The results of nearly 50,000 higher education applicants will be announced on Sunday, with a four-day period beginning on Monday for students to enroll at their designated institution.
This year sees fewer candidates for higher education, totaling 49,595—9,046 fewer than last year—with numbers similar to those of 2018.
The average scores for most national exams have dropped compared to 2024, with 15 out of 25 subjects reporting poorer results, while the number of available spots at higher education institutions has slightly increased.
These factors should improve the chances for more students to secure placements, though results will only be publicly revealed on Sunday. In recent years, the Ministry of Education services have notified candidates by message on Saturday to inform them of their placement and the institution.
Students placed in institutions must register between Monday and Thursday. This decision does not preclude applying for a second phase if they did not secure a spot at their desired institution.
Approximately 90% of candidates gain a place in higher education each year, though it may not always be their preferred institution or course.
In these cases, students can apply in the second phase, selecting only institutions they prefer over the course they secured. If successful in the second phase, they automatically forfeit their first-phase spot.
The second-phase applications also commence on Monday, ending on September 3, with results announced on September 14.
The second phase also accommodates students who took exams in the second phase or those placed in institutions far from home with unsustainable monthly expenses.
This summer, the average cost of a room in the country reached 415 euros, with Lisbon being the most expensive district at 500 euros, followed closely by Porto, according to the latest report by the Student Housing Observatory, confirming rising room rental prices in the student accommodation market.
This is cited as a key factor for the declining number of higher education applicants in recent years. In 2020, around 62,000 students sought entry in the first phase, with subsequent years maintaining approximately 60,000. This year, numbers fell below 50,000.
Over 55,000 spots were opened in the general public access regime this year, supplemented by 717 local competition slots, such as art courses requiring entry prerequisites. Additionally, 21,000 spots are available in special regimes and contests, like those for individuals over 23 years old or course changes. In private institutions, approximately 25,000 spots are available, according to Ministry of Education data.
