About the Polytechnic University – IPS – Instituto Politécnico de Setubal
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About us

Founded in 1979, the Polytechnic University of Setúbal is a public higher education institution with a history of innovation and exploration. It focuses on practical training tailored to the job market.

IPS has a strong presence in public higher education and comprises five schools covering important areas of knowledge: Engineering and Technology; Social Sciences; Education and Sports; Business Sciences; and Health Sciences.

Distinctive features of IPS’s DNA include the strong practical component of teaching, training in the workplace, and stimulation of skills in innovation and entrepreneurship, complementing its assertive commitment to research and decisive contributions to regional development.

Around 9,400 students, 22,000 alumni, 730 lecturers and researchers, and 170 technical, administrative, management, and maintenance staff currently form a vibrant and inspiring academic community.

Campus of knowledge

Located in Setúbal and Barreiro, the Polytechnic University comprises five schools. The Setúbal campus is home to the Setúbal School of Technology (ESTSetúbal/IPS), the School of Education (ESE/IPS), the School of Business and Administration (ESCE/IPS) and the School of Health (ESS/IPS). The Barreiro campus is home to the Barreiro School of Technology (ESTBarreiro/IPS).

In addition to classrooms, the academic community has access to libraries, auditoriums, laboratories, research centres, accommodation, cafeterias, bars and a sports club, as well as an incubator for supporting the creation of their own businesses.

Our campuses are thus true academies for talent development, providing all the necessary resources to ensure that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the job market.

Together, we are creating the university of the future

The Polytechnic University of Setúbal is also a founding member of the E³UDRES² European University Alliance, which involves nine higher education institutions from Austria, Portugal, Belgium, Hungary, Latvia, Romania, the Netherlands, Germany and Finland. The alliance is driven by the goal of building a large international campus where teaching, research and innovation come together to inspire the development of smarter, more sustainable European regions, based on academic and cultural exchange between teachers, researchers and students.

Vision, Mission and Values

IPS’s strategy is based on contributing to sustainable development, educating conscious citizens, promoting good research, innovation and management practices, taking social responsibility, and fostering international partnerships. All our actions are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guide all our actions.

Content updated in 08/01/2026 10:52
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