In 2025, NOVA University Lisbon ranks first nationwide in 10 programmes in the National Higher Education Access Competition (CNAES), positioning itself as one of the country’s most attractive and competitive institutions. All these programmes registered the highest minimum entry grade (general contingent) at national level, reinforcing the quality and demand for the education offered across NOVA’s schools. The programmes in which NOVA leads are Cell and Molecular Biology, Conservation – Restoration, Mathematics, Political Science and International Relations, Philosophy, History, Nutrition Sciences, Law, Economics, and the new programme in Maritime Studies.
In total, these programmes represent 23% of NOVA’s offer in the National Access Competition, a result that confirms the diversity of the institution’s academic excellence.
“The data from the National Higher Education Access Competition demonstrate the strong demand for NOVA, which continues to be at the top of students’ preferences. We remain a benchmark for those who see NOVA as an innovative institution that prepares them for the challenges of the future,” said João Sàágua, Rector of NOVA University Lisbon.
In the first phase of the 2025/2026 CNAES, NOVA filled 2,768 of the 2,872 places available, achieving an occupancy rate of 96.38%. These figures place the institution third among all Portuguese universities.
“This is the moment to congratulate all students and to wish them every success in the academic year that is now beginning. It is for each one of them that we work every day,” added João Sàágua.