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Portugal higher education placements rise following entry rule changes
Portugal has seen an increase in higher education placements during the first phase of the National Access Contest to Higher Education (CNAES). Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation Fernando Alexandre attributed this rise to the restoration of previous entry rules, which allow institutions to require only one entrance exam rather than two.
Data shows that 49,991 students were placed in public higher education institutions, an increase of 6,092 compared to 2025. This trend aligns with placement figures recorded between 2020 and 2024.
Regarding the second phase of the CNAES for the 2026/2027 academic year, applications are open from August 24 until September 20, with results scheduled for release on September 30. Available vacancies in this phase include 33 spots for Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering (Oeiras) and 8 spots for Electronic Engineering (Oeiras).
At the APEL school, 90% of students placed in the first phase secured one of their top three choices, exceeding the national average of 84.5%.
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Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Results for the second phase of the CNAES will be released on September 30. tecnico.ulisboa.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Applications for the second phase of the 2026/2027 CNAES are open from August 24 to September 20. tecnico.ulisboa.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Current placement numbers are consistent with trends seen between 2020 and 2024. www.campeaoprovincias.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 49,991 students were placed in public higher education institutions during the first phase. www.campeaoprovincias.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The increase in higher education placements resulted from restoring previous entry rules. www.campeaoprovincias.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 90% of APEL students secured one of their top three course choices in the first phase. www.dnoticias.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The national average for students entering their top three choices was 84.5%. www.dnoticias.pt
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government reversed 2023 rules to allow institutions to require only one entry exam instead of two. www.campeaoprovincias.pt