About us

University of Leiria and Oeste (ULO)

A journey of transformation and collective development

The creation of the University of Leiria and Oeste (ULO) marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our institution. Built on a legacy shaped over decades and grounded in a spirit of public service, this is a project that reflects our ambition to broaden our mission and pursue an increasingly innovative and inclusive academic path.

This page brings together the key milestones of this journey, reflecting an institution in constant transformation, driven by knowledge, research and innovation, and committed to the development of the region and the country.

The future
starts here

7 August 2026
Rectorate Swearing-in Ceremony

Carlos Rabadão took office as the first Rector of the University of Leiria and Oeste (ULO), committing to building a “new-generation university”, open to knowledge, diversity and collaboration with society. The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by the Minister for Education, Science and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre, also marked the swearing-in of the governing and management bodies of the new public university.

The ceremony included the swearing-in of the members of the Establishment Committee, the Management Board, the Rectorate Team, the University’s Administrators and the Student Social Services, as well as the Deans of ULO’s Schools.
2026/2031 . Phase 4
Establishing the University of Leiria and Oeste
Following the promulgation of the decree-law, ULO will enter its establishment phase, a period dedicated to implementing the new university and preparing for its full operation.

Key actions include:
- Implementing the university’s governance structure;
- Approving the statutes;
- Defining internal regulations;
- Consolidating the academic and scientific offer;
- Integrating the different governing bodies and services;
- Developing ULO’s institutional identity.
Status: Ongoing ⏳
2025/2026 . Phase 3
Preparation and Approval of the Decree-Law Establishing ULO

The Decree-Law establishing the University of Leiria and Oeste (ULO) was approved, marking a historic milestone in this process of transformation.

The legislation establishes the legal framework for the new institution and sets out the guiding principles for its organisation and operation.

Current status: Awaiting promulgation.

Status: Completed ✓
2024 . Phase 2
Estudo e Apresentação da Estrutura de Missão
Em 2024 foi apresentada a Estrutura de Missão responsável por coordenar e acompanhar o processo de criação da Universidade de Leiria e Oeste.

A Estrutura de Missão assumiu a responsabilidade de:
- Coordenar os trabalhos preparatórios;
- Desenvolver os instrumentos legais e organizacionais necessários;
- Promover o envolvimento da comunidade académica e dos parceiros externos;
- Preparar o modelo institucional da futura universidade.
Status: Completed ✓
2022 . Phase 1
Commitment and Action Plan
In 2022, the strategic vision for the transformation of IPLeiria into a university was presented, together with an Action Plan setting out the objectives, priorities and commitments required to achieve this ambition.

Key objectives:
- Strengthen scientific and research capacity;
- Consolidate the advanced academic offer;
- Deepen links with the region and partners;
- Promote internationalisation;
- Create the conditions for institutional transformation into a university.
Status: Completed ✓

From IPLeiria to ULO

We are
University of Leiria and Oeste

“The University of Leiria and Oeste does not start from scratch today. It is built on an extraordinary legacy: the legacy created by the Polytechnic University of Leiria over decades. The achievement of this project demonstrates that institutional ambition, when supported by hard work, consistency and the ability to cooperate, can turn what once seemed distant into reality. It also demonstrates that when a community believes in a vision for long enough, that vision ceases to be an ambition and becomes a responsibility.”

Carlos Rabadão, Rector of ULO, Swearing-in Ceremony, 7 August 2026

ULO’s legacy at the service of the community

The University of Leiria and Oeste (ULO) is a public higher education institution with a well-established presence across the Leiria and Oeste region and an academic community comprising students, teaching staff, researchers and professionals from a wide range of fields.

ULO comprises, among other academic and research units, five schools located in the cities of Leiria (School of Education and Social Sciences, School of Technology and Management, and Leiria School of Health), Caldas da Rainha (School of Arts and Design) and Peniche (School of Tourism and Maritime Technology).

This regional presence reflects our approach to higher education, based on proximity and on the ability to embrace and respond to the challenges facing society, building bridges between the community and knowledge.

A new chapter, the same commitment

We remain committed to innovative, high-quality approaches that set us apart from other higher education institutions.

We continue to innovate in our academic offer. Several programmes were introduced to public higher education in Portugal for the first time by our institution;
We innovate in teaching models and formats, with several bachelor’s and master’s degrees taught in English or delivered through b-learning;
We foster a culture of quality, with our programmes continuously undergoing internal and external evaluation processes;
Our close links with society and our commitment to applied research remain key distinguishing features. ULO will always be a proactive partner, facilitating and promoting an entrepreneurial mindset. Work and science go hand in hand to develop new solutions.

Facts and Figures

Investigation Units

Fields of knowledge and research

R&D activities are carried out across 16 research units (6 in-house units, 3 branches of non-profit R&D associations and 7 branches of external research units). Their work focuses on developing practical and applied solutions to a diverse range of social, economic, technological, environmental, tourism, health and wellbeing challenges.

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