Open University
Lisbon, Portugal • Founded 1988 • World Rank #4694
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Open University is a public institution located in Lisboa, Portugal. It operates as a higher-education provider.
Academically, Open University spans multiple qualification levels, hosted within multiple faculties. The university runs a catalogue of active programmes across these constituent units.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Open University — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
Open University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are summarised below. Use this section to gauge institutional weight before drilling into specific programmes.
Degrees
Also Postgraduate Courses; Vocational Training Programmes; Teacher Training programmes; Portuguese Language and Culture Studies for foreigners
Other 38 programs
- Administration
- Applied Mathematics
- Arts and Humanities
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Business Computing
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Distance Education
- Education
- Educational Administration
- English
- Environmental Studies
- European Studies
- Food Science
- Foreign Languages Education
- French
- Gender Studies
- German
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Information Management
- Information Technology
- International Studies
- Library Science
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Medieval Studies
- Pedagogy
- Portuguese
- Social Sciences
- Statistics
- Women's Studies
Faculties & Divisions
Each faculty at Open University covers specific subject clusters. Cross-faculty supervision arrangements at the postgraduate level are sometimes available for students whose research spans disciplines.
Education and Distance Education (Department/Division) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Curriculum
- Distance Education
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Research
- Educational Sciences
- Educational Technology
- Philosophy of Education
- Special Education
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Graduate Studies (Department/Division) 31 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Business Administration
- Cinema and Television
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies
- Distance Education
- Documentation Techniques
- E-Business/Commerce
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Educational Technology
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- European Studies
- Food Science
- Graphic Arts
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
- Mathematics
- Multimedia
- Native Language
- Pedagogy
- Portuguese
- Statistics
- Western European Studies
- Women's Studies
Humanities (Department/Division) 20 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African American Studies
- American Studies
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Arts and Humanities
- Canadian Studies
- Comparative Literature
- Cultural Studies
- English Studies
- French Studies
- Germanic Studies
- History
- Literature
- Modern Languages
- Museum Studies
- Native Language
- Philosophy
- Portuguese
- Social Sciences
- Writing
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sciences and Technology (Department/Division) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences and Management (Department/Division) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Communication Studies
- Documentation Techniques
- E-Business/Commerce
- European Studies
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Information Sciences
- Management
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Lifelong Learning (Unit) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Programs Offered
Open University's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
45 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Portugal
Bachelor's Degree 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
Master's Degree 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
Doctorate 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
How to apply to Open University
A short guide to applying to Open University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Open University's catalogue includes 45 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Open University's admissions process.
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3
Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through Open University's official website at www.uab.pt. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at 00 351) 300 007 733. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Open University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Open University, drawn directly from institutional records.
How old is Open University?
The institution opened in 1988 (approximately 38 years ago).
Where is Open University located?
Open University is located in Lisbon, Portugal.
Is Open University a public or private institution?
Open University operates as a public institution.
What is Open University's ranking?
Open University holds rank #4694 globally and #31 in Portugal.
Who recognises Open University?
The institution holds recognition from Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior (DGES); European Association of Distance Teaching Universities; European Distance Education Network; International Council for Distance Education; AULP; EUA.
Where can I learn more about Open University?
The institution's website is www.uab.pt.
Top-Ranked Universities in Portugal
The institutions topping Portugal's rankings give national context for Open University. Context matters because employer perception in Portugal often correlates with national rankings.
Faculties at nearby universities
Public transport hubs near Open University affect access to all the universities below similarly. Major transit nodes often correlate with where the cluster of institutions is densest.
Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies
Industry advisory boards on Linguistics & Language Studies programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each Portugal alternative to Open University publishes its industry partners.
Universities Compared with Open University
Looking at Open University through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against Open University during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.
Studying in Portugal: guides and resources
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