The Study & Research in Portugal program , coordinated by the Institute for Higher Education, IP, once again had a prominent presence at the EAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition – European Association for International Education , which took place from September 8 to 11 in Glasgow, Scotland.
The 36th Annual Conference and Exhibition brought together more than 7,300 professionals and higher education institutions from around the world in one of the leading events dedicated to the internationalization of higher education, with the active participation of 33 Portuguese Higher Education Institutions and FLAD – the Luso-American Foundation for Development.
The 2026 edition took place under the theme "The Rhythm of Revolution," promoting reflection on the role of higher education in responding to global challenges and building positive change through international collaboration. Throughout the four days of the event, the Portuguese pavilion was a key point for strategic meetings with universities, organizations, and international partners, consolidating the visibility of Portuguese higher education in the global context.
Institutional dynamism, protocols and strategic partnerships.
The event was marked by intense networking activity, resulting in numerous institutional contacts and the signing of strategic cooperation agreements between national and international higher education institutions. Among the agreements signed, noteworthy protocols include those signed by the Polytechnic University of Viseu , the Polytechnic University of Portalegre , the School of Nursing of the University of Lisbon , and the Atlantic University .
Additionally, the consortium comprised of the Polytechnic Universities of Coimbra, Santarém, Portalegre, Tomar, Viseu, Castelo Branco, and the University of Leiria and Oeste was highlighted through the presentation of scientific and institutional posters , demonstrating the capacity for innovation and collaborative research of the Portuguese polytechnic network.
High-level reception and promotion of EAIE Lisbon 2027
Also noteworthy was the holding of a major joint reception in the center of Glasgow, promoted in partnership with the British Council, SEPIE, DAAD and NUFFIC , which brought together more than 450 participants.
As part of preparations for the next edition, a strategic networking meeting was also held with representatives of entities responsible for the national "Study in" representations from various countries, with the specific objective of promoting broader participation in EAIE Lisbon 2027 .
Institutional intervention and the future in Portugal
The Portuguese participation included a presentation by Cristina Perdigão, Vice-President of IES , who highlighted the crucial role and importance of internationalization in the higher education sector. In her presentation, she shared Portugal's experience and emphasized the joint activities developed to promote best practices in Europe.
The Study & Research in Portugal initiative thus reaffirms its central role in the national internationalization strategy, consolidating Portugal's attractiveness as a destination of excellence for studying, researching and innovating.
The EAIE concluded with the handover to Lisbon at the closing session, which included a speech by Cristina Perdigão and a performance by the Tuna Feminina Orfeão do Porto.
See here the photos of the Portuguese participation:
IESuperior Portfolio – EAIE 2026
IESuperior Portfolio – EAIE 2026 – Day 2
IESuperior Portfolio – EAIE 2026 – Day 3
IESuperior Portfolio – EAIE Reception
The Study & Research in Portugal project is co-financed by the European Union through the COMPETE 2030 and Lisbon 2030 programs, within the framework of Portugal 2030.
Published in September 15, 2026 | Updated on October 20, 2026
