
Every programme in the Concurso Nacional has its own provas de ingresso – exams in specific subjects that you have to pass. Portuguese applicants take the national final exams (exames nacionais).
If you finished secondary school abroad, you can use the results of your own school leaving exams instead, provided they meet three conditions: they are national in scope, they correspond to the subjects required for the programme, and they are on the list of exams accepted as substitutes. Exams taken from 2022 onwards are valid for 5 years.
You'll find the details and the list of exams on the DGES website.
Sources: European Commission – Study in Europe (education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe), Eurostat, official national study and residence portals and authorities, Eurodesk, enic-naric.net, studentnews.eu. As of September 2026.