Portugal's first-phase university admissions cycle drew 60,391 applicants in 2026, the highest number in three decades outside the Covid-19 pandemic years, marking a 21.8% increase over 2025.
An additional 10,796 students applied compared with last year, when 49,595 candidates registered. The figure represents the most since 1996, excluding the pandemic period. Among institution-course pairings eligible to require only a single entrance exam, 88% opted to accept at least one such arrangement.
First-phase results will be published on August 23, with successful candidates required to enrol between August 24 and 27. A second application phase runs through September 20, with results due September 30.