The Polytechnic University of Santarém managed to place 700 new students in the first phase of the National Higher Education Access Contest, which represents an increase of 249 students compared to the number recorded in 2025. This growth indicates a recovery in the number of students who choose this institution to attend higher education courses.
The Polytechnic University of Tomar received 240 students in this first phase of the contest. This institution, like the one in Santarém, is part of the Ribatejo region and contributes to the higher education offering in the area.
In Santarém, the areas with the greatest demand from students were Health, Education, Management and Sport. These courses appear to meet the needs of the regional job market and the preferences of candidates.
In the Tomar and Abrantes units, courses in the areas of Conservation and Restoration and Photography stood out, attracting students with more specific interests in the arts and heritage preservation.