The announcement was made on Sunday, 30 August, during the closing session of the PSD Summer University in Castelo de Vide.

The institution only adopted the name University Polytechnic of Bragança at the beginning of August, having previously been known as the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança.

Under the latest plans, it will lose its polytechnic status and become a university. However, the Government has not yet provided a date for when the transformation will be completed.

The institution currently has around 10,000 students, approximately 30% of whom come from outside Portugal.

It is made up of six schools located across three northern cities. Bragança is home to the schools of health, education, agriculture, and technology and management, while the School of Communication is based in Mirandela and the School of Hospitality and Well-being operates in Chaves.

The institution’s president welcomed the announcement, saying the change could help attract more students and investment to the region.

The transformation will also require its courses to be reassessed so that they comply with the requirements of university education.

During his speech, the Prime Minister also announced a new model of autonomy and governance for Portuguese schools. The proposed system would include the general election of school directors and changes to their professional status and salaries.

The Government also intends to bring the salaries of rectors at polytechnic universities in line with those of rectors at other universities.

Montenegro said Portugal needs a more demanding school curriculum and greater ambition in education, science and knowledge.

The creation of a full university in Bragança is expected to strengthen higher education in Portugal’s northern interior, while helping the region attract students, researchers and further investment.