Catholic University of Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Catholic University of Portugal (Universidade Católica Portuguesa, UCP) is a private university in Portugal founded in 1967 by decree of the Holy See and officially recognised by the Portuguese Government in 1971. It is a university of public interest with a humanistic educational approach that combines academic education.

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Lisbon, Portugal

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Experience Exceptional Student Facilities & Services at Catholic University of Portugal

The Lisbon Campus of the Catholic University of Portugal (UCP) is centred on the 37,000 m² Palma de Cima Campus, which serves as the university’s headquarters. The campus consists of three main building complexes housing academic faculties, the João Paulo II University Library, Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics and the university administration. Its infrastructure includes 11 auditoriums, classrooms, computer rooms, two studios, a nursing laboratory, libraries, restaurants, cafeterias and bars, a university bookshop, student services and a women’s residence. The campus also provides specialised facilities such as a Thomson Reuters financial-data room with Eikon terminals, television and radio studios, open-access computer areas, self-service printing facilities and multiple spaces for academic events and conferences. The João Paulo II University Library provides physical and digital research resources, reference services, interlibrary loans and information-literacy support. Students also have access to academic, financial, social and pastoral support services on campus.

Sports Offered

Football

Futsal

Volleyball

Basketball

Table Tennis

Surfing

Swimming

Activities Offered

Art

Clubs/ Societies/Organizations

Leadership Developing Activities

Sports & Recreation

Student Council

Tennis

In-House Facility

Basket ball Court

Fully equipped Gym

Swimming pool

Sports Pavillion

Football Court

Infrastructure

The campus also provides specialised facilities such as a Thomson Reuters financial-data room with Eikon terminals, television and radio studios, open-access computer areas, self-service printing facilities and multiple spaces for academic events and conferences. The João Paulo II University Library provides physical and digital research resources, reference services, interlibrary loans and information-literacy support. Students also have access to academic, financial, social and pastoral support services on campus.

Student Support

The Catholic University of Portugal (UCP) Lisbon Campus provides comprehensive academic, financial, personal and international student support. Academic Services assist with enrolment, academic records, insurance and diplomas, while the PROTEUS Office provides free and confidential support to students experiencing difficulties with adapting to higher education. The Social Responsibility Office offers financial assistance through tuition-fee reductions and support for applications to Portuguese government scholarships, as well as information on accommodation and access to mental-health consultations.

International students, particularly those at Católica-Lisbon School of Business & Economics, receive dedicated support with visas, health insurance, accommodation, mobility and settling into Lisbon through the Student Experience and International teams. Students also have access to IT support, digital learning platforms such as Moodle and Blackboard, library and research assistance, chaplaincy and volunteering opportunities.

Student Life

Student life at the Catholic University of Portugal’s Lisbon Campus combines academic, social, cultural, sporting and community activities. Students can participate in student associations, professional clubs, music groups, sports teams, volunteering and international activities. The Católica-Lisbon Students’ Union organises social events, sports activities and volunteering initiatives, while professional clubs provide opportunities to attend seminars, workshops, company events and networking activities. Students can also join musical groups such as the Católica-Lisbon Big Band, fado groups and traditional tunas.

The University also places emphasis on volunteering and social responsibility, with opportunities for students to participate in national and international volunteering programmes, including the FLY/VUELA summer service-learning initiative. For the 2026–27 academic year, UCP's Lisbon campuses have introduced a programme of welcome activities including volunteering, games, social events, faculty activities and welcome gatherings to help new students integrate into university life.

Student life at Catholic University of Portugal

Student accommodation at Catholic University of Portugal

Housing facilities (Accommodation)

The Catholic University of Portugal provides accommodation support for students through its Residência Universitária Feminina (RUF), a university residence primarily intended for female students, with priority given to Católica students. The residence has 70 single rooms with private bathrooms and three twin rooms, along with a dining hall, breakfast and dinner services, self-service laundry, gym, study room, group-work room, computers, Wi-Fi and garage facilities. Applications can be submitted throughout the year, although places are generally allocated in July.

For students who do not use the university residence, UCP provides information and assistance in finding private residences, shared apartments and student accommodation in Lisbon. Católica-Lisbon School of Business & Economics does not provide on-campus accommodation but gives international students lists of temporary and permanent accommodation options and accommodation partners, with the Student Experience team able to assist students in their search.

Other accommodation options recommended by UCP include Livensa Living Cidade Universitária, Livensa Living Marquês de Pombal, Coolivin and Nido, some of which offer preferential rates to UCP students through institutional agreements. For male students, UCP identifies nearby residences such as Colégio Universitário Pio XII and Colégio Universitário Montes Claros.

Student Safety

The Catholic University of Portugal’s Lisbon Campus has measures to support student safety and wellbeing, including controlled access to certain campus facilities, identification through the UCP student card and campus support services. At Católica-Lisbon School of Business & Economics, for example, access to the building after 8:00 p.m. is restricted to individuals identified with a valid UCP card.

The University also provides school accident insurance for students enrolled at the Lisbon headquarters, covering accidents occurring during university activities, curricular internships and university-authorised sports activities. In the event of a serious accident, students are directed to the nearest hospital, while other accidents can be treated at public or private healthcare facilities.

For international students, Católica-Lisbon provides guidance on health insurance, accommodation, health and wellbeing, and local safety. The University recommends choosing accommodation close to public transport and university or essential services. It also provides emergency information, including Portugal’s national emergency number 112 and details of nearby hospitals.

Career services at Catholic University of Portugal

Career Support

Catholic University of Portugal has dedicated Careers and Employability services that connect students and alumni with employers through career fairs, recruitment platforms, internships, workshops and mentoring. At the Porto campus, the annual RUMO Employability Event brings together employers from different sectors through company stands, recruitment lounges, networking sessions and discussions on current labour-market opportunities. In RUMO 2025, 68 companies participated across 76 stands, including organisations such as Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Danone, LG Electronics, Sonae MC and Voltalia.

At the Lisbon campus, career services include the Career Forum, Startup Fair and International Career Monday, while Católica-Lisbon School of Business & Economics provides employers with platforms to advertise internships and jobs, organise recruitment events, workshops, business-case sessions and job fairs, and interact directly with students and student clubs. Career offices also provide CV and interview preparation, personalised career counselling, mentoring and access to employment opportunities.