Portugal Opens Student Residences in Vila Nova de Famalicão and Beja

Applications are now open for the VILA student residence in Vila Nova de Famalicão for the 2026/2027 academic year. The centre, located in Praça D. Maria II, offers 91 beds across 53 rooms of various types, including single, double, adapted and studio units. Eligibility extends to students enrolled at local higher‑education institutions (CESPU, IPCA, University of Minho, Lusíada University) as well as researchers, staff and participants in mobility programmes such as Erasmus+. The municipality approved a new access regulation to increase occupancy, which remains low.

Meanwhile, the new Residence Europa on the campus of the Instituto Politécnico de Beja welcomed its first 15 students on 16 July, ahead of the 2027‑2028 academic year. With a capacity of 503 beds, the facility will host future students after a trial period that allows early residents to assist with integration and test the infrastructure. The opening coincides with the start of the first phase of higher‑education applications scheduled for 20 July.