The Faculty of Biotechnology (ESB) of Universidade Católica Portuguesa is now accepting applications for its undergraduate programs for the 2026/27 academic year. If you are considering studying Bioengineering, Nutrition Sciences, Science and Society, or Microbiology, now is the time to apply.
This three-year degree program (180 ECTS, spread over six semesters) offers three specialization tracks:
Food Engineering. For students interested in applying science and technology to the agri-food sector.
Environmental Engineering. Focused on resource management, waste treatment, and sustainability.
Biomedical Engineering. At the intersection of biology and medicine, with applications in diagnostics and therapeutics.
Admission requires Mathematics A combined with either Biology and Geology or Physics and Chemistry.
A degree designed for those who believe that nutrition is a key pillar of health. Graduates are prepared to work in clinical, community, and food industry settings.
Applicants must have completed one of the following combinations of entrance examinations:
Biology and Geology + Mathematics (A or B)
Biology and Geology + Physics and Chemistry
Biology and Geology + Portuguese
An interdisciplinary and contemporary program that combines science, humanities, and critical thinking. Ideal for students who want to understand the role of science in today's world and actively contribute to it.
Admission requires two subjects chosen from:
Biology and Geology
Physics and Chemistry
Mathematics (A or B)
Portuguese
Dedicated to the study of microorganisms and their applications in health, environmental sciences, and biotechnology. This is a field with growing demand across sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals to the food industry.
Admission requires two subjects chosen from:
Biology and Geology
Physics and Chemistry
Mathematics (A or B)
Portuguese
Who can apply?
Several application pathways are available depending on the applicant's profile.
General admission
For Portuguese and European Union applicants who have completed secondary education. Applicants must have taken the required national examinations in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026.
Transfer students
For students who have attended, but not completed, a higher education program and wish to change institution or field of study.
Holders of a higher education degree
For applicants who already hold a bachelor's degree or other higher education qualification and wish to pursue a second degree.
Applicants aged 23 and over
For candidates who do not meet the previous requirements but can demonstrate the ability to undertake higher education studies. This pathway requires a special admissions examination administered by ESB.
International students
For applicants from countries outside the European Union. A separate application process and specific admission requirements apply.
How to apply
1. Access the online application portal at candidaturas.porto.ucp.pt;
2. Select the degree program and application pathway that best fits your profile;
3. Complete the online application form with your personal and academic information;
4. Submit, or wait to submit, your national examination results when available;
5. Track the status of your application through the online portal.
If you have any questions, ESB's team is available to assist you.
Useful contacts
Phone / WhatsApp / Telegram: +351 932 011 541
Email: biotecnologia@ucp.pt
Application support
Phone: +351 939 450 000 or +351 939 450 012 (weekdays, 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Email: candidaturas.porto@ucp.pt
Prospective students may also schedule an in-person or online meeting (Zoom/Skype) to clarify any questions before submitting their application.
Why choose Escola Superior de Biotecnologia?
There are several reasons that distinguish the Faculty of Biotechnology from other higher education options.
First, research is fully integrated into teaching. Students gain direct exposure to state-of-the-art laboratories and real R&D projects from the early stages of their studies.
Second, ESB degrees offer strong employability prospects. Graduates are highly regarded and sought after by national and international organizations operating in the food, environmental, pharmaceutical, and biomedical sectors.
Teaching takes place within the multidisciplinary Porto campus of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, providing students with a rich academic experience, access to a wide range of services and cultural activities, and an active alumni network.
Finally, the faculty is committed to providing a holistic education. Alongside scientific and technical excellence, students develop the transversal skills increasingly valued by today's employers.
42 years of excellence in higher education
Founded in 1984, the School of Biotechnology of the Portuguese Catholic University is one of Portugal's leading higher education institutions in the fields of life sciences and biological technologies.
Based in Porto, ESB combines excellence in teaching with internationally recognized research carried out through the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF), an Associate Laboratory awarded the highest rating of “Excellent.”