Agricultural Studies were first launched in Portugal in the 19^th century under Queen Maria II. The first reform which took place in 1864 established two levels: elementary agricultural studies and advanced agricultural studies. Twenty-two years later one of the elementary agricultural schools – the Regional School of Sintra – was named Central School of Agriculture. In 1887 it was transferred to Coimbra under the name of Central School of Agriculture and settled in Quinta do Bispo, Quinta do Paúl, and in other smaller farms that make up today’s Escola Superior Agrária’s estate. Six years later it was called Central School of Agriculture Morais Soares and in 1889 it was renamed National School of Agriculture. In 1931 along with a full reorganisation of Agricultural Studies it was officially known as Escola de Regentes Agrícolas de Coimbra.

 

This structure was kept until the extinction of the Escolas de Regentes Agrícolas which were replaced by the Escolas Superiores Agrárias (Higher Schools of Agriculture). These were included in the higher education system which endowed students with Bachelor degrees.

 

Presently, the Higher Schools of Agriculture confer BSc Honours and Master degrees.

 

ESAC (Coimbra Higher School of Agriculture) has undergone an outstanding quality improvement regarding facilities and equipment so as to offer the students a stimulating, supportive and friendly community environment, and to enhance an active student life, particularly well illustrated in the practice of several and varied sports, such as rugby, horse riding, tennis, football, aerobics, swimming and volleyball.