The Polytechnic Academy's main purpose was the teaching of science and industrial engineering of all kinds, and professional specialties such as naval officers, merchants, farmers, factory directors and artists.

However, the Royal Economic and Literary Academy, under the supervision of the board of directors of the General Company of Agriculture in the Alto Douro vineyards, was transferred to the Council of Lenses.

R&D activities at the University of Porto have significantly expanded over the last years, mainly as a result of academic qualification and increased funding of R&D centers and concession of research grants through competitive programs with external independent evaluation by international peer review committees.

Many of these centers are interface institutions whose aim is the development of links of cooperation between the university and external entities such as enterprises or governmental organizations.

[10] The university buildings – faculties, R&D centres, student residences and sport facilities – are grouped in three main sites (called ‘poles’).

In culture, the university recognizes as its cultural extension groups like Orfeão Universitário do Porto (choir, dance and music), Teatro Universitário do Porto (theatre), NEFUP (folklore), SDdUP (debates), CLUP (choir of the Faculty of Letters) and AAOUP (former Orfeão members).