The Portuguese higher education system is divided in two subsystems (binary system):
- university education (offering solid scientific training, joining efforts and competencies from teaching and research units);
- polytechnic education (offering vocational training and advanced technical training, professionally orientated).
Higher education institutions can be public or private.
Portugal has a network of higher education institutions spread all around the country, the oldest of which is the University of Coimbra founded in 1290.
More information available in the Directorate General for Higher Education website.