Foreign Higher Education In Portugal: The New Framework

Learn more about the new framework.

On 7 April 2026, Decree-Law 83/2026 was published. This decree-law establishes, for the first time, a specific legal framework applicable to higher education activities carried out in Portugal by foreign institutions not part of the Portuguese system.

This legislation has been published at a time when the provision of higher education services by institutions not based in Portugal is becoming increasingly important. This has made the need for appropriate regulation more pressing. The decree-law introduces formal obligations, information requirements and administrative control mechanisms, with particular emphasis on protecting students.

The decree-law sets out the regulatory framework applicable to higher education activities carried out on a face-to-face, blended, or distance learning basis by (i) institutions established in another EU Member State or an EEA State; and (ii) institutions legally established in third countries, provided that they