“With these three courses in Gouveia, UPG sends a clear signal of its commitment to the dissemination and transfer of knowledge, as well as to the economic and social enhancement of the region’s human resources,” stated Joaquim Brigas, Rector of the Polytechnic University of Guarda.

The courses in Enogastronomy, Gerontology, and Civil Protection Risks are set to begin in the 2026–27 academic year and will be taught by UPG at the Instituto de Gouveia – Vocational School, with support from the local municipality.

On Wednesday at 4:30 pm, the three entities will sign a tripartite collaboration agreement at the Instituto de Gouveia’s São Julião School campus.

“One of the Polytechnic University of Guarda’s most important missions is to contribute to the sustainable development of society within its sphere of influence by training qualified professionals for all areas—such as the business sector, the social sector, and local government,” the rector added, cited in a press release sent to the Lusa news agency.

For the municipality of Gouveia, in the Guarda district, the creation of these three new courses in the city reinforces “the range of higher education offerings and the qualification of human resources in areas strategic to the territory’s development.”

“In addition to teaching, conducting research, and generating knowledge within its schools, UPG will be increasingly available to support business innovation, collaborate with municipalities, provide lifelong professional training, and help address societal challenges in the region,” added Joaquim Brigas.

UPG—formerly the Guarda Polytechnic—already offers CTeSP (Higher Professional Technical Courses) in Vila Nova de Foz Côa (Tourist Accommodation Management), Mêda (Civil Protection Risks), Sabugal (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency), and Trancoso (Cybersecurity; Automotive Maintenance and Repair; and Culinary Arts and Food Production).

The Guarda Polytechnic University was established on 1 August, as part of the recent legislative reform enacted by Law No. 32/2026 of 20 July.

This transformation is part of the higher education reform stemming from Law No. 16/2023 of 10 April, which amended the Basic Law on the Education System and the Legal Framework for Higher Education Institutions (RJIES); this allows institutionally accredited polytechnic institutes to adopt the designation “Polytechnic University,” thereby strengthening the identity and value of the polytechnic sub-system.