RIP to Portugal's Binary Higher Education System, 1852-2026

Portugal is poised to bid farewell to its long-standing binary system of higher education, a structure that has served the nation since 1852. The author of this piece in *Público* views this transition with a somber tone, suggesting the system deserves a solemn "Requiescat in pace."

The article draws a poignant parallel to the 1975 abolition of technical education, an event that, despite its initial intentions, led to decades of regret until its eventual rebirth as vocational training. This historical echo fuels apprehension about the current shift, with fears that Portugal might soon lament the absence of truly world-class universities and a more adaptable short-cycle higher education system capable of meeting the diverse needs of today's youth.

From the perspective of *Público*, a newspaper deeply invested in Portugal's civic and democratic life, this change represents a potential loss. The concern is not merely about the restructuring of educational institutions but about the future capacity of Portugal to compete internationally and to adequately serve its young population. The piece serves as a critical reflection on educational policy, urging a careful consideration of what might be lost in the pursuit of perceived progress.