Universities in Portugal
In 1290, the very first university founded in Portugal was in Lisbon by King Dinis, which he called Studium Generale. During the first 247 years of its operation, it moved several times between Lisbon and Coimbra. Eventually, it settled in Coimbra and remained there as The University of Coimbra. The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities not only in Portugal, but in the rest of the world, as well. It now boasts one of the largest higher education and research institutions in the world. The university is divided up into eight different faculties. There were times throughout Portuguese history when it was the only University in Portugal at all.
Student Ribbons
Students wear a colored ribbon that identifies which faculty they are studying in. For example, the faculty of law is represented by a red ribbon. The faculty of medicine is represented by a yellow ribbon. This ancient university has maintained customs among its students for centuries. Among those customs is the Coimbra Fado, the ribbon burning ceremony upon graduation and, of course, graduation ceremonies. These customs are called Praxe. It is one of the things that sets the University of Coimbra apart from any other University in the world. Students are proud to participate in Praxe. Praxe is nearly as much of an attraction to the University of Coimbra as their excellent academic reputation.
Facilities and Research
In 1911, Lisbon became a University City again with the establishment of the current University of Lisbon. The University of Lisbon is a state-run facility featuring several faculties. Law, Medicine, and Sciences are taught there, among others, and research is conducted at Lisbon as well. Instituto de Medicina Molecular of the University of Lisbon is an accomplished research facility in the field of molecular medicine. It is one of the most noted research institutes in all of Portugal.
On January 9, 1976, the University of Azores was established. It is a state-run institution and the only University in the archipelago of Azores. The University has three campuses, in Ponta Delgada (So Miguel), Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira), and Horta (Faial). The main campus, Ponta Delgada, offers a concentration of different disciplines. The other two campuses offer specified training in agrarian sciences and oceanography.
Most Populated University