Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Social Support and Grants
In the area of social empowerment, the Universidade Católica Portuguesa has, since its foundation, endeavoured to ensure that no student is unable to complete their course due to financial issues. Committed to the goal of leaving no one behind and in order to reduce the financial strain on students' families, UCP provides financial support, using its own funds and through various protocols with partner organisations:
- merit scholarships and monetary prizes that can be up to the value of the tuition fees, to reward students who achieve the best results;
- benefits for families with more than one child attending UCP;
- social support for undergraduate and integrated master's degree students;
This last area includes the Fundo Papa Francisco, which is national in scope and is designed to enable particularly needy students, migrants and refugees to access the University's courses.
SDGS IMPACTED
Scholarship programme for refugees
The Universidade Católica Portuguesa has launched a scholarship programme to help welcome and integrate Ukrainian refugees.
Católica has opened 24 places on 17 degree programmes in Lisbon, Braga, Porto and Viseu, with tuition fees waived.
According to Unesco, only 3% of refugees are enrolled in higher education, so the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has set a target of 15% of refugees having access to higher education by 2030.
SDGS IMPACTED
Students with SEN : Specific Educational Needs
At Universidade Católica Portuguesa, the commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities is reflected in various initiatives and services specially designed to support students with Specific Educational Needs:
- Priority service in all academic services, such as course secretaries, academic services and the treasury.
- Direct support for students and families through the Social Responsibility Office.
UCP ensures continuous support, promoting the full integration of these students through:
- Identification of individual educational needs.
- Personalised welcome and orientation on campus.
- Support in applying for UCP Social Support.
- Support in applying for scholarships for students with disabilities (DGES).
- Access to mental health consultations (Psychology and Psychiatry).
- Involvement of student associations and the academic community in the inclusion process.
- Active collaboration with academic departments and support services for people with disabilities.
- Support from the University Library in adapting and making available digital content.
The University ensures that its spaces are prepared to accommodate all students:
- Access ramps to all buildings.
- Platform lifts (particularly in the Faculty of Human Sciences).
- Adapted toilets in all buildings.
- Braille signs in lifts.
- Reserved parking for people with disabilities.
- Allocation of accessible classrooms, depending on student needs.
- Social Responsibility Office: grs.sede@ucp.pt | +351 21 721 40 00
- Student Support Office on your campus
SDGS IMPACTED
