Portugal higher education applications reach 30-year high

Higher education placements in Portugal are expected to increase following a reversal in access rules. Results for the first phase of the national competition for access to higher education are scheduled to be released on August 23.

Applications have surged by nearly 22%, reaching a 30-year high. This follows a previous decline where fewer than 50,000 candidates applied, a drop attributed to demographic shifts, inadequate social action scholarships, and a requirement for two entrance exams instead of one. While applications have spiked, experts warn that high concentration in specific courses could still leave some vacancies unfilled.