University admissions process commences
The application process for the 2025/2026 academic year in Portuguese public higher education through the General Admission System (National Call) is now open. The online application process takes place via the Directorate General for Higher Education (DGES) portal.
Candidates must authenticate with their Citizen Card or the Digital Mobile Key (CMD) to apply. The application period for the first call runs from July 21st to August 4th, 2025.
Approximately 55,956 places are available in public higher education institutions nationwide for the 2025/26 academic year, with 1,620 at the prestigious Instituto Superior Técnico. The results of the first call will be published on August 24th, 2025, while enrolment and registration occur between August 25th and 28th. New students at Técnico will be welcomed during the first week of September.
The General Admission System involves a single online application period in midsummer, a widely increased number of places, and clear post-result enrolment deadlines. Applicants must prepare their digital authentication and supporting academic documentation ahead of the deadline.
To apply, students require an access password, which can be requested through the DGES website. The application form, known as the ENES form, is issued by the school and contains a student's final secondary school grade and entrance exam results.
The academic year admission process consists of three phases:
- The first phase runs from July 21st to August 4th, with results announced on August 24th. Candidates placed in this phase have until August 28th to enroll.
- The second phase runs from August 25th to September 3rd, with results announced on September 14th.
- The third phase runs from September 23rd to 25th.
Special admission routes apply separately with distinct requirements and timelines for mature applicants (over 23), holders of higher education degrees, and transfer students. Required documents include identity documents (Citizen’s card), national or certified equivalent secondary education certificates, proof of entrance exam scores (minimum passing grades), and in some cases, Portuguese language proficiency certification for international applicants.
Additionally, applicants may need valid national exams corresponding to the course entrance requirements or recognized equivalent foreign exams. The General Admission System includes the national entrance exam and local entrance exams, such as those for arts programs.
For more information and updates, visit the DGES website. Good luck to all applicants!
Education and self-development opportunities are abundant with the General Admission System for the 2025/2026 academic year in Portuguese public higher education. Applicants must gear up for learning and submitting their digital authentication and supporting documents as the application period for the learning process begins on July 21st, 2025, and lasts until August 4th, 2025.
