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.
Notices and News

Contract signed for the launch of the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at UTAD.
The Institute for Higher Education (IES, IP), the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), and the Local Health Unit of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (ULSTMAD, EPE) have signed a program contract that ensures the conditions for the start-up, consolidation, and evaluation of the new Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine. The agreement was approved by the Minister of Education, […]
Gradual implementation of the Social Action Reform in Higher Education begins in 2026/2027.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MECI), following an opinion from the Institute for Higher Education, IP (IES, IP), has approved the phased implementation of the new support system for higher education students, starting in the 2026/2027 academic year, with full implementation expected in 2027/2028. The phasing decision stems from […]

Loading… IES reinforces commitment to the implementation of the PRR
Joaquim Mourato, President of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Higher Education (IES), participated in the event dedicated to the analysis of the implementation and results of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), which took place at the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon on July 28th. Integrated into the dimension “Transition — The future that the PRR finances”, the […]
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.

