According the European directives for Higher Education, FEUP offers 1st, 2nd and 3rd Cycle study programmes, which correspond respectively to Bachelor's (3 years), Master's (2 years) and Doctoral Programmes (3 to 4 years). The conclusion of the Bachelor's Degree (180 ECTS) and the Master's Degree (120 ECTS) corresponds to a degree diploma. The Master's degree is essential to the exercise of the engineering profession, regulated by Ordem dos Engenheiros, the professional institution of Engineers.

Completion of the curricular part of Independent Master’s Courses corresponds to a (non-degree) Master’s Diploma and completion of the curricular part of Doctoral Courses corresponds to a (non-degree) Doctoral Diploma.

The offer of Continuing Education, which does not confer an academic degree and can be integrated in study cycles or not, includes post-graduated programmes (Advanced Studies and Specializations) and programmes or units of continuing education (Open training Programmes, Continuing Training Units, Continuing Training Programmes). The ECTS credits confered by these programmes it may be recognized and transfered to study cycles that confer a degree.