium generale in Lisbon. This studium generale was a place of study that accepted scholars from all over Europe and conferred a recognized degree. The studium generale was moved several times between Lisbon and Coimbra, where it settled permanently in 1537. However, the desire to have a university in Lisbon remained strong, and in 1911, the current University of Lisbon was founded, through the union of newly created and older schools, like the 19th century Polytechnic School (Escola Politécnica), the Royal Medical School of Lisbon (Real Escola Médico-Cirúrgica de Lisboa) and the Letters Higher Studies (Curso Superior de Letras). The University of Lisbon grew rapidly in the early 20th century, and by the mid-century, it was one of the largest universities in Portugal. In 2013, the University of Lisbon merged with the Technical University of Lisbon, forming the largest university in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe.
Today, the University of Lisbon is a leading university in Portugal and the world. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, and it is home to a number of research centers and institutes. The university is also deeply involved with Portuguese society and the Lisbon metropolitan area, dedicated to making the city one of European's great capitals of culture and science. The University of Lisbon has a long and rich history, and it has played a major role in the development of Portugal and its culture. The university is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education and to conducting research that benefits society.
Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, University of Lisbon is positioned as the #260 top university in the world, which makes it the #1 top university in Portugal. The university's global rank is improved by 6 points from last year.
University Profile
Get a quick snapshot of the university's key details.
| 2025 Ranking | #1 |
|---|---|
| University Name | University of Lisbon |
| Name in Local Language | Universidade de Lisboa |
| Acronym | UL |
| Year Established | 1911 |
| Motto | Ad lucem |
| Motto in English | To the Light |
Location
The university is located in Lisbon, Lisboa. Find the address and map of the university below.
| Address | Alameda da Universidade, Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal |
|---|---|
Contact
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| Phone | +351 217 967 624 |
|---|---|
| Fax | +351 217 933 624 |
| Website |
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| Click here to send email | |
| More Links |
Admission Info
Admission to ULisboa is competitive and varies depending on the program and level of study. Undergraduate applicants, including international students, typically need to hold a secondary school diploma and meet specific program prerequisites, such as passing relevant entrance exams. For graduate programs, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field and may be required to submit research proposals, letters of recommendation, or portfolios. Proficiency in Portuguese or English is necessary, depending on the language of instruction. Detailed application guidelines and deadlines are available on the university’s official website.
| Accepts International Students | Yes |
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Scholarship and Financial Aids
University of Lisbon provides various scholarships and financial aid options to support its students. These include merit-based scholarships for outstanding academic achievements, need-based assistance, and funding for international students. Additionally, ULisboa participates in the Erasmus+ program, offering mobility grants for exchange students. External scholarships, such as those provided by the Portuguese government or international organizations, are also accessible to eligible students. Prospective students are encouraged to explore these opportunities to make their education at ULisboa more affordable.
Programs and Courses
Get a quick overview of programs and courses offered at this university.
| Bachelor's Degrees | Master's Degrees | Doctorate Degrees | Diplomas | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arts & Humanities | n/a | |||
| Business & Social Sciences | n/a | |||
| Engineering | n/a | |||
| Language & Cultural Studies | n/a | |||
| Medicine & Health | n/a | |||
| Science & Technology | n/a |
Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.
View Course ListRanking History
The following chart shows how the ranking of this university in Portugal has changed over the last 5 years.