Faculty of Medicine at the University of Coimbra (FMUC)

- Coimbra, Portugal
Abroad

General Information

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Coimbra (FMUC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in the world, tracing its history back to the university's founding in 1290. It is a cornerstone of Portuguese medical education, located in a city that is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its academic traditions.

General Info

  • Established: 1290 (one of the oldest universities in continuous operation).

  • Location: Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.

  • Degree Awarded: Integrated Master’s in Medicine (6 years, 360 ECTS).

  • Language of Instruction: Portuguese.

    • International Students: While some research and elective modules are in English, the core curriculum is in Portuguese. At the time of enrollment, students must provide a statement of A2 proficiency (Portuguese or English). By the 3rd year (clinical phase), students must achieve B1/B2 proficiency in Portuguese.

  • Accreditation: Fully accredited by A3ES (Portugal) and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).

Campus Facilities

  • Historical Hub: The Faculty is located in the "Alta" (Upper Town) of Coimbra, integrated into the historical university campus.

  • Academic Style: The curriculum is known for its rigorous classical foundation, increasingly integrated with modern research and problem-based learning.

  • Polo III (Health Sciences Campus): Most modern medical and pharmaceutical science activities take place at Polo III, a dedicated health sciences campus featuring high-tech laboratories and lecture halls.

    • Hospital & Medical Facilities

    Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

    Coimbra is a "hospital city," and FMUC is deeply integrated with the region's healthcare system:

    • Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC): This is the largest clinical center in Portugal and the primary teaching hospital for FMUC.

    • Exposure: Students rotate through highly specialized units, including the national center for cardiothoracic surgery, pediatric hospitals, and psychiatric centers.

    • Research Centers: Students have access to the CIBB (Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology) for cutting-edge clinical and translational research.

    Fee Structure

    State University Affordability

    As a public university, fees for non-EU students are significantly higher than for residents.

    • International Student Tuition: Approximately €7,000 per year.

      • Note: Some sources report up to €18,000 for certain specialized intake tracks, but the general international student fee for the Integrated Master's is currently €7,000.

    • Payment: Can be paid in a lump sum or in 10 monthly installments.

    • Application Fee: Approximately €50.

    • National/EU Students: Capped at the national limit of €697 per year.

    City Details

    • "The City of Knowledge": Coimbra revolves around its university. The student traditions, such as the Queima das Fitas (Burning of the Ribbons), are world-famous.

    • Safety & Atmosphere: It is a safe, medium-sized city with a very walkable historic center (though very hilly).

    • Transport: Well-connected by buses and trains to Lisbon and Porto (both ~1.5 to 2 hours away).

    Hostel & Mess

    • University Residences: The University of Coimbra (SASUC) manages numerous residences across the city.

      • Cost: Very affordable, ranging from €120 to €250 per month for shared or individual rooms (subsidized for scholarship holders).

    • Private Housing: Coimbra is known for being more affordable than Lisbon or Porto.

      • Shared Apartment Room: €250 – €450 per month.

      • Private Studio: €500 – €700 per month.

    • Mess/Dining:

      • University Canteens: A full meal costs roughly €2.80 to €4.50.

      • Monthly Food Budget: Expect to spend around €200 – €300 if using canteens and cooking at home.

    Miscellaneous

    • High School Requirements: Graduation from high school with strong marks in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

    • Entrance Exams: International students must take the Portuguese national exams or provide equivalent recognized scores (e.g., ENEM for Brazilians, IB, or A-Levels).

    • Portuguese Language Proficiency: A commitment to reach B1/B2 level by the start of the 3rd year is mandatory.

    • NEET (For Indians): Mandatory for students intending to return to India to practice medicine.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.

    The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.

    The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.

    Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.

    While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.

    Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.

    Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.

    We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.

    Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.

    Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.

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