Established in 2007 by the Portuguese State, the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES) is an independent body whose objectives are the assessment and accreditation of higher education institutions and their study cycles, as well as the performance of functions inherent to Portugal's insertion in the European higher education quality assurance system.
By definition of A3ES, accreditation of study cycles is a procedure by which an organization, qualified for the evaluation and accreditation of higher education, verifies and formally recognizes that a given cycle of studies, leading to an academic degree (bachelor, master, doctor), meets the requirements for its creation and operation.
In accordance with the legislation in force, the entry into operation of the study cycles leading to an academic degree require prior accreditation by A3ES and subsequent registration by the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES). Therefore, all FCT NOVA study cycles were subjected to an evaluation process by A3ES and subsequent registration with DGES, following their accreditation by A3ES. Changes to study plans and other elements that characterize a study cycle are registered with DGES.
The monitoring of the assessment and accreditation processes is the responsibility of the Planning and Quality Management Division.
The results of the accreditation processes and respective registration can be consulted in the following document or directly on the websites of A3ES and DGES.
