Yesterday we marked the beginning of the new Academic year with the Solemn Opening ceremony. The Rector of the UC started by welcoming the new students them and emphasizing everyone's right to choose to participate or not in the students' welcome activities, avoiding however any kind of humiliating, discriminatory or degrading "Praxe". The central role of scientific research, the challenges of demographic evolution and the quality of teachers as well as technical personnel were subjects highlighted by João Gabriel Silva. According to the Rector, the UC wants to be a Global University and one of the ways is to attract young people from all over the world, a task that is being successfully achieved: last academic year the UC reached the threshold of 20% of foreign students. "The path is difficult, but it is within our reach," was the note of optimism that closed his speech. You may watch the full speech here.

Next Sunday, at 6:00 pm at TAGV, the Academic Orchestra of the University of Coimbra will perform the Opening Concert of the Academic Year. The concert celebrates the 150th anniversary of the birth of José Vianna da Motta and the 100th anniversary of the death of António Fragoso and Claude Debussy.

Opera is back to the Schools' Courtyard on the 29th September at 9:30 pm with "Samson and Delilah". You may already pick up your free ticket at TAGV.

The University of Coimbra Radio has registrations open for the following courses: Information, Voice / Production and Technique. More information here.


Until October 4 do not miss the numerous activities proposed by Cria’ctividade, which focuses on alternative integration activities to "praxe", with concerts, workshops, films, debates, sports and poetry.


You may apply to the University Volunteer Award sponsored by Santander Universities until 12 October. The prize is a boost to the active citizenship of Higher Education students.

The Ambassadors of the 3rd Edition of the Academic Start UC take office today at noon at the Senate Room (Sala do Senado).

Another edition of CEBT (Technological-based Entrepreneurial Skills) has been launched. There will be 40 hours of workshops, mentoring sessions and coaching from 10 to 31 October. Registrations are open until 5 October.

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Take a look at the numerous events happening at the University and in Coimbra: