Portuguese universities report high demand in national admissions

Higher education institutions in Portugal have reported high demand during the first phase of the National Access Contest for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The Escola Superior de Comunicação Social (ESCS) at the Universidade Politécnica de Lisboa exceeded its capacity, placing 338 students for 331 available spots. The institution saw a significant increase in demand, with the demand satisfaction index rising from 147% to 325%. Most placed students selected their course as a first choice, with Advertising and Marketing leading that category.

Similarly, the Instituto Superior Técnico reported a 98% placement rate, with 1,656 new students entering the institution. The school filled 100% of the vacancies in 18 of its 20 undergraduate programs. Six of its courses, including Mining and Energy Resources Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, recorded the highest minimum entry grades in the country. The new General Engineering program, taught exclusively in English, also reached full capacity.