The University of Lisbon is a public research university in Lisbon, and the largest university in Portugal. It was originally founded in 1911, but the present structure of the university dates from the 2013 merger of the former University of Lisbon (1911–2013) and the Technical University of Lisbon (1930–2013).

The University of Coimbra is a public research university in Coimbra, Portugal. First established in Lisbon in 1290, it went through a number of relocations until moving permanently to Coimbra in 1537. The university is among the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, the oldest in Portugal, and played an influential role in the development of higher education in the Portuguese-speaking world. In 2013, UNESCO declared the university a World Heritage Site, noting its architecture, unique culture and traditions, and historical role.