Portugal is a country in Southwestern Europe that occupies the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It is the westernmost country in Europe. It is one of the oldest countries in Europe, and one that has had a tremendous influence on the entire world, as it once was the most powerful colonial power on Earth. This has led to Portugal leaving a major cultural and linguistic influence on the world.
Today, Portugal is a modern nation that is looking to move on from its past and once again turn into an economic power, this time by focusing on education and development. With the ideal climate, standard of living, and many other factors, Portugal is a great place for international students. In this article, we will talk about the best medical schools in Portugal.
Can Foreigners Study in Medical Schools in Portugal?
Yes. In fact, foreign students in Portugal report some of the highest satisfaction ratings in Europe, and this includes medical students. Universities in Portugal are also very affordable, which is an added bonus. One downside is that English is very sparsely used across Portuguese, and this is especially true for medical programs. This is why learning Portuguese should be a priority if you wish to study in this country.
To find out everything there is to know about applying to a medical school in Portugal as an international student, you can read up on this page from the University of Algarve. You should also explore the programs on your desired university’s website, so you can familiarize yourself with the structure and overall plan for the course.
What is the most prestigious medical school in Portugal?
The University of Porto’s Faculty of Medicine is Portugal’s most prestigious medical school. It is also the most significant Portuguese university when it comes to research output. It was founded in 1911, and it is currently the second-largest in the country with over 30,000 students.
The University is especially noted for its contributions to medicine, and many world-famous doctors have graduated from here including Abel Salazar, Alberto Barros, Jose Leite de Vasconcelos, and many others.
Best Medical Schools in Portugal
1. University of Porto – Faculty of Medicine
The Faculty of Medicine is one of the founding faculties at the University of Porto, the best medical school in Portugal. It maintains its significance to this day, as one of the most important medical institutions in the country. There are currently around 1,000 enrolled students. The faculty operates out of the facilities of the Sao Joao Hospital in Asprela.
The medical degree lasts for a period of 6 years (12 semesters), which is the standard for most other EU nations. The highly qualified and experienced professors use various teaching methods depending on the subject including lectures, simulations, lab work, and more. There are also Master’s courses that allow students to focus on teaching or doing research.
2. University of Lisbon – Faculty of Medicine
Originally founded in 1911, the current University of Lisbon came about in 2013, after the merger with the Technical University of Lisbon. It is the largest university in Portugal with nearly 50,000 enrolled students. There is also a significant number of international students at this top medical school in Portugal. The University’s Faculty of Medicine consistently ranks at the top of ranking both in Portugal and beyond.
The Basic Medical Studies program is the main program of the Faculty of Medicine. It earns students the title of Master in Basic Medical Studies and allows them to enroll in a more advanced course for further specialization. After completing the third year of studies, students earn the title of Bachelor in Basic Medical Studies.
3. University of Coimbra – Faculty of Medicine
Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra is Portugal’s oldest university. It is located in the historical city of Coimbra, which is one of the best places to live in Portugal. The Faculty of Medicine lies in one of the three campuses within the university – the campus of Health Sciences, in the Celas neighborhood of Coimbra, close to the University of Coimbra hospital.
Just like other medical courses that follow the Bologna Process, the Master in Medicine course lasts for 6 years, in which the first three years are mainly spent learning theory, while the final three years are mainly spent at the University Hospital.
4. University of Beira Interior – Faculty of Health Sciences
The University of Beira Interior is one of the best medical schools in Portugal, founded in 1979. Although it is relatively young, it was able to quickly climb the ranks and become one of the most important higher education institutions in the country, awarding academic degrees in many different fields, including medicine, for which the university is especially known.
The Faculty of Health Sciences awards its students with a Master in medicine. The program lasts for 6 years and Is carried out across various health centers in and around Covilha – the city where the University of Beira Interior is located. The school constantly works on finding new and innovative ways of teaching.
5. University of Algarve – Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Founded in 1979, the University of Algarve is a university based in Faro – the southernmost city in Portugal. This top medical school in Portugal is a public university that has recently gone through a significant increase in its student population, making it a true up-and-coming institution that should be exciting for any medical student looking to start or continue their education. There are students from over 70 countries currently attending the university.
The medical degrees you can obtain from the University of Algarve are recognized everywhere within the EU and beyond, which means that you can pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. anywhere you want. The tuition fees range from 3,000 to 4,000 EUR and can be paid over up to a period of 10 months.
I hope that this article on the best medical schools in Portugal was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Medical Schools Category!
