ISCTE Leads in Enrollment While University of Porto Shines in Engineering and AI Demand

ISCTE's Pioneering Position

The ISCTE has successfully filled all its vacancies, with its rector highlighting the institution's pioneering role in education. The focus is particularly strong on engineering, artificial intelligence, and data science, reflecting the growing importance of these fields in society today.

Increasing Demand for AI and Engineering Courses

The University of Porto has reported a surge in interest in courses related to artificial intelligence. Among the first five courses offered this year, three are in Aerospace Engineering, one in Applied Mathematics, and another in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. This trend indicates that students are increasingly aware of the vital role these subjects play in modern life.

Challenges in Talent Retention

However, the popularity of these programs brings challenges, particularly in recruiting qualified educators. The rector of the University of Porto noted the intense competition for teaching talent, both nationally and internationally, with many promising young professionals lured by higher salaries abroad.

Enrollment Success Across Northern Universities

In the north, the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) has filled 91.7% of its 1,702 available spots, with a significant number of candidates choosing it as their first option. Rector Emídio Gomes applauded the university's performance, emphasizing its growing reputation.

Historic Demand at University of Minho

The University of Minho also reported historic enrollment figures, filling 99.1% of its available vacancies, showcasing the strong demand for its programs.

Southern Success at University of Algarve

In the south, the University of Algarve (UAlg) welcomed 1,530 new students, a slight increase from the previous year. The university maintained a high occupancy rate of 94.9%, with 34 out of 45 courses fully booked in the first phase of admissions.

Overall Enrollment Trends

A total of 58,301 young people applied for higher education, with 49,963 securing places, marking a 1.1% increase compared to last year, despite a slight decline in overall applications. This data underscores the ongoing demand for higher education in Portugal, according to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation.