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 decision to phase the process stems from the date of completion of the legislative process relating to Decree-Law No. 148/2026, of July 20, which coincided with the start of the first phase of applications for the 2026 National Access Competition.
In this way, the necessary time is ensured for the training of the Social Action Services (SAS) teams of Higher Education Institutions (IES), the carrying out of stress tests on the computer systems and the provision of crucial tools, such as the scholarship simulator, which will allow families to make properly informed decisions at the time of application.
Key measures with direct implementation as early as 2026/2027:
» New Incentive Grant (€1,075): Automatically awarded in the first year of enrollment to students receiving the 1st income bracket for family allowance. The continuation of the grant in subsequent years depends on academic performance (final grade among the 25% highest in the previous year).
» Increased funding for university residences by more than 20%: The maximum monthly funding per bed occupied by a scholarship student will increase from the current €134 to €161 (corresponding to 30% of the Social Support Index – IAS). The increase brings the cost closer to the actual maintenance costs and foresees an overall additional investment of up to €7 million per year in higher education institutions.
» Flexibility and freedom of choice in private accommodation: Scholarship students who have moved away from home retain priority access to student residences. However, if they choose private accommodation, they retain the right to financial support for accommodation in the amount of €161.
Full Implementation in 2027/2028
Starting in the 2027/2028 academic year, the entire new Scholarship Regulations will come into effect, under which the scholarship amount will be calculated based on the actual cost of studying in each specific location , combined with the available income of the family unit.
Consultation with Sector Partners
Following prior consultation with institutions and associations in the sector, the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MECI) requested a final assessment of the updated version of the regulation from the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities (CRUP), the Coordinating Council of Higher Polytechnic Institutes (CCISP), the Portuguese Association of Private Higher Education (APESP), and Academic Federations and Associations, focusing on the gradual transition, until July 31st, after which the document will be published in the Official Gazette.
With this reform, the commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and guaranteeing that no student is prevented from accessing or continuing their studies in Higher Education for purely economic reasons is reaffirmed.
Consult here the Official Statement from MECI | New Social Action System in Higher Education, implemented gradually from 2026/2027, dated July 29, 2026.
Published in July 30, 2026 | Updated on July 31, 2026
