UPCoimbra places 533 students in the 2nd phase of Higher Education Access

The Polytechnic University of Coimbra records the highest number of admitted students among national polytechnics, with 989 first-choice candidates.

Facade of a Portuguese university building with classical architecture, ornate balconies, and blue sky.
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Facade of a Portuguese university building with classical architecture, ornate balconies, and blue sky.

The Polytechnic University of Coimbra (UPCoimbra) has placed 533 new students in the second phase of the 2026 National Higher Education Access Competition, standing out as the institution with the highest number of admitted students among the country's polytechnic universities. The results were released on September 30.

UPCoimbra offered 540 places in this phase, to which 129 reallocation places were added, totaling 669 vacancies. The institution received 989 first-choice applications, leaving 149 places unfilled.
The Superior Schools of Education (ESEC), Health Technology (ESTeSC), and Accounting and Administration (ISCAC) filled all their available places. At the Coimbra Institute of Engineering (ISEC), 10 out of 12 courses had all their places occupied.
The degree in Art and Design (ESEC) had the highest cut-off grade, with 169.0 points. This was followed by Physiotherapy (ESTeSC) with 167.5 and Notary and Administration (ISCAC) with 163.5. Communication and Multimedia Design (ESEC) and Business Management (ISCAC) also recorded high scores.
In terms of demand, Marketing and International Business (ISCAC) was the most sought-after course, with 315 candidates. Business Management and Notary and Administration, both from ISCAC, also attracted a significant number of applicants, as did Physiotherapy (ESTeSC), which had 182 candidates for only three places.
Nationally, 9,116 students were placed in the second phase, an increase of 292 compared to the previous year. 22,537 candidates applied, with 11,112 places available, plus released and additional places. 4,069 places remained vacant.
Students admitted to UPCoimbra must complete their enrollment and registration between October 1 and 3. The third phase of the national access competition will have vacancies announced on October 9, with applications running from October 10 to 12.
Based on information from the official source: Politecnico de Coimbra (IPC) (30/09/2026)