Portugal: University access changes spark concern over declining student performance

The model for accessing higher education in Portugal is once again a subject of intense debate, marked by a significant drop in applicants for university entrance exams. For the first time in ten years, the number of participants in the National Access Contest fell below the number of available university spots.

In response, the government has decided to reverse a recently implemented rule that required applicants to pass at least two entrance exams. Starting in July, the requirement will revert to the previous standard of passing just one exam, a change that raises questions about its potential impact on academic qualification and student retention.

A group of specialists is examining whether there has been an "effective loss of qualification" in 2025, or if the students who did not complete the process were those already more likely to drop out. This analysis seeks to understand the underlying factors contributing to the persistent decline in the performance of high-achieving students, a trend that should concern educators and policymakers alike.