Photo: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Training offered by four institutions Universidade Aberta, the University of Lisbon and the polytechnic universities of Beja and Setúbal will offer 1,036 places for in-service teacher training. The courses are aimed at teachers with degrees in the scientific fields of the subjects they teach but without pedagogical training. The courses are funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MECI) through agreements representing a total investment of €5.5 million. Universidade Aberta has the largest number of places, with 672. This is followed by the University of Lisbon, with 181, Beja Polytechnic, with 98, and Setúbal Polytechnic, with 85 places. Most places have already been filled The courses are expected to begin in October and, according to MECI, around 80% of the available places have already been filled. The duration varies according to teachers’ professional experience. Teachers with less than five years of service will have to complete a two-year course. For those with more than five years of experience, in-service training will last one year. The opening of these places provides an opportunity for teachers who recently entered the teaching profession through extraordinary recruitment schemes for candidates with recognised teaching qualifications. Teachers can complete pedagogical training Over the past two years, thousands of teachers have entered the teaching profession through a scheme allowing teachers without professional qualifications to join the career. Their appointment was conditional on completing the required pedagogical training within the established timeframe. In the 2024/2025 extraordinary external recruitment process, 1,822 teachers entered the teaching profession, 893 of whom did not have pedagogical training. The following year, 1,639 teachers were appointed, including 697 with recognised teaching qualifications. In-service training therefore allows these teachers to obtain the necessary qualifications while continuing to work in schools. More training to address teacher shortages The measure also comes amid a shortage of teachers and a need to strengthen the qualifications of professionals already working in the education system. The investment aims to ensure that teachers with provisional appointments can complete their training within the established timeframe. In-service training is one of the routes available to obtain the professional qualification required to enter the teaching profession. The new provision also seeks to address the shortage of places that has made it difficult for some teachers to access pedagogical training in recent years. In 2025, 300 places had already been agreed with Universidade Aberta, but demand continued to exceed the available provision.
Photo: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Former factory transformed into student accommodation Braga now has Portugals largest public university residence. The Confiança University Residence opened its doors on 10 September 2026, providing 786 beds for students following a €25 million redevelopment. The project restored the former Confiança Factory and was funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The redevelopment gave a new purpose to a city building while also strengthening the supply of accommodation for higher education students. Construction combines technology and sustainability One of the projects distinguishing features is the use of the CREE construction system in the new building. The model combines timber and concrete and allows different construction components to be manufactured in an industrial environment, including structures, façades and bathroom modules. The project also used technologies such as BIM and Digital Twin, making it possible to digitise several stages of the project and improve control over construction processes. The focus on industrialisation contributed to more efficient execution and reduced the amount of work carried out directly on site. The solution implemented in Braga was awarded the 2026 National Sustainability Award by Jornal de Negócios, in the Sustainable Cities category. Model already used in other residences Industrialised construction is also being used in other student accommodation projects. In Valença, the structure of a 56-bed residence was assembled in just nine days, using the same hybrid timber and concrete system. In Beja, the Residência Europa of the Polytechnic Institute provides 503 beds and involved an investment of around €22 million. The project also included factory-produced solutions. In Coimbra, the new Espaço U residence, intended for the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, will provide 400 beds and uses modular construction and the CREE system. Funded through the RRP, it represents an investment of around €15 million. These projects demonstrate the use of industrialised construction solutions to create student accommodation, helping to reduce construction times and strengthen the response to students needs.
Photo: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Supply fails to meet demand Student accommodation in Portugal faces a shortfall of 119,000 beds, in a market where estimated demand reaches 227,000 students. There are currently around 28,000 beds in public and private residences, leaving a significant proportion of students dependent on the traditional rental market. Among the students looking for accommodation solutions are around 147,000 domestic students living away from home, representing 36% of the higher education population, as well as more than 80,000 international students. The imbalance between demand and supply continues to put pressure on the residential market. Investment increases in the sector The shortage of beds has attracted investment to the PBSA segment, which comprises residences specifically built for students. Since 2019, the sector has received around €1.2 billion, with 98% of this amount coming from international capital. Average annual investment is close to €200 million, with investors from Canada, Belgium and the United States among the main participants. Around 3,000 new beds are expected next year, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. Supply is concentrated in coastal areas Despite the addition of new beds, supply remains limited and unevenly distributed across the country. Around 90% of private student accommodation supply is concentrated in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra. At the same time, Vila Real, Castelo Branco and Évora record some of the highest rates of students living away from home, above 60%. This difference between the location of demand and the availability of residences is another challenge for the market. Rents are competitive in Europe Rental prices help explain the growing interest in the segment. In Lisbon, the median rent for student accommodation stands at €855 per month, while in Porto it is €745. These figures are lower than those recorded in several other European markets, such as London, where they reach €2,283 per month, Dublin, at €1,964, Milan, at €1,674, and Madrid, at €1,332. Even so, the expected increase in supply is likely to fall short of current market needs.
Photo: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Start by calculating your monthly budget Before renting a home to study, calculate the actual cost of the option. Rent is only one of the expenses to consider and may be accompanied by water, electricity, gas, internet or service charges. Check in advance which costs are included and which ones you will have to pay. Also find out about the deposit, any rent payments required in advance and other amounts requested at the beginning of the tenancy. A home with lower rent may ultimately be more expensive if it has high additional costs. Compare the monthly cost of several options before making a decision. Read the contract and clarify the conditions When renting a home to study, you should not rely solely on the information in the listing. Before handing over any money, read the tenancy agreement carefully and check the landlords identity, the tenancy duration, the rent amount and the conditions for ending the agreement. If you choose a room in a shared house, also check whether you will have an individual agreement and what rules apply to the communal areas. Understanding in advance who can use each space and how expenses are divided can help avoid conflicts. Keep all documents and proof of payment relating to the tenancy. Check the property before signing Photographs may not reveal existing problems with the property. Whenever possible, visit the property before renting a home to study and check the condition of the rooms, windows, doors, equipment and bathroom facilities. Pay particular attention to signs of damp, leaks, poor insulation or noise. Testing taps, lighting and some equipment during the visit can help identify problems that may not be immediately visible. If any repairs are agreed before you move in, make sure these conditions are recorded. Assess the location and avoid risks Location should also be part of your calculations. A cheaper home may no longer be worthwhile if it requires long daily journeys to university. Compare the distance to your educational institution, available public transport and the proximity of supermarkets, pharmacies and other services. When renting a home to study, also be cautious of listings with prices significantly below those normally charged in the same area. Be particularly wary of requests for payment before viewing the property or knowing the terms of the agreement. Check who is renting out the property and whether they are legally entitled to enter into the agreement. Before choosing, compare different options and clarify any questions. This can make renting a home to study a more predictable decision that fits your budget. To find a home for your academic life, browse listings available on SUPERCASA and explore options in different areas across the country .
Photo: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Lisbon gains a new student residence Finding student accommodation in Lisbon remains a challenge for many university students. Demand remains high and the available supply does not always meet the needs of those arriving in the city to study. It is in this context that the Associação Lisbonense de Proprietários (ALP) is entering a new segment of the property market with Campus ALP – Calado 30, a residence exclusively for higher education students. Located in a renovated building in the parish of Arroios, the residence offers 14 individual, furnished and equipped rooms. It also includes a kitchen, dining areas and an outdoor space on the ground floor. The initiative provides a new student accommodation solution in one of Lisbon’s most sought-after areas and also highlights the potential of private property to increase supply. A different model from traditional renting The focus on student accommodation comes at a time when landlords face several challenges in the long-term rental market. Regulatory uncertainty, contract management and the need for greater predictability can influence investment decisions. Renting to students has different characteristics in this respect. Contracts can be planned according to the academic calendar, allowing for more structured management of occupancy and vacancy periods. However, this model also requires attention to maintenance, turnover and property management. For landlords looking to invest in student accommodation, specialised support can make the entire process easier. Specialist management can unlock more supply ALP had already been developing student accommodation solutions through Student Housing ALP, a service created to support landlords interested in this market. The experience gained has made it possible to identify challenges and opportunities and develop a more specialised approach. These include maintenance costs, bureaucracy, contract and utility management, and the need to reduce the risks associated with property operations. At the same time, effective management can help create more functional student accommodation solutions, with clear contracts, preventive maintenance and properties prepared for students’ needs. This experience ultimately led to the creation of Campus ALP itself, turning specialist knowledge and support into a concrete property investment. Private landlords gain an important role ALP’s European experience also contributed to this strategy. The association took part in the HOME2 – Home of Mobile Europeans project, dedicated to mobility and student accommodation, helping to gather information about the difficulties faced by landlords in different markets. The work carried out reinforced the importance of private supply in meeting demand, particularly in cities where public and institutional capacity is insufficient. The new campus therefore seeks to respond to a specific student accommodation need, while also restoring property and giving an existing building a new purpose. ALP’s approach shows how the market can find new solutions to meet housing demand and how professional management can be decisive in making this segment more attractive to landlords.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Mirandela gains 180 new student beds The Polytechnic University of Bragança is increasing its student accommodation capacity with four university residences either under construction or already completed. The new facilities are located in Mirandela, Bragança and Chaves and are expected to add hundreds of beds to the existing supply. In Mirandela, the Miratua residence has already been completed and furnished. The building was created by converting a former hotel in the city centre and provides 60 beds for students. In the same city, another residence is more than 80% complete and is expected to be finished by the end of November. This facility will accommodate a further 120 students. The opening of the two residences aims to ease pressure on the local rental market, in a city where demand for housing has been high. The School of Communication, Administration and Tourism of the Polytechnic University of Bragança has around 1,200 students. According to Orlando Rodrigues, President of the Polytechnic University of Bragança, the new facilities should help reduce the existing pressure on housing supply for students. Bragança prepares largest residence In the city of Bragança, the largest university residence in the project is also nearing completion. The building will have capacity for 200 beds and is expected to be inaugurated by the end of September. The works are practically finished, with only some interior and exterior work still to be completed. The connection to the electricity grid could, however, affect the planned timetable, as an intervention is still required on site. With this new student residence, the institution aims to increase available capacity and provide better conditions for those attending higher education in the city. Chaves to get 120 more beds A 120-bed university residence is also being built in Chaves. The project, linked to the School of Hospitality and Well-being of the Polytechnic University of Bragança, is likewise more than 80% complete. The institution expects all four residences to be completed by the end of 2026. Once operational, these facilities should help reduce pressure on housing supply for the student population. Investment exceeds €25 million The projects represent a significant investment in increasing student accommodation. The student residence in Bragança involves an investment of more than €9.6 million, with €7.4 million funded by the National Plan for Accommodation in Higher Education (PNAES). In Mirandela, the Miratua represents an investment of €2.9 million, with 90% of the funding provided by PNAES. The remaining residences, in Mirandela and Chaves, represent investments of €6.3 million and €6.7 million, respectively, with €9 million in funding from the programme. PNAES received additional funding through the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Despite the deadline for meeting the targets agreed with the European Commission having passed, the Polytechnic University of Bragança considers that the advanced stage of the works makes it possible to ensure the projects are completed.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Higher education loses students after a decade of growth The number of students enrolled in higher education fell for the first time after a decade of continuous growth. Data from the Register of Enrolled Students and Graduates in Higher Education (RAIDES) shows that 447,690 students attended Portuguese higher education institutions in the 2025/26 academic year. This represents a 1.8% decrease from the approximately 456,000 students recorded the previous year. Despite the decline, the public sector continues to account for the majority of students, with 355,670 enrolled, while private institutions have 92,010. The change interrupts a trend that had continued since 2014/15. During this period, the number of students increased in both public and private higher education, with the latter recording particularly significant growth. Fewer new students put pressure on enrolment figures The decline in higher education enrolment is linked to lower demand for new courses. In 2025, the number of new students starting undergraduate degrees or integrated masters degrees fell by 10.5% compared with the previous year, equivalent to 8,678 fewer students. The National Higher Education Admissions Competition was particularly affected. In the first round, 43,899 candidates were admitted, with around 79% of available places filled. Changes to admission rules were identified as one of the factors affecting demand. The decline in the young population is also becoming increasingly evident. Portugals demographic trend, marked by decades of low birth rates, is progressively reducing the number of potential higher education applicants. International students become increasingly important International students represent an increasingly significant share of Portuguese higher education institutions. In the last academic year, there were more than 72,000 international students, including those completing their entire education in Portugal and participants in mobility programmes. This growth has helped universities and polytechnics partially offset the decline in the number of young Portuguese students. For many institutions, attracting international students has become an important strategy in response to the countrys demographic changes. Students enrolled in higher education include those across different levels of study, from short-cycle higher technical programmes to undergraduate degrees, masters degrees and PhDs. Recovery in admissions could slow the trend The first results for 2026 point to a recovery in demand. The occupancy rate for places available through the National Higher Education Admissions Competition rose to around 88%, with 49,991 new students admitted, above the figure recorded in the first round of the previous year. This recovery could help limit the decline in higher education enrolment, although it is still too early to determine whether it represents a sustained change. The demographic outlook nevertheless continues to pose challenges for institutions. The ability to attract new students, strengthen course offerings and recruit international students is likely to become increasingly important for maintaining the scale of Portugals higher education system.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Rooms place a major strain on budgets The cost of student housing is creating difficulties for many students in Coimbra. According to an online survey by the Coimbra Academic Association (AAC), with 1,039 validated responses, 24.6% of participants have considered suspending their enrolment or dropping out of higher education due to the associated costs. Accommodation is one of the main expenses. The average price of a room in Coimbra is €312, while 65.2% of surveyed students pay at least €300. The expense also represents a significant share of monthly budgets. Around 28.6% of participants spend between 51% and 70% of their monthly budget on accommodation, while 12.3% spend more than 70%. Lack of rental contracts concerns students Rental conditions are another concern identified by the survey. Around 32% of students who took part in the study say they do not have a formal contract for the room they rent. This situation may leave students more exposed to rental-related problems and make it harder to access protection mechanisms. At the same time, 52.7% of respondents consider that housing prices and availability have partially or completely influenced their choice of city or higher education institution. The results highlight the impact that access to housing can have on academic decisions and students’ ability to remain in higher education. AAC proposes new measures for accommodation In light of the results, the AAC is calling for changes to student rentals. One proposal is the creation of a specific contract for student accommodation, with limits on deposits and clearer rules for students and landlords. The association also proposes more regular monitoring of prices through the Student Accommodation Observatory and a public accommodation platform, with state certification. In the long term, the proposed solution involves increasing the number of public student residences and beds. To address current difficulties, the AAC considers more immediate action on access to student housing necessary.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction More rooms available in several cities With the new academic year approaching, there are more rooms available for students living away from home in the main university cities. However, the increase in supply has not yet had a significant impact on rental prices. According to the Student Accommodation Observatory, Lisbon had 3,720 rooms available at the end of last week, 1,042 more than at the beginning of August 2025. Porto, Coimbra and Aveiro also recorded increases in supply. In Porto, 1,218 rooms were available, 53% more than the previous year. In Coimbra, supply grew by 74%, while Aveiro had almost twice as many options as in 2025. Rents remain high for students Despite the increase in supply, finding accommodation continues to represent a significant financial effort for students and families. Lisbon remains the most expensive city, with an average rent of around €500 per room. In Coimbra, the figure is around €300 and in Aveiro €350, similar to the values recorded the previous year. In Porto, by contrast, the average rent rose to around €430 per month, €30 more than in 2025. Given these prices, some students are looking for alternatives outside the major centres. In the municipalities near Lisbon, average prices range from €480 in Oeiras to €400 in Almada. In the Porto area, prices are around €400 in Matosinhos and Gondomar and €375 in Maia. Student residences gain ground The increase in rents has also led some families to consider private student residences. Although their monthly fees are higher than those of a room in a shared flat, they often include bills and additional services. The main advantages include predictable costs, security and access to study areas, kitchens, leisure spaces and other facilities. This option is particularly popular with international students, but has also gained ground among Portuguese students. Some scholarship students can also use the accommodation supplement provided by the State to cover part of the cost. For those who do not choose a residence, looking for accommodation in the outskirts can be an alternative. However, the price difference does not always offset the costs and time associated with travelling to university. Thus, despite the greater supply of rooms, the rental market continues to pose challenges for students living away from home, particularly in cities with high university demand.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction DGES grants also cover private higher education Students in private higher education can apply for study grants from the Directorate-General for Education (DGES), provided they meet the defined requirements. Eligibility depends on the household’s financial situation and other factors set out in the social support rules, such as income, assets, household composition, tuition fees and any need to relocate. Applications are submitted online through the BeOn platform, usually after enrolment. It is important to check the deadlines and prepare the required documents in advance to avoid delays or problems with the application. Support is available for students who need accommodation For those who need to move to another city to attend higher education, accommodation can represent a significant part of monthly expenses. Students receiving grants, including those attending private institutions, may be eligible for an accommodation supplement if they meet the relevant requirements. The amount depends, among other factors, on accommodation costs and the location of the institution. Before choosing where to study, it is worth taking this support into account when calculating the total cost of the course, especially when it involves paying for a room or another accommodation solution. Universities and other organisations also offer grants Private institutions may provide their own support. Options include merit-based grants, tuition fee reductions, social support and benefits aimed at specific groups of students. Conditions vary from one institution to another, and some forms of support may be combined with a DGES grant when the relevant regulations allow it. There are also grants provided by foundations, companies, municipalities and other organisations. These may be based on academic merit, financial circumstances or field of study. Therefore, looking for opportunities beyond public support can help significantly reduce the cost of higher education. Paying tuition fees in instalments can help with budgeting Even when no grant is available, paying tuition fees in instalments can help spread expenses throughout the academic year. Conditions depend on each institution. Some private universities may also offer specific solutions for students or families experiencing financial difficulties. To increase your chances of receiving support, check the deadlines, gather the required documents in advance and keep your household information up to date. If in doubt, contact the institution’s student support services or check the rules applicable to the application.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Former factory becomes student residence The former Fábrica Confiança in Braga will begin a new chapter in its history in September 2026, with the opening of the Residência Universitária Confiança. The project represents an investment of more than €29 million and will have capacity for 786 students. The new residence will be managed by the University of Minho and is primarily intended for students living away from home, particularly those attending the Gualtar Campus. The facility aims to strengthen the supply of student accommodation and reduce dependence on the private market. Accommodation from €94 per month For the 2026/2027 academic year, prices at the student residence will vary according to room type and the students status. For scholarship students, the monthly fee will be €94 for a shared room and €150 for a single room. For non-scholarship students, the prices will be €163 for shared rooms and €213 for single rooms. The fees include expenses such as water, electricity, gas and internet. The different price levels aim to provide a more affordable housing solution for students who need to live in Braga during the academic year. Facilities designed for students In addition to the rooms, the Residência Universitária Confiança will have several facilities designed to support residents daily lives. These include equipped kitchens, study and social areas, a laundry room and a gym. The project involves adapting the former factory while preserving the historic building and constructing new structures. The intervention aims to ensure suitable levels of functionality, comfort and sustainability for students. New accommodation could free up homes in Braga The opening of the residence could have an impact beyond the academic community. By providing accommodation for 786 students, the new facility could reduce demand for apartments in the citys private market. Providing more beds for students could therefore help increase the supply of housing available to other Braga residents, at a time of high demand in the housing market. With its opening scheduled for September, the Residência Universitária Confiança will become part of the citys student accommodation offer, with lower prices than those available on the private market and capacity for hundreds of students.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Early entry into social media is associated with lower grades Access to social media at younger ages may be linked to poorer academic performance in subsequent years. This is one of the conclusions of a study published in the scientific journal Nature Human Behaviour. The research followed 5,227 students from 28 schools in northern Italy and analysed the relationship between the age at which they created their first account on digital platforms and the results obtained in Italian, English and Mathematics tests. Students who started using social media between the ages of 11 and 12 achieved, on average, lower results in Italian and Mathematics than their peers who waited until the age of 14 to do so. At ages 15 and 16, the difference corresponded to around six months of learning. In the case of English, the researchers did not identify a similar negative association. Frequent mobile phone use also appears to be linked The study also analysed mobile phone usage habits. Students who reported checking their device more frequently tended to have created social media accounts earlier and also had lower grades in Italian and Mathematics in the 10th year. These students also reported lower levels of parental supervision regarding their use of the platforms. For the researchers, parental monitoring may play an important role in how younger people manage the time they spend online. Nevertheless, the results should be interpreted with caution. As this was an observational study, it is not possible to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the use of social media and lower grades. The role of parents in platform use Early entry into social media often occurs before the minimum age set by the platforms themselves. Against this backdrop, family supervision can help establish more balanced digital habits. Delaying the creation of accounts, setting screen-time limits and avoiding mobile phone use during study time or before going to bed are some possible measures. It is also important to talk to children about the content they encounter, contact with strangers and the risks associated with online exposure. The Italian study does not mean that social media, in itself, is responsible for poorer academic performance. However, the results reinforce the importance of monitoring the age at which young people join these platforms and the intensity of their use.
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