According to a press release issued by CCDR Algarve, this is a “significant portion of the allocation” from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) to strengthen qualifications in higher education.

The regional entity justifies the measure by the fact that the enrolment rate in higher education in the Algarve is 25.4%, in contrast to 42.8% in the country.

The mobilisation for the Professional Higher Technical Courses (CTeSP) aims, according to the CCDR, to promote the completion of this level of education, “by strengthening the offer of intermediate and higher level qualifications” in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

“This is a response driven by the University of Algarve and developed in collaboration with regional public and private employers, which has been experiencing growth dynamics”, reads the note.

According to the CCDR/Algarve, the mandatory completion of curricular internships within the scope of the CTeSP constitutes a reinforcement of its connection and adjustment to the needs of the business sector, “being an essential contribution to improving the competitiveness of companies and economic diversification”.

To date, it reveals, the ESF+ has supported in the Algarve, with 1.3 million euros, a total of 422 students enrolled in 11 professional higher technical courses in the 2022/2024 and 2023/2025 training cycles.

“This policy instrument directly contributes to attracting new audiences to higher education, particularly those from secondary-level vocational training pathways”, it points out.

With the support of European funds, the CCDR adds, “the aim is to broaden the social base of higher education in order to attract new audiences, guarantee equal access and completion of higher education and training, and expand the dynamics seen at the CTeSP level”.

Applications for the second phase of the higher professional technical courses at the University of Algarve will take place between 16 and 20 September.