NOVA and Caixa signed this Monday, 15th July, a protocol of cooperation and patronage aimed at supporting the teaching and training, research, social action and service activities developed by the University.
“It is a great pleasure and a great event for NOVA to be here today to celebrate this protocol with Caixa Geral de Depósitos. Last year, NOVA celebrated its 50th anniversary and deep commitment to knowledge, society, and culture throughout these 5 decades, and even more so in the future. NOVA stands out because it has a particular gene in its DNA that makes it distinctive in its openness to society and its relationship with its different institutions. This collaborative gene explains the University’s ability to establish collaborative agendas of remarkable impact, and strategic partnerships for the University and contribute significantly to its development and the excellence of our 3 missions: teaching, research, and innovation. Caixa Geral de Depósitos, for its part, is the largest financial institution in Portugal and is also a pioneer and innovator in its relationship with universities,” said NOVA’s Rector, João Sàágua, at the beginning of the meeting that enshrined the agreement between the two institutions.
With the signing of this protocol, which will be in force until 2029, NOVA will receive a grant to finance the university’s activities.
In addition, the majority of NOVA’s academic community now has access to basic banking services through Caixa Geral de Depósitos, right at the beginning of the university season, as part of the enrolment process.
Student, faculty, and staff cards can be used as bank cards, in addition to their identification function, if the holder so wishes. Students can also register free of charge for the Caixa M Account, which offers a wide range of services: current account, debit and credit cards, online transfers, and access to the Caixadirecta APP digital application. This solution makes it possible to manage day-to-day financial responsibilities in this new phase in which many people begin to live more independently, away from their families.
Caixa was the first bank in Portugal to introduce protocols to support higher education, in 1994, and currently has protocols with more than 30 institutions and 120 higher education schools, with an annual investment of more than 10 million euros.
Over the last 30 years, this programme of support for higher education has reached more than 1 million young students and has been a fundamental lever for the rejuvenation of Caixa’s customer base. More than 50% of customers recruited through the Higher Education Protocols remain Caixa customers after completing their studies.
Caixa takes this position with the universities, as an investment in knowledge and in the generations that will be responsible for the country’s future.