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Institute for Higher Education, IP.
The Institute for Higher Education, IP (IES, IP) is the public body responsible for coordinating and implementing public policies in the field of higher education, resulting from the aggregation of competences previously ensured by different entities, with the aim of promoting greater efficiency, articulation and proximity to the higher education system.
National Entrance Examination for Higher Education 2026
The application for 1st phase of the National Competition for Access to Higher Education (CNA) for the school year 2026/2027 takes place between July 20 and August 6, 2026, and must be carried out exclusively through the online application platform of the Institute for Higher Education, IP.
The National Access Competition is the main route to entry into public higher education, allowing candidates to compete for up to six pairs institution/study cycle, listed in order of preference, according to the number of places available for each course and institution.
Applications must be submitted through the online application platform, available at:
Online Application Platform for Higher Education
Before starting the application process, it is recommended to consult the Application Guide, as well as verification of all necessary elements, including possession of a valid access password, The entrance exams, prerequisites (where applicable), and other required documentation are available on the platform. Candidates who do not yet have an access password can request one in advance through the platform itself.
Previous Organisms
While the transition is underway, please consult the websites here:
What has changed?
The IES, IP is the result of a reorganization process within the Public Administration, which brought together in a single body competences previously ensured by different entities, promoting greater coordination, efficiency and coherence in the State's actions in the field of higher education.
Areas of expertise
Student Support in Higher Education
Management and monitoring of student support measures, including scholarships, social support and measures to promote equity, and support for accommodation support measures in higher education.
Internationalization of Education and Training
Supporting the internationalization of institutions through partnerships, networks, external promotion, and strengthening international attractiveness.
Management of the Erasmus+ and Europass Program
Management and implementation of the Erasmus+ Programme in the fields of education and training, including mobility, scholarships, partnerships and national coordination of the Europass Initiative.
Documents and Legislation
Access the main documents outlining the creation, organization, and operation of IES, IP.
Notices and News
The P.PORTO Internal Pedagogical Innovation Days promoted reflection on the challenges of higher education.
The Polytechnic Institute of Porto held the Internal Days of Pedagogical Innovation (JIIP'26) on July 16th and 17th at the School of Music and Performing Arts (ESMAE). This initiative was dedicated to reflection, sharing of practices, and the promotion of pedagogical innovation in higher education. The Days brought together teachers, researchers, students, and specialists […]
4th National Meeting of Accreditation Teams (ENEA)
On July 10th, the Institute for Higher Education (IES, IP) participated in the IV National Meeting of Accreditation Teams (ENEA), at the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal (IPS). Under the theme “Institutional Evaluation: building stronger higher education institutions”, the meeting was attended by 45 public Higher Education Institutions […]
The 2026 edition of CNaPPES will discuss the future of pedagogy in Higher Education.
On July 10th, the National Council for Pedagogical Innovation in Higher Education (CNIPES) participated in the National Congress of Pedagogical Practices in Higher Education (CNaPPES26), at the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, with the round table “Pedagogical Innovation in Networks: the contribution of consortia to the transformation of higher education”. Moderated by […]