Coimbra is one of the major portuguese university cities. The city benefits from a worldwide reputation thanks to the history and excellence of its universities. Indeed, one university (the oldest in the country) and 4 grandes écoles offer a wide range of academic programmes in the area. In total, nearly 21,000 students are based in Coimbra. The latter is also very attractive to international students. Indeed, more than 3,000 international students choose to live a significant experience in this area, making it a very cosmopolitan university centre.

International mobility receives special attention in Coimbra. The city is part of the eponymous Coimbra Group, founded in 1985 and bringing together 40 universities working together to promote international mobility of its students and researchers. Other members of our network are also part of this group such as Monptellier and Poitiers.

Coimbra and Poitiers, which have a strong relationship through their twinning agreement, conduct joint projects to support international mobility of students. In fact, the Poitiers’ challenge, an initiative encouraging students to travel to their destination of mobility by eco-responsible way of transport, was organised with the city of Coimbra in 2022.

The city of Coimbra wants above all to show its students the rich history of the city and of the surrounding area. International students are particularly attracted by the city’s culture and way of life, as well as the student activities that punctuate daily life.