When it comes to hiring new talent for your tech team, computer science schools in Portugal play a crucial role in shaping highly qualified professionals.
[Editor’s note: this article was originally published in September 2022 and has been revised to improve clarity and relevance.]
Portugal produces plenty of high-quality talent in the technology sector. Choosing this talent while building your tech team can later have a significant impact on the results your company achieves.
In this article, we present the 7 best technology faculties (and their respective universities) in Portugal, which you may want to consider the next time you recruit for your tech team.
Including an IT professional who studied at one of these institutions is not a guarantee that they will match everything you are looking for—nor does it mean that there aren’t better candidates who acquired their skills elsewhere or in different ways—but it is, without a doubt, a strong indicator of quality.
Top 7 IT Schools in Portugal – What to Look for When Building the Best IT Team
Among the various computer science schools in Portugal, the ones offering the best programs and associated with the top-ranked universities are located in Lisbon and Porto. Based on this, extensive research, and feedback from IT professionals, we selected the following institutions:
- University of Lisbon – Superior Technical Institute
- Lisbon Superior Institute of Engineering
- University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE)
- University of Oporto – Faculty of Engineering
- Oporto Superior Institute of Engineering
- University of Coimbra – Faculty of Science and Technology
- NOVA University Lisbon
Below, we explore the programs offered by these universities and how they prepare their students to reach their full potential.
1. University of Lisbon – Superior Technical Institute
The University of Lisbon is a public research university founded in 1290. In 2013, the Superior Technical Institute merged with the University of Lisbon. This public institute, founded in 1911, is one of the most renowned Engineering schools in the country.
It is part of CLUSTER (a consortium connecting science and technology universities for education and research) and the UNITE! network, alongside some of the best Science and Technology schools in Europe.
Computer Science Programs at the University of Lisbon – Superior Technical Institute:
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science & Engineering
- Bachelor’s in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Master’s in Computer Science & Engineering
- Master’s in Information Security and Cyberspace Law
- PhD in Computational Engineering
What sets this university apart?
Computer science students at this university have access to specialized courses and to the most recent scientific and technical knowledge. The Computer Science Engineering students created an academic group that promotes numerous activities for personal and professional development, including workshops, internships, technical conferences, recreational activities, and other events related to their studies..
2. Lisbon Superior Institute of Engineering
The Lisbon Superior Institute of Engineering (also known as ISEL) was established in 1852. This public institute plays an important role in education, professional training, research, and public services that meet community needs.
Best Computer Science Programs at Lisbon Superior Institute of Engineering:
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science & Engineering
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science & Multimedia
- Bachelor’s in Electronics, Telecommunications & Computer Engineering
- Master’s in Computer Science & Engineering
- Master’s in Computer Science & Multimedia
What sets this university apart?
Students here build close relationships with their professors and receive a highly practical education. The school’s Department of Electronics, Telecommunications, and Computer Engineering (DEETC) is known for producing exceptional specialists. Graduates have an employment rate of nearly 100%.
3. University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE)
The University Institute of Lisbon was founded in 1972. It is a public, but privately managed university, with around 9,000 enrolled students across a wide variety of study areas including business sciences, social sciences, tech, and architecture.
Campus life offers a rich intellectual tradition that involves all kinds of educational perks from mentorship programs to access to cutting-edge research. There’s also a great multicultural environment: around 20% of students are international, from 80 different countries.
Best University Institute of Lisbon Programs:
- Bachelor’s in Software and Application Development
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science
- Master’s in Computer Science
- Master’s in Telecommunications and Computer Engineering
- PhD in Information Sciences and Technologies
What sets this university apart?
ISCTE’s IT students study within the Department of Information Sciences and Technologies, which is filled with specialized faculty members who aim to align their courses with labor market needs and current international policy. This results in an employability rate above 99% for bachelor’s degree graduates.
4. University of Oporto – Faculty of Engineering
The University of Porto was established in 1911. It includes 14 different schools, giving students access to a broad education across several fields. One of these is the Faculty of Engineering, founded in 1926, which has long dedicated itself to offering top-tier Engineering programs.
It has more than 9,000 enrolled students across its accredited programs, recognized both by the Portuguese Order of Engineers and by the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE).
Computer Science Programs at the University of Porto – Faculty of Engineering:
- Bachelor’s in Informatics & Computing Engineering
- Bachelor’s in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
- Master’s in Software Engineering
- Master’s in Informatics & Computing Engineering
- Master’s in Computer Vision
What sets this university apart?
Computer science graduates from this school are trained through real-world problem-solving. As highly qualified professionals, the faculty encourages students to learn by doing. Students learn to manage different types of IT projects, consistently delivering high-quality work.. Students learn how to manage different types of IT projects, providing nothing short of high-quality performances.
5. Oporto Superior Institute of Engineering
Oporto Superior Institute of Engineering is a public school founded in 1852. It is one of the oldest engineering schools in the country and offers undergraduate and graduate programs across all engineering fields.
Best Computer Science Programs at Oporto Superior Institute of Engineering:
- Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
- Bachelor’s in Telecommunications and Computer Engineering
- Master’s in Computer Engineering
- Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Engineering
- Doctoral Program in Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems Engineering
What sets this university apart?
Computer science students at this engineering school graduate with a high level of practical knowledge. The school’s motto is “Know how to do,” which reflects its emphasis on hands-on training to prepare students for the job market.
6. University of Coimbra – Faculty of Science and Technology
Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra is one of the oldest in the world and the oldest in Portugal. Since 2013, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It currently includes eight faculties across three campuses, 18 museums, and over 22,000 students.
The Faculty of Science and Technology (FCTUC), created during the Pombaline reforms, offers a wide and diverse educational portfolio, encompassing fundamental sciences and engineering.
Computer Science Programs at the University of Coimbra – Faculty of Science and Technology:
- Bachelor’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Master’s in Computer Engineering
- Master’s in Information Security
- PhD in Computer Engineering
What sets this university apart?
The Department of Computer Engineering promotes cutting-edge research through the University of Coimbra’s Center for Informatics and Systems (CISUC), as well as entrepreneurship and startup development through the Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN).
7. NOVA University Lisbon
Finally, one of Portugal’s newest universities, NOVA University Lisbon, was founded in 1973 in response to the growing need for higher education in Portugal, particularly in the Lisbon region.
It includes nine schools and institutes and has over 25,000 students, around 20% of whom are international, coming from more than 110 countries. The best computer science programs at NOVA are split between the Faculty of Science and Technology (FCT) and the NOVA Information Management School (IMS).
Computer Science Programs at NOVA University Lisbon:
- Bachelor’s in Information Systems and Technologies
- Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
- Master’s in Big Data Analysis and Engineering
- Master’s in Data Science and Advanced Analytical Methods
- PhD in Computer Science
What sets this university apart?
The excellence of education offered—particularly at NOVA FCT—translates into internationally recognized scientific output. According to faculty data, its current SciVal Citation Impact score is 1.35, meaning NOVA FCT is 35% above the global average.
Top 7 IT Schools in Portugal – What to Look for When Building the Best IT Team: Final Remarks
To build a successful tech team, you need to know how to identify the best professionals. One way to do so is by looking at their academic background—namely, the computer science schools they attended and the programs they completed.
Portuguese universities stand out in both European and global rankings, but when it comes to educating future developers and other IT professionals, some institutions shine more than others. Hiring graduates from the best IT faculties helps ensure your team includes professionals with a comprehensive education and strong practical skills.
Even so, we want to highlight that not all talented professionals studied at these universities—or even completed higher education—since there are many ways to enter technology-related careers.
Many skilled professionals didn’t study at these universities because they aren’t even Portuguese. Therefore, having a strategy for successfully hiring and retaining this talent is extremely important.
So, while academic background is definitely a parameter to consider when reviewing résumés, make sure you’re not overlooking potential candidates simply because they don’t hold a university degree. In the end, the most important thing is ensuring you hire the right people for your team, with the appropriate technical and interpersonal skills.
We hope this introduction to the best computer science schools in Portugal has been helpful. But if you’re still unsure how to hire IT professionals, count on KWAN’s experience to support you! Get in touch, and let’s explore your tech team’s needs together.