NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

II.3. Final qualifications in higher education
In Portugal, all degrees and diplomas are awarded by the higher education institutions themselves. State diplomas do not exist.
The formats of diplomas and certificates are drawn up in accordance with certain general rules by the higher education
institutions, which submit them to the Ministry of Education for approval. Afterwards the Ministry has them published in the
Diário da República (Official Gazette).
Certificates for the carta de curso (degree) and carta doutoral (doctorate degree) are issued by the institutions themselves and
bear the signatures of the academic bodies authenticated by the embossed seal of the relevant institution.
II.3.1. Final qualifications in polytechnic education
Polytechnic education (ensino superior politécnico) refers to higher education whose main purpose is to provide the country
with skilled technicians in various fields of studies.
The courses taught in this type of institution are directly related to the economic and social needs and potential of the regions
in which they are located.
The following degrees/diplomas are awarded:
• the degree of bacharel;
• the diploma de estudos superiores especializados (diploma in specialised higher studies);
• the degree of licenciado.
The degree of bacharel is a final qualification showing evidence of a scientific, technical and cultural education. The courses
leading to the award of this degree have an average length of three years. It qualifies its holder to proceed to study for
licenciatura courses and for courses leading to the diploma de estudos superiores especializados (DESE).
The diploma de estudos superiores especializados is evidence of scientific, technical and cultural education in specialised
fields of a professional activity. Entry to courses leading to the DESE, which last from 18 months to two years, is open to
those who hold the bacharel or licenciado degree.
The diploma de estudos superiores specialiszados constitutes a
qualification equivalent to a licenciado degree for all academic and
professional purposes, in particular entitling its holder to attend mestrado courses and be admitted to provas de doutoramento
(doctoral degree).
(A list of subjects in which the degrees of bacharel and DESE are issued by polytechnic institutions is given in Appendices I
and II.)
II.3.2. Degrees and diplomas awarded in fine arts
Courses in fine arts are organised into two cycles: the basic cycle lasting for three years and leading to the diploma do ciclo
básico and the specialised cycle, lasting for two years (after completion of the first cycle) and leading to the issue of the
diploma de ciclo especial.
Students holding the diploma do ciclo básico can pursue studies in courses for which possession of a higher course diploma is
required. With regard to entry to a profession, this diploma is equivalent to the degree of bacharel. Those qualified in the
basic cycle or legal equivalent can proceed to the specialised cycle.
Holders of the diploma de ciclo especial may take courses which holders of higher studies diplomas are entitled to attend.
With regard to entry to a profession, this diploma is equivalent to a licenciado degree.