Welcome Guide
School of Engineering of the University of Minho
Braga & Guimarães, Portugal
Main Contact
EEUM Internationalization Office
Email: intl@eng.uminho.pt
Phone: +351 253 510 170
Website: www.eng.uminho.pt
Why Visit the School of Engineering?
Welcome Message
Welcome to the School of Engineering of the University of Minho (EEUM)! EEUM is a leading school in both the national and international landscape, committed to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. We are delighted to welcome you to our campuses in Braga and Guimarães.
About EEUM
- Founded in 1975, the School of Engineering of the University of Minho (EEUM) has established itself as an agent of change, making an extraordinary contribution to the advancement of science and technology.
- The School has consolidated its position among the best engineering education institutions in the country, with international visibility.
- Two campuses: Campus de Gualtar, in Braga, and Campus de Azurém, in Guimarães, home to EEUM's headquarters.
- Nine Research Centers where Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) activities take place.
Research Centers
- ALGORITMI Research Centre (ALGORITMI)
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T)
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB)
- Center for MicroElectroMechanics Systems (CMEMS)
- Centre for Territory, Environment and Construction (CTAC)
- INESC TEC . UMinho
- Institute for Polymers and Composites (IPC)
- Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Centre (MEtRICs)
- Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE)
Departments
- Department of Civil Engineering (DEC)
- Department of Industrial Electronics (DEI)
- Department of Mechanical Engineering (DEM)
- Department of Polymer Engineering (DEP)
- Department of Textile Engineering (DET)
- Department of Informatics (DI)
- Department of Production and Systems (DPS)
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (DEQB)
- Department of Information Systems (DSI)
- Strong ties to the business community and the regional innovation ecosystem.
- Participation in international networks for academic and scientific cooperation.
International Community
EEUM regularly welcomes visitors from around the world: students, researchers, faculty, and administrative and management staff, forming a diverse, cosmopolitan community that values knowledge sharing and international collaboration.
EEUM takes part in programs that connect Portugal with leading United States universities, including MIT Portugal, CMU Portugal, and UT Austin Portugal, and maintains ties with major scientific infrastructures such as CERN and INL.
These networks create opportunities for mobility, joint research projects, and contact with scientific communities that extend well beyond Braga and Guimarães.
Reasons to Visit Us
- Internationally recognized academic and research excellence.
- Modern laboratories and top-tier infrastructure.
- A prime location in two historic and dynamic cities in northern Portugal.
- A welcoming, multicultural academic community.
- Affordable cost of living compared to other European—and even other Portuguese—cities.
Before Your Visit
Essential Checklist
- Confirm your visit dates and contacts with EEUM.
- Arrange travel documentation well in advance.
- Take out travel and personal accident insurance.
- Install useful apps: transportation, maps, and payments.
- Check the weather and pack accordingly.
- Establish first contact with the EEUM member who will be hosting you, in coordination with the EEUM Internationalization Office.
Visas and Documentation
European Union Citizens
EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Portugal. A valid national ID document or passport is sufficient.
Non-European Union Citizens
Nationals of countries outside the European Union should apply, before traveling, for the appropriate visa through the Portuguese consular authorities in their country of residence.
Visa applications generally require:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of financial means.
- Travel and personal accident insurance.
- Specific documentation depending on the nature and length of the visit.
Obtaining a visa can take at least six weeks, and possibly longer. It is recommended to start the process well in advance.
AIMA
Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum
In October 2023, Portugal reformed its immigration services, replacing the former SEF with AIMA. AIMA is now the public body responsible for visas, residence permits, migrant integration, and asylum applications in Portugal.
Website: AIMA - Official portal
Phone: (+351) 217 115 000
Health and Insurance
We recommend taking out travel and personal accident insurance before departure, covering your entire stay in Portugal.
To access the National Health Service (SNS):
- EU citizens: present the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Other citizens: present an identification document and proof of visa/residence permit at the Health Center.
SNS 24: 808 24 24 24 | sns24.gov.pt
Climate in Braga and Guimarães
The Minho region is the greenest and wettest in Portugal. You should prepare for:
- Spring / Fall — mild temperatures, 59–72°F (15–22°C), with a chance of rain.
- Summer — hot and dry, sometimes exceeding 86°F (30°C).
- Winter — cool and rainy, rarely below 41°F (5°C).
Time zone in mainland Portugal
Mainland Portugal follows WET, UTC+0, in winter, switching to WEST, UTC+1, during daylight saving time, from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October.
Want to Learn Portuguese?
The University of Minho offers Portuguese courses for international students and visitors.
Website: Portuguese Courses at UMinho
Getting Here
The closest airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, in Porto (OPO), about 40 minutes from both Braga and Guimarães.
From Porto Airport to Braga and Guimarães
FlixBus - Airport Shuttle
FlixBus offers daily direct, non-stop connections between Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and Braga and Guimarães.
Get Bus - Direct Airport Connections
Get Bus offers daily direct, non-stop connections between Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and Braga and Guimarães.
Comboios de Portugal
Between Braga and Guimarães
| Mode of transport | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Approximately 50 minutes | Several operators available. |
| Uber / Bolt | Approximately 30 minutes | Faster, door to door. |
Useful Transportation Apps
- FlixBus — airport buses.
- Get Bus — airport buses.
- Uber / Bolt — private transportation.
- CP — national trains.
- Google Maps — route planning and public transportation.
Our Campuses
Our Campuses
EEUM has a presence on both of the University of Minho's campuses, in Guimarães and in Braga. Both bring together departments, research centers, teaching and research laboratories, libraries and study spaces, support services, dining options, common areas, and sports facilities.
Azurém Campus - Guimarães
Address: Campus de Azurém, 4804-533 Guimarães
Gualtar Campus - Braga
Address: Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga
Campus Maps
Condensed Academic Calendar - University of Minho 2026/2027
1st semester
- Classes: Sep 14, 2026 to Jan 30, 2027.
- Christmas break: Dec 21, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027.
- Exams, regular period: through Jan 30, 2027.
2nd semester
- Classes: Feb 1 to Jun 19, 2027.
- Teaching break, "Enterro da Gata": May 8 to 15, 2027.
- Break: Mar 22 to 29, 2027.
- Exams, regular period: through Jun 19, 2027.
- Special exam period: Jul 6 to 19, 2027.
Living in Guimarães and Braga
Guimarães
About the City
Guimarães is a historic city that played a crucial role in the formation of Portugal, often called the "Birthplace City." It has managed to balance the preservation of its rich heritage with modern-day dynamism, making it today a vibrant and welcoming city.
2026 European Green Capital
In 2026, Guimarães is the European Green Capital, the second Portuguese city to hold the title after Lisbon in 2020. The concept is built on the idea that the title is "a means, not an end"—a tool for improving quality of life and achieving climate neutrality by 2030, with strong community mobilization, including more than 200 local initiatives. The program runs throughout the year, including the Spring Forward Festival, from May 6 to 9, Green Week, from June 4 to 7, and European Mobility Week, from September 16 to 22.
UNESCO World Heritage
The Historic Center of Guimarães and the Couros District are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The historic city is associated with the emergence of Portuguese national identity in the 12th century and stands as an exceptionally well-preserved example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern city.
Monuments and Culture
- Guimarães Castle — a symbol of the founding of Portugal.
- Palace of the Dukes of Braganza — a medieval palace not to be missed.
- UNESCO Historic Center — medieval streets, churches, and historic squares.
- Platform of Arts and Creativity / CIAJG — a contemporary art center.
- Penha — a sanctuary and lookout point with a cable car and views over the city.
- Largo do Toural — the heart of the city, a meeting point and urban landmark.
Tourism and Cultural Events
Website: Guimarães Tourism Portal
Website: Cultural agenda and events
Braga
About the City
Braga is a two-thousand-year-old city, a UNESCO Creative City, named Best European Destination 2021 and Best Emerging Tourism Destination at the 2023 World Travel Awards. Known as the "Portuguese Rome," it harmoniously blends a rich historical and religious past with a dynamic, cosmopolitan present, animated by a strong university presence.
Monuments and Culture
- Braga Cathedral (Sé) — the oldest cathedral in Portugal, spanning styles from Romanesque to Baroque.
- Bom Jesus do Monte — a majestic monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019.
- Fountain of the Idol — a Roman sanctuary of enormous archaeological value.
- Theatro Circo — an iconic cultural venue in the heart of the city.
- D. Diogo de Sousa Archaeology Museum — a journey into Roman Bracara Augusta.
- Roman baths of Alto da Cividade — remains of Roman occupation.
- Historic Center — a route through around 70 heritage sites spanning six historical periods.
Leisure and Academic Life
- Cafés and social spaces in the historic center.
- Green spaces and urban parks.
- A diverse cultural and events calendar.
- Lively academic life and a wide variety of dining options.
Website: Braga Tourism Portal
Accommodation
Options in Braga
- UMinho university residences, subject to availability.
- Local accommodation and tourist apartments in the city center.
- Hotels across a range of categories and prices.
Options in Guimarães
- Accommodation close to the Azurém Campus.
- Local accommodation in the historic center.
- Hotels and hostels with good connections to campus.
For longer stays, rental apartments can be more economical. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during academic event periods.
Transportation
See Section 3 for information on getting here from the airport. This section covers local transportation during your stay.
Urban Transportation
- Braga: the TUB bus network.
- Guimarães: the GUIMABUS bus network.
- Uber and Bolt available in both cities.
Recommended Apps
- Google Maps — routes and public transit schedules.
- Uber / Bolt — private transportation.
- CP app — national trains.
- FlixBus / Get Bus — intercity and airport buses.
Resources at EEUM
Digital Infrastructure
- Free Wi-Fi throughout all campus spaces.
- Institutional VPN for remote access to university resources.
- Academic software available to visitors with valid credentials.
Laboratories and Spaces
- State-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories across various engineering fields.
- Study and collaborative work spaces.
Platforms and Portals
Support Services
- UMinho Internationalization Support Service: usai@usai.uminho.pt
- EEUM Internationalization Office: intl@eng.uminho.pt
- Libraries on both campuses.
- Study rooms.
- Academic and administrative services.
Everyday Life
Payments
- MB Way — a Portuguese mobile payment app, widely used at local businesses.
- Multibanco, ATM — a banking network with full coverage across the cities.
- Debit and credit cards accepted at most establishments.
Supermarkets and Shopping
- Main chains: Pingo Doce, Continente, Lidl, Aldi, Minipreço, Mercadona.
- Local markets with fresh, regional produce.
- Shopping malls in Guimarães: Guimarãeshopping and Espaço Guimarães.
- Shopping malls in Braga: Braga Parque and Nova Arcada.
Healthcare
- Braga Hospital — a regional reference public hospital | Tel. +351 253 027 000
- Senhora da Oliveira Hospital — Guimarães | Tel. +351 253 540 330
- Health centers in both cities.
- Pharmacies marked with a green cross; some offer 24-hour service.
Telecommunications
- Main carriers: NOS, MEO, Vodafone.
- eSIMs and prepaid SIM cards are easy to find at carrier stores.
- Excellent 4G/5G coverage in both cities and on campus.
Portuguese Business Hours
- Shops: generally 9 AM–8 PM, Monday through Saturday; some businesses close on Sundays.
- Restaurants: lunch 12 PM–3 PM; dinner 7:30 PM–10:30 PM.
- Public services: typically 9 AM–5:30 PM, on weekdays.
- Pharmacies: extended hours with rotating shifts for overnight service.
Outlets and Electricity
- Outlet type: Type F, Schuko — two round pins.
- Voltage: 230V / Frequency: 50Hz.
- Visitors from the UK, US, Canada, Brazil, or other countries outside continental Europe may need an adapter.
- We recommend bringing a universal adapter.
Survival Portuguese
Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. While English is widely spoken in academic settings, a few basic phrases are always appreciated!
| Portuguese | Approx. pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Olá / Bom dia | Oh-lah / Bom-dee-ah | Hello / Good morning |
| Boa tarde / Boa noite | Boa-tar-de / Boa-noy-te | Good afternoon / Good evening |
| Obrigado / Obrigada | Oh-bree-gah-doo / dah | Thank you, masculine / feminine |
| Por favor | Por-fah-vor | Please |
| Com licença | Com-lee-sen-sa | Excuse me |
| Desculpe | Des-kool-pe | Sorry |
| Sim / Não | Seen / Nowng | Yes / No |
| Fala inglês? | Fah-la een-glesh? | Do you speak English? |
| Onde fica...? | On-de fee-ka? | Where is...? |
| Quanto custa? | Kwan-too koos-ta? | How much does it cost? |
| A conta, por favor | Ah kon-ta, por fah-vor | The check, please |
| Uma cerveja / água | Oo-ma ser-vej-a / ah-gwa | A beer / water |
| Até logo! | Ah-teh loh-go! | Goodbye / See you later! |
| Obrigado pela visita! | Oh-bree-gah-doo pe-la vee-zee-ta! | Thank you for visiting! |
Emergencies and Support
Hospitals and Emergency Rooms
- Braga Hospital: Sete Fontes, São Victor | Tel. +351 253 027 000
- Senhora da Oliveira Hospital — Guimarães | Tel. +351 253 540 330
- Health centers available in both cities.
Emergency Number within UMinho
Tel.: +351 253 60 10 10
Psychological Support
- Mental health support line: contact SNS 24 — +351 808 24 24 24
- Local health centers provide referrals for psychological support.
Other Useful Contacts
- PSP Braga, Police: +351 253 200 400
- PSP Guimarães, Police: +351 253 415 250
- AIMA, immigration and documentation: +351 217 115 000
- AIMA - Official portal
EEUM Contacts
- General: +351 253 510 170
- Internationalization Office: intl@eng.uminho.pt
- EEUM website: https://www.eng.uminho.pt/pt/
Stay Connected with EEUM
Stay connected with the School of Engineering of the University of Minho community and keep up with the latest news, events, and opportunities.
Website and Social Media
Newsletter and Community
- ENGINews — the School of Engineering's newsletter.
- Events and conferences on campus — agenda available on the website.
- International community of alumni and visitors.
Glossary
2C2T — Centre for Textile Science and Technology
AIMA — Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum
ALGORITMI — ALGORITMI Research Centre
ATM — Automated Teller Machine, Multibanco
CEB — Centre of Biological Engineering
CERN — European Organization for Nuclear Research
EHIC — European Health Insurance Card
CIAJG — José de Guimarães International Arts Centre
CMEMS — Center for MicroElectroMechanics Systems
CMU — Carnegie Mellon University
CP — Comboios de Portugal (Portuguese railways)
CTAC — Centre for Territory, Environment and Construction
DEC — Department of Civil Engineering
DEI — Department of Industrial Electronics
DEM — Department of Mechanical Engineering
DEP — Department of Polymer Engineering
DEQB — Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
DET — Department of Textile Engineering
DI — Department of Informatics
DPS — Department of Production and Systems
DSI — Department of Information Systems
EEUM — School of Engineering of the University of Minho
GUIMABUS — Guimarães bus network
RD&I — Research, Development and Innovation
INESC TEC — Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science
INL — International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
IPC — Institute for Polymers and Composites
ISISE — Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering
MB Way — Portuguese mobile payment app, a SIBS brand
MEtRICs — Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Centre
MIT — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
OPO — IATA code for Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Porto
PSP — Public Security Police
SEF — Foreigners and Borders Service (AIMA's predecessor agency)
SNS — National Health Service
UMinho — University of Minho
UNESCO — United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UT Austin — University of Texas at Austin
VPN — Virtual Private Network
WEST — Western European Summer Time
WET — Western European Time