The Escola de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas at the Universidade Fernando Pessoa (UFP) is a distinguished private medical school in northern Portugal. While the university's main administration is in Porto, its medical and health-related clinical training often utilizes facilities in Gondomar, making it a unique academic environment that balances urban access with focused health science centers.
Program: Offers an Integrated Master’s in Medicine (Mestrado Integrado em Medicina), which is a continuous 6-year program.
Instruction: Primarily Portuguese. Most private universities in Portugal, including UFP, require international students to possess or achieve Portuguese proficiency (usually B2 level) by the time they start clinical rotations in the 3rd year.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Portuguese Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES) and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
USMLE/PLAB: Graduates are eligible to apply for USMLE (USA) and PLAB (UK) pathways, provided they meet specific ECFMG requirements.
Gondomar Hub: The health science campus in Gondomar features specialized clinics and simulation centers. It is designed to immerse students in clinical practice early in their education.
Facilities: The university operates its own Pedagogical Clinics (Dentistry, Physiotherapy, and Psychology), which serve the local community while providing supervised hands-on experience for students.
Research: UFP is known for its FP-ENAS (UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit), where medical students can engage in high-impact biomedical research.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
UFP maintains strong clinical protocols with several private and public institutions in the Porto Metropolitan Area.
Hospital Fernando Pessoa (Gondomar): This is a primary private hospital affiliated with the university, offering state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities.
Clinical Rotations: Students rotate through diverse specialties including Cardiology, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry, gaining exposure to both the private and public healthcare systems in Portugal.
State University Affordability
As a private university, UFP's tuition is significantly higher than public institutions but often more accessible for international applicants who did not take the Portuguese national exams.
Integrated Master’s in Medicine: Approximately €18,000 to €20,000 per year for international students.
Payment: Usually paid in 10 monthly installments.
One-time Fees:
Application Fee: €100.
Enrollment Fee: ~€500 (includes student insurance).
Scholarships: International students may be eligible for a 20% tuition fee waiver under specific "International Student Scholarship" merit criteria.
Accommodation: The university and the Higher School of Health do not have on-campus dormitories.
Student Housing: UFP provides a list of preferred partners (e.g., Livensa Living, AMRO Porto) which offer modern student studios for €550 – €850 per month.
Private Rentals: More affordable rooms in shared apartments in Gondomar or Porto can be found for €300 – €450 per month.
Mess/Dining:
On-Campus Cafeterias: Known as "Bars," these provide affordable lunches and snacks (approx. €4–€6 per meal).
Self-Catering: Most students utilize the well-equipped kitchens in private residences. Monthly grocery costs are typically €200 – €300.
Accommodation: The university and the Higher School of Health do not have on-campus dormitories.
Student Housing: UFP provides a list of preferred partners (e.g., Livensa Living, AMRO Porto) which offer modern student studios for €550 – €850 per month.
Private Rentals: More affordable rooms in shared apartments in Gondomar or Porto can be found for €300 – €450 per month.
Mess/Dining:
On-Campus Cafeterias: Known as "Bars," these provide affordable lunches and snacks (approx. €4–€6 per meal).
Self-Catering: Most students utilize the well-equipped kitchens in private residences. Monthly grocery costs are typically €200 – €300.
NRI Seats: There is no specific NRI quota. International students apply under the "International Student Statute."
Admission Requirements (2026):
Secondary School: Equivalent to the Portuguese 12th grade with high marks in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Entrance Exams: International students can often use their home country’s national exams (like ENEM for Brazilians or A-Levels/IB) for equivalency.
Interview: An interview is often part of the selection process to evaluate motivation and language adaptability.
NEET (For Indians): Mandatory for students wishing to return to India to practice.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus