Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina

Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina The creation of a Católica Medical School has been a project of Universidade Católica Portuguesa for more than 20 years, but only now have the right conditions come together for its creation.

About Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina

Medical School begins its journey at a unique moment in civilization: a pandemic on a global scale that has imposed so many changes, difficulties, questions, and doubts that compel us to rethink two fundamental areas for humans: education and health care.

Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina – Table of Contents

About
Advantages
Ranking
Departments And Course Duration
Facilities And Infrastructure
Fee Structure
Required Documents
Eligibility Criteria
Admission Process
Benefits
Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students
FAQ’s

The Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) was established in 1967 by a decree of the Holy See, at the request of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, under the legislation of the 1940 Concordat. The first academic unit was the Faculty of Philosophy in Braga, which had been operating since 1947.

The creation of the Faculty of Medicine at UCP is a project that dates back more than 20 years, but it was only in 2018 that the conditions were in place for its realization.

Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions

For the fulfilment of this mission, and through the establishment of a culture that joins basic, translational, and clinical research to primary and specialized health care, Católica Medical School is dedicated to providing:

Impressive curriculum programs that will educate clinicians who will pair comprehensive scientific knowledge with highly sophisticated clinical and communication skills;

The capacity for self-learning throughout their lives, for educating exceptional professionals and for backing staff, as well as sensitive communicators who have a profound sense of social duty;

The solid surge of a multidisciplinary cooperation that will enable professionals to respond to technological and social advancements’ challenges, as allies of health systems;

Important joint research that will enable medical practice and health progress;

Universidade Católica Portuguesa is dedicated to creating motivating and innovative medicine education with close links to research, in order to develop health professionals with the ability to create knowledge, with strong ethical feeling and social commitment, who can contribute towards ongoing improvement in health care and towards the promotion of the well-being of populations.

Advantages of Studying in Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina

1.Innovative Curriculum with International Collaboration

Integrated curriculum: The six-year program is structured as an integrated encompassing 360 ECTS credits.
International Partnerships: The curriculum is developed in collaboration with Maastricht University, renowned for its medical education, and includes clinical training with the Luz Saude Group, one of Portugal’s largest private healthcare providers.
Student-Centred Learning: Emphasis on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodologies fosters critical thinking and self-directed learning.

2. Strong Focus on Research and Scientific Training

Research Integration: The program incorporates both laboratory and clinical research, promoting the development of clinician-scientists.
Research Opportunities: Students engage in various research projects, international studies on spinal cord injury and pain mechanisms.

3. English-Taught Program with Global Opportunities

Language of Instruction: The course is the first medical program in Portugal taught entirely in English, enhancing accessibility for international students.
Global Mobility: The English-medium instruction facilitates participation in international exchange programs and research collaborations.

4. State-of-the-Art Facilities and Clinical Training

Modern Infrastructure: The Sintra campus boasts a 10,000 m² facility designed for academic and research purposes.
Clinical Training: Students participate in semi-professional clinical internships, integrating into medical teams from the first year.

5. Commitment to Ethical and Humanistic Education

Core Values: The program emphasizes Christian humanism, aiming to develop healthcare professionals with a strong ethical foundation and a sense of social responsibility.
Community Engagement: Students are involved in community service projects, such as rehabilitating elderly care homes, reflecting the school’s commitment to societal well-being.

6. Early Clinical Exposure

Hands-On Training: Students start clinical rotations and patient interactions from the first year, gaining practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Integrated Hospital Access: Partnerships with Luz Saúde hospitals allow real-world experience in diverse medical specialties.

Latest Notifications:

Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina – Ranking

A great university translates its core values into social impact, measuring ambition with social responsibility, laboring not for the profit of the few but for the good of humanity. As a leading research university, Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) contributes to the strengthening of society by producing life-changing science, educated citizens and forward-looking entrepreneurs.

Over the past 50 years, Universidade Católica Portuguesa has drawn on the great tradition of Catholic universities to develop an internationally-minded transformational education and research model. Boast amongst alumni, a Nobel Prize winner, several of the world’s top CEO’s and political leaders, renowned scientists, Church leaders and social entrepreneurs. They are world leaders representing the quality of education and inspired by their alma mater’s determination in the pursuit of ethically driven, creative and innovative solutions.

As UCP celebrates its anniversary, it is planning for the future. Aim to continue to foster cutting-edge science, to innovative educational models and continuously improve on the quality of infrastructure. While doing so, act to empower the capabilities and creativity of students, inspiring them to do better, to aim high and to be professionally relentless in the pursuit of the common good. believe that a valuable education for the future is guided not by simple tradition, knowledge and opportunity.

Departments And Course Duration in Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina

Cell Biology – Covers cellular structures, functions, and processes relevant to human health.
Immunology – Essential for understanding immune responses, immunodeficiencies, and autoimmune disorders.
Toxicology – Typically offered as an elective or specialized course; focuses on harmful effects of chemicals and toxins.
Pharmacology – Core subject studying drug mechanisms, therapeutic uses, pharmacokinetics, and side effects.
Epidemiology – Examines disease distribution, patterns, and determinants in populations; important for public health.

Latest Updates:

Facilities And Infrastructure in Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina

1. Campus Building (Sintra campus)

Renovated in 2021, especially to include anatomy laboratory and bioterium.
Surrounding area improved for better access and parking.

2. Teaching & Learning Spaces

1 Auditorium (350 seats).
2 Amphitheatres (each ~100 seats).
12 Tutorial Learning Rooms with AV equipment + WiFi.
3 Study Rooms (capacity ~150 students, with individualised spaces).

3. Labs, Practical & Skills Training

Modern Anatomy Laboratory.
7 Rooms for Clinical Skills training & assessment with audio/video recording.

4. Research & Specialized Labs

6 Research & Teaching Laboratories, fully equipped (flow cytometry, microscopy, etc.)
Research labs include Microscope Lab, Histology Lab.

5. Library & Study Spaces

Biomedical / Health Sciences specialized library with ~4,175 titles; multiple study rooms.
Open Spaces with computers + network/internet.

6. Clinical Training & Partnerships

Protocol with Hospital Amadora-Sintra for clinical rotations (from year 4 onward).
Part of Clinical Academic Centre (Católica-Luz) integrating teaching, clinical practice, research.

Official site For Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina: Click Here

Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina Fee Structure

Estimated fee between 70 lakhs to 80 lakhs

Required Documents For Admission in Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina

Passport-Type Photograph

Recent, standard passport-size photo.

Identification Documents

Passport: Valid and up-to-date.
Tax Identification Number: Proof of fiscal identification (e.g., PAN card or equivalent).
Declaration of International Student Status: A sworn statement confirming eligibility as an international student.

Secondary Education Documents

Diploma and Transcript: Official records detailing subjects undertaken, grades achieved, and final classification.
Grading Scale data: A declaration from the issuing institution explaining the grading system and minimum passing marks.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Evidence of proficiency in English, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent, unless studnet secondary education was conducted in English.

Medical Declaration

A completed form certifying the absence of any mental, sensory, or motor deficiencies that could impede learning or communication. This declaration does not influence the admission score.

Eligibility Criteria For Admission in Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina

Nationality Requirements

Must be a non-EU national.
Should not have resided in Portugal continuously for more than 2 years by Jan 1 of the academic year.

Academic Qualifications

Secondary education completed or equivalent.
Certificate of Equivalence to Portuguese secondary education
Required subjects: Biology & Geology, Physics

Entrance Exams

Portuguese national exams or equivalent from your country.
Minimum score: 140/200 per subject.
Internal exams conducted by Católica Medical School if required.

English Language Proficiency

Minimum CEFR level: C1.
Accepted tests: IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 94, Cambridge CAE/CPE 180, Aptis ESOL Advanced.
Exemptions if secondary education was in English.

Medical Declaration

Confirms absence of mental, sensory, or motor deficiencies.
Does not affect admission score.

Admission Process For Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina

Online Application

Complete the application form.
Provide accurate personal and academic records.

Document Submission

Upload scanned copies of required documents:
Passport-type photo
Passport/ID
Academic transcripts & certificates
Proof of English proficiency
Medical declaration
Motivation letter/portfolio

Entrance Exam (if applicable)

Required if secondary qualifications are not equivalent to Portuguese exams.
Subjects: Biology & Geology, Physics & Chemistry, Mathematics.
Conducted in English.

Ranking & Selection

Based on academic performance, entrance exam (if any), interview, and motivation letter.
Competitive selection process.

Final Document Verification

Submit original documents after receiving an admission offer.
Documents must be legalized and translated into Portuguese or English if necessary

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Benefits of Studying in Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina

1. Modern and Student-Centred Pedagogy

The programme opted for PBL to enhance active learning, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving instead of just learning by heart.
Integrated curriculum modules instead of rigidly discrete disciplines, enabling the student to appreciate interrelations between anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc.

2. Solid Clinical Exposure Early On & A Broad Clinical Network

Students gain exposure to clinical skills and semi-professional level clinical internships during early years.
Clinical rotations include partnerships with Grupo Luz Saude (a big private health group), Hospital da Luz Lisboa (internationally accredited), and several public health units in Lisbon.

3. Research Potentials & Research Integration

There is delivery of pragmatic medical training along with laboratory and clinical research as a major emphasis. Graduates may forage for positions as clinician-scientists.
Research centres were explicitly set up: CIIS (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Investigation Centre), CBI (Católica Biomedical Research Institute), and also an online platform for translational clinical research.

4. Reputation & Recognition

UCP is frequently ranked among the top universities in Portugal in Times Higher Education rankings.
The medical course has accreditation from the Portuguese accreditation agency (A3ES), which is critical for legal recognition of the degree.

Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students in Universidade Católica Portuguesa Faculdade de Medicina

1. International Recognition & Accreditation

European Union Recognition: The Integrated Master in Medicine is regulated at the European level, ensuring that the medical.
Global Recognition: Universidad Católica Portuguesa is recognized as the best Portuguese university according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings from 2021 to 2023, enhancing the global credibility of its degrees.

2. Emphasis on Research & Scientific Method

Research Integration: The curriculum includes both laboratory and clinical research, stimulating education in the scientific method and facilitating the training of clinician-scientists.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Sintra campus boasts a 10,000 m² facility designed for academic and research purposes, equipped with modern infrastructure to support scientific endeavours.

3. Strong Institutional Reputation

Established Legacy: Universidade Católica Portuguesa has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and has educated numerous influential leaders, scientists, and professionals, underscoring the quality of education provided.
Comprehensive Support Services: The university offers various support services, academic advising, career counselling, and student wellness programs, ensuring a holistic educational experience.

4. Strategic Location in Lisbon Metropolitan Area

Proximity to Healthcare Hubs: Situated in the Lisbon metropolitan area, students have access to a wide range of hospitals, clinics, and research institutions, enhancing clinical training opportunities.
Cultural and Professional Opportunities: The location offers a vibrant cultural scene and numerous professional networking opportunities, enriching both personal and professional development.

FAQ’s

Do I need to know Portuguese before joining?

The program is fully taught in English.
Basic Portuguese is recommended for clinical rotations and interacting with patients in local hospitals.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio?

The school maintains small tutorial groups for Problem-Based Learning (PBL), ensuring personalized attention and effective mentoring.

Are internships and clinical rotations part of the program?

Yes, students start clinical exposure from the first year.
Rotations take place in partnership with Luz Saúde hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Is housing provided for international students?

The university assists in arranging accommodation but does not guarantee on-campus housing.
Options include university-affiliated residences or private apartments nearby.

How is student performance assessed?

Continuous assessment through PBL sessions, written exams, practical evaluations, and clinical performance.
Emphasis is on holistic development, not just exam results.