Portugal approves new higher education and science legislation

The Portuguese Government has approved two new diplomas aimed at updating the legal framework for higher education and science. The new Legal Regime for Degrees and Diplomas is designed to align the Portuguese higher education system more closely with European standards, addressing the need for updates to legislation that has remained largely unchanged since 2006.

Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation Fernando Alexandre stated that the reforms aim to increase quality and rigor. Key features of the new legislation include the formal valuation of Higher Professional Technical Courses (CTeSP), which typically last two years and include mandatory internships. Additionally, the new framework introduces microcredentials—short courses intended to help individuals requalify and adapt to rapid global changes.