Published in the Portuguese Official Gazette on July 9 2026
Decree-Law Officially Establishes the University of Leiria and Oeste
The Decree-Law No. 135/2026, establishing the University of Leiria and Oeste (ULO), was published in the Portuguese Official Gazette (Diário da República) on July 9, 2026. The publication of the decree-law legally formalizes the transformation of the Polytechnic University of Leiria (IPLeiria) into the University of Leiria and Oeste, marking a historic milestone for the institution, the region, and Portuguese higher education.
The creation of ULO was approved by the Council of Ministers on May 21, 2026, and the corresponding decree-law was promulgated by the President of the Republic on June 30. Its publication in the Diário da República marks the culmination of the legislative process and opens a new chapter in the institution’s history.
Under the terms of the decree-law published today, the University of Leiria and Oeste succeeds the Polytechnic University of Leiria in all its rights and obligations, ensuring continuity of its mission, academic programs, research activities, assets, and human resources.
The decree-law also establishes the institutional transition framework, providing for the appointment of an implementation committee by the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation. This committee will oversee the establishment of the new university and prepare its statutes and other key governing instruments, and may serve for a period of up to five years.
“The promulgation of the decree-law by the President of the Republic and its subsequent publication in the Diário da República represent a moment of tremendous significance for our institution and fulfill an ambition long shared by our entire academic community and the region. The University of Leiria and Oeste is the result of more than four decades of growth and excellence at the Polytechnic of Leiria and is founded with the mission of becoming a true driver of knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development, transforming Leiria and Oeste into a region where knowledge generates impact, where talent finds opportunities, and where innovation translates into greater competitiveness,” says Carlos Rabadão, President of the Polytechnic of Leiria.
Carlos Rabadão emphasizes that: “A demanding institutional transition process now begins, one that will be carried out collaboratively and in close coordination with the academic community and the institution’s various partners. Throughout this process, opportunities for reflection and discussion will be promoted on the strategic and organizational dimensions of the future university, including the approval of the new statutes, the organizational model, and the other key governing instruments of ULO.”
The University of Leiria and Oeste succeeds the Polytechnic University of Leiria, maintaining its presence in Leiria, Batalha, Caldas da Rainha, Marinha Grande, Peniche, Pombal, Porto de Mós, and Torres Vedras, while strengthening its mission in education, research, innovation, and engagement with society.