Study in Lisbon (in English, Portuguese) - ISEP Direct
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience Lisbon’s blend of old-world charm and modern energy! One of the oldest cities in Europe, Lisbon invites you to explore its colorful historic streets, savor its diverse food scene, and enjoy easy access to the Sintra mountains and beaches along the Atlantic coast.
• Join one of Portugal’s highest-ranking universities with courses in both the College of Human Sciences and College of Business, with many taught in English. UCP’s business programs are internationally acclaimed, holding Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB and EQUIS), and ranking #25 on the Financial Times Business School list.
• Take advantage of UCP’s central location in Lisbon, with metro access across the city, and join a diverse student body—26% of UCP’s students come from around 110 countries, with half of all business students being international. UCP’s mission prioritizes helping you feel at home and fully integrated into the Lisbon community.
• Study and live in one of Europe’s most student-friendly cities! Affordable Lisbon offers strong English language integration and convenient access to the rest of Europe, making it a top destination for students from across the globe.
LIFE ABROAD
Renowned for its warm hospitality and rich history, Lisbon will make you feel right at home. With 290 days of sunshine a year, mild temperatures, and unforgettable cuisine, life in Lisbon is as easygoing as it is exciting. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with pastel-hued historic buildings, discover Fado, Portugal’s soulful national music, and soak in the vibrant energy that courses through the hilly city. Mainland Europe's only city along the Atlantic coast, Lisbon offers easy access to Portugal's diverse beach towns, whether you are seeking energetic nightlife or slow-paced seaside relaxation.
LIVE
Live in modern apartments in the heart of Lisbon, with easy access to campus via tram. Each student has their own room with a private bathroom, shared with a mix of international students from across the city and locals. Enjoy access to full kitchens, workout facilities, and social areas that make it easy to invite friends for dinner. Weekly cleaning, 24/7 reception, and on-site laundry ensure a convenient and comfortable living experience.
DINE
Prepare meals in your room’s kitchenette or in the fully equipped chef’s kitchens available in your apartment building. UCP offers affordable, subsidized meals when dining on campus, and the surrounding neighborhood is packed with a wide variety of dining options. Whether you’re trying Portugal’s famous seafood or cooking up a meal with fresh ingredients, the culinary possibilities are endless. Make sure to sample essential Lisbon dishes such as Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts), Bolinhos de Bacalhau (codfish dumplings), and grilled sardines fresh from the coast, often available at local cafés for under 10 euros.
EXPERIENCE
Your UCP program is filled with ways to explore and experience Lisbon like a local. Kick off the semester with a week-long orientation, enjoy welcome and farewell dinners, and take part in two excursions outside Lisbon, plus a local day trip. Cruise the Caparica Coast by bike after hopping on the ferry, or take in the sights aboard the iconic Yellow Tram 28E, Lisbon’s famous vintage electric tram that has crossed historic neighborhoods since 1901. With UCP’s proactive, student-centered approach—including a buddy program, local connections, and support—you’ll feel right at home.
EXPLORE
Discover Lisbon, a welcoming and vibrant city where you can visit the UNESCO-listed 1495 Monastery of Belem, explore colorful tile-making workshops, and experience the soulful sounds of live Fado performances. Wander through Lisbon, considered to be Europe's 2nd oldest capital after Athens, and take in breathtaking views from the city’s iconic seven hills. With over 250 music festivals each year, 59% renewable energy use, and easy train and air connections to the rest of Europe, Lisbon blends culture, sustainability, and unforgettable old-world, maritime charm.
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses
Course Description
UCP offers a robust set of courses specifically designed for study abroad students in English through their College of Human Sciences and College of Business. Additional courses are available for those who want to study in Portuguese, including content courses and Portuguese language courses.
Students can view courses available to study abroad students in the College of Human Sciences for Fall and Spring semesters. Students interested in studying business can view available business courses here.
Credits Earned
The courses listed in the links above are open to local and study abroad students, and are offered in English and Portuguese. Courses at UCP vary in credit amount, from 3.5 to 7.5 ECTS (Generally, 2 ECTS = 1 US credit). Courses in the College of Human Sciences are generally 5 or 6 ECTS (3 US credits). Credit amounts in the College of Business vary. Students can take up to 5 courses (30 ECTS, 15 US credits), and must enroll in a minimum of 4 courses.
Students may enroll in a Portuguese Language Course (beginner or intermediate) during the semester for 6 ECTS (3 US credits) at no additional cost. Students will complete a language evaluation upon their arrival at UCP for placement in the correct language level.
Sample Classes Available
Communication and Cultural Sciences |
Political Science and International Relations |
Portuguese Language Program |
Business Management |
Entrepreneurship | Innovation |
Creative and Cultural Industries |
Comparative Politics |
Culture and Globalization |
Organizational Behavior |
Lean Management |
Integrated marketing Communication |
Politics and Development of Contemporary Portugal |
Portuguese Contemporary History |
Strategy |
Social Entrepreneurship |
Memory and Culture |
Economy, Moral and Politics |
Portuguese Language Course Beginner or Intermediate |
Corporate Social Responsibility and Purpose Driven Communication |
Humanity's Biggest Challenges: SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions |
Investigative Journalism |
International Relations |
Language Histories |
The Sustainable Development Goals: Corporate Strategy from Micro to Macro Goals |
Entrepreneurship and Innovation |
Organizational Communication |
Macroeconomics |
Representation Theories |
Applied Problem Solving Techniques for Business Decision Making |
Creative Problem-Solving: the Path to New Products and Businesses |
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
Students arrive: End of January (Spring), End of August (Fall)
Classes start: First week of February, First week of September
Classes end: Last week of May, Third week of December
Exams: Mid to Late May, Middle of December
Tips for Finding Courses
Students will take courses in the College of Human Sciences and in the College of Business. Students can take all or some of their courses in the College of Human Sciences, though students can only take a maximum of 2 courses in the College of Business. The College of Human Sciences offers business courses as well, such as Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Mathematics for Business and Economics, as part of their Political Economy degree.
College of Human Sciences courses are available here. Select the semester you are interested in to see the full list of courses. Courses for 2025 - 2026 Academic Year will be updated in the previous Summer. Click on the name of the course in the linked PDFs for a course description and information on the professor. Students will enroll in at least 2 - 3 courses in the College of Human Sciences, or all of their courses, while at UCP.
College of Business courses are available here. Courses listed under the 1st semester are available in the Fall, and courses listed under 2nd semester are available in the Spring. If a course has a listed prerequisite, make sure that you've met that prerequisite with a course at your home institution. Courses for 2025 - 2026 Academic Year will be updated in the previous Summer. Students can only enroll in a maximum of 2 courses in the College of Business while at UCP.
When completing their course list, students must provide 7 - 8 course offerings they are interested in taking. This will help with flexibility of enrollment if there are timing conflicts with courses. Please balance courses between the Colleges according to the instructions above.
Please reach out to your Student Services Officer (SSO) if you have any questions about available courses.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
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