Portuguese polytechnic institutions launch new doctorate and address funding concerns

The Polytechnic University of Beja (UPBeja) participated in the formal inauguration of Portugal’s first Doctorate in Sports Sciences promoted by the polytechnic higher education system. The program is the result of a consortium involving polytechnic institutions from Santarém, Beja, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Guarda, and Viana do Castelo. With 20 students enrolled in the first edition, the initiative aims to strengthen advanced training and scientific research in sports sciences through institutional cooperation.

Separately, the Polytechnic University of Tomar (UPT) marked the opening of the 2026/2027 academic year. During the ceremony, Rector João Freitas Coroado criticized the current higher education funding model, describing it as “underfunded, unequal and based on the blind application of the funding formula.” He highlighted the need to address inequalities between universities and polytechnics, noting that Portugal’s public expenditure per higher education student is significantly below the OECD average.