If you’re considering heading to Portugal for your university degree, there are plenty of reasons to study at Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto. From its deeply ingrained humanistic values to the location in the heart of a vibrant (and increasingly international) European city, studying at UCP has plenty of attractions.

But what do students say about their experience? The university has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 on EDUopinions, with students giving particularly high scores to their professors (4.5) and the university’s internationality (4.3). The university’s high ratings mean Universidade Católica Portuguesa Porto Campus was among the best-rated universities in Europe so far in 2025.

So, let’s hear from some of those students about their reasons to study at Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto.

Top Reasons to Study at Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto

1. The work/life balance in Porto

Universidade Católica Portuguesa’s Porto campus is located in Foz Velha, just outside of Porto’s city centre. The privileged location means students can easily walk to some of Porto’s most beautiful beaches, such as Praia da Luz, during breaks from class, while also participating in a welcoming campus community.

Porto itself offers the perfect balance for students. The city’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring landmark monuments, wine bars, and fascinating museums. Between classes, you can walk along the Atlantic coast, explore cobblestone streets in the Ribeira district, or just relax with friends in a cafe or bar overlooking the Douro River – all at a fraction of the cost of studying in other European countries.

At the same time, Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto is known for its academic quality. The university is ranked among the top 300 institutions in Europe, while Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics and Católica Porto Business School are both triple-accredited institutions.

2. English Study Programmes and International Environment

Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto has a strong international mindset, making it easy for international students to integrate into the university’s community. There are English-taught programmes at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and international students can also take Portuguese language courses during their studies, improving their job prospects in Europe and other Portuguese-speaking countries.

Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto also has a strong focus on internationalisation within the broader student community.  In recent years, over one-quarter of Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto students have been from outside Portugal – overall, students represent around 110 countries. The university also has over 700 agreements with global institutions, offering students the chance to complete part of their degree or an internship abroad.

3. A focus on social responsibility

What kind of professional do you want to become? At Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto, the question isn’t just about what you’ll know, but who you’ll be and how you’ll contribute to society. The university was one of the founding members of the Observatory of Social Responsibility and Institutions of Higher Education, a network of Portuguese institutions that aims to explore how to better implement social responsibility policies in higher education.

Additionally, the university’s volunteer programme, CASO (the volunteer office of the Porto Regional Centre), was founded in 2002 and provides students with regular volunteering opportunities. Students can volunteer as little as 90 minutes per week, and there are positions available across a wide variety of organisations.

4. Immersive and practical learning

EDUopinions reviewers consistently mention the value of practical lessons that enable them to apply their studies in practice during their degrees at Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto.

Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto maintains strong partnerships with businesses, healthcare institutions, and cultural organisations throughout Porto and beyond, creating opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and networking that extend far beyond graduation.

This combination of practical learning, professional connections, and a supportive community creates an immersive educational experience that prepares you not only to pass exams but also to excel in your chosen field.

5. Building a mindset for the future

Here’s another compelling reason to study at Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto. In 2025, it was recognised as the most entrepreneurial higher education institution in the country by the Redstone University Startup Index 2025 – specifically, the European ranking positions Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto 1st nationally and 74th in Europe among 360 mid-sized universities.

This entrepreneurial culture isn’t confined to business programs – it permeates the entire university. For example, the university recently launched the Católica Centre for Thriving Futures, an organisation that brings together researchers from multiple disciplines to solve problems such as biodiversity degradation, workplace wellbeing, and low-carbon adoption.

Whether you’re studying biotechnology, law, or the arts, you’ll find yourself in an environment that encourages innovation, creative problem-solving, and the confidence to turn ideas into reality.

Conclusion

From its commitment to social responsibility to its status as one of the top universities in Portugal, studying at Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto provides students with practical skills, a supportive environment, and a network to build a successful career – whether in Portugal or elsewhere.

In particular, international students will find there are plenty of reasons to study at Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto. Earlier this year, we named the university one of the best universities in Europe for international students – the only Portuguese university to appear in the top ten ranking.

Recently, we spoke to 38-year-old international student Chukwuemeka Gerald Ugwuanyi about his reasons for choosing the city of Porto and Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto for his Master’s degree. However, you’ll also find lots more opinions from students about their experience at Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto on their EDUopinions profile.