Portugal at NAFSA 2026: Portuguese Higher Education on the International Stage

The initiative Study & Research in Portugal was present at NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo, one of the most important global conferences on international education, bringing together 20 Portuguese higher education institutions in a joint effort to internationalize, promote research and create new academic partnerships.

Portuguese participation was coordinated by IES – Institute for Higher Education, in conjunction with Luso-American Foundation for Development (FLAD) and the Fulbright Portugal.

Throughout the four days of the conference, there were many highlights: the vice-president of IES, Cristina Perdigão, was part of the panel “Erasmus+ 2027–2034: What Lies Ahead?”, alongside international experts such as Mervin Bakker (EAIE), John Edwards (EURASHE) and Sara Lopez Selga (Pompeu Fabra University / President of EAIE), discussing the future of the Erasmus+ program and strengthening its international dimension, particularly with North America. Two scientific posters were also presented, bilateral agreements were signed, and networking and cooperation meetings were held between institutions.

At the end of the event, the delegation held a official visit to Florida Polytechnic University, The visit, integrated into the Fulbright Portugal program, included an institutional reception, a presentation of the university, and a visit to the Innovation, Science and Technology Building (IST) and the Applied Research Center (BARC). The visit concluded with a welcome session by the university's President., Dr. Devin Stephenson, reinforcing the importance of academic cooperation between Portugal and the United States.
The Portuguese presence was also marked by Portuguese Reception, The event, organized by FLAD with the support of IES and Fulbright Portugal, brought together more than 200 participants — and where the famous custard tarts once again won over everyone present. 🇵🇹

See photos of the event. IESuperior Portfolio – Study & Research in Portugal

The institutions present were:
Organization
IES – Institute for Higher Education | Study & Research in Portugal
Luso-American Foundation for Development (FLAD)
Fulbright Portugal
Study in Portugal Network (SIPN)

Higher Education Institutions
CESPU – University Institute of Health Sciences and Polytechnic University of Health
Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave
Polytechnic Institute of Beja
Coimbra Polytechnic Institute
Leiria Polytechnic Institute
Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre
Porto Polytechnic Institute
Viseu Polytechnic Institute
ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon
ISPGAYA – Gaya Higher Polytechnic Institute
University of Beira Interior
Catholic University of Portugal
University of Coimbra
European University – IADE & IPAM
University of Évora
University of Porto
Lusíada University
University of Lisbon
Instituto Superior Técnico – University of Lisbon
University of Minho
NOVA University of Lisbon
Estoril Higher School of Hotel Management and Tourism