04 - Portugal - General Objectives
As laid down in the Education Act, university education provides a solidly based scientific and cultural
preparation and provides technical training to develop skills in professional and cultural work and also
encourages the development of skills in idea forming, innovation and critical analysis.
The Education Act sees the objectives of higher education as:
1. Stimulating cultural creation and the development of a scientific and entrepreneurial mind as well
as reflective thought;
2. Training graduates in the different areas of knowledge, prepared for professional sectors and for
participation in the development of society and co-operating in ongoing training;
3. Encouraging scientific research and investigation with a view to developing science and
technology, the humanities and arts and the creation and spread of culture, so as to develop the
understanding of man and his environment;
4. Promoting the spread of cultural, scientific and technical knowledge, that constitutes the heritage
of humanity, communicating know-how through teaching, publication and other forms of
communication;
5. Stimulating the desire for constant cultural and professional perfection and making it possible to
apply it, integrating the knowledge that is going to be acquired in a systemising intellectual
knowledge structure of each generation, from the perspective of lifelong learning and
generational and intergenerational investment, with a view to achieving the unity of the formative
process;
6. Stimulating an understanding of the problems in today's world, from a global perspective,
particularly national, regional and European problems, and providing specialised services to the
community and in this way establishing a reciprocal relationship;
7. Promoting and valuing Portuguese language and culture;
8. Promoting a critical spirit and the freedom of expression and research.
Eurydice - the information network on education in Europe
Date: 2009