Portugal has officially published the admissions calendar for the 2026/27 academic year, marking the start of the competition for publicly funded higher education places. The first phase of the national admissions process will run from July 20 to August 6.

A total of 56,790 places are available through the general competition, including 34,841 at universities and 21,949 at polytechnic institutes. An additional 21,493 places are reserved for special admissions routes with separate rules and deadlines.

Applicants in priority categories — including emigrants, their families, Portuguese descendants abroad, and candidates using foreign qualifications instead of national exams — must apply by July 27.

First-phase results will be released on August 23, followed by second- and third-phase results on September 13 and September 30.