Government signs 15 new program contracts to boost teacher training

Agreements with 20 higher education institutions aim to increase by 17.5% the available places for bachelor's and master's degrees until 2029/2030.

Generic image of a Portuguese university facade with traditional azulejo tiles and stone architecture, under a clear blue sky.
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Generic image of a Portuguese university facade with traditional azulejo tiles and stone architecture, under a clear blue sky.

The Government, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, has signed 15 new program contracts and five addenda with 20 higher education institutions to strengthen teacher training and combat the shortage of educators in schools.

The agreements, which cover a cumulative total of 20,292 places in Bachelor's degrees in Basic Education and Master's degrees in Teaching until 2029/2030, represent an increase of 3,020 places compared to the scenario of maintaining the current offer. This measure continues the contracts signed in October 2025 and addresses the need to recruit approximately 20,000 new teachers by 2029/2030.
With the new agreements, there are now 25 active program contracts, ensuring funding and predictability for institutions to expand their educational offerings and the number of graduates in the field of education. The contracts prioritize areas with a greater shortage of teachers, such as preschool education, the 1st cycle of basic education, Portuguese, English, Mathematics, History, Physics and Chemistry, and Biology and Geology.
The institutions involved include the Universities of Aveiro, Beira Interior, Coimbra, Évora, Madeira, Minho, Porto, and the Azores, as well as the Polytechnic Universities of Beja, Bragança, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Guarda, Viana do Castelo, and Viseu.
Institutions will receive an additional financial incentive per graduate, with increases of 30% for master's degrees in priority areas, 20% for other master's degrees qualifying for teaching, and 10% for Bachelor's degrees in Basic Education. In return, they commit to opening the planned places, promoting the attractiveness of the courses, and supporting their successful completion.
Based on information from the official source: Governo de Portugal - Comunicação (05/11/2026)