Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave

Founded in 1994, the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA) is located in Barcelos, Portugal, with six schools across five cities. The institution is a member of the RUN-EU (Regional University Network - European University) alliance and specializes in management, technology, design, hospitality and tourism, and technical education.

Rankings

#26 (National rank)▼

National rank

Ranked #26 globally by EduRank 2026. Source: EduRank.org ↗

National rank

Ranked #26 globally by EduRank 2026. Source: EduRank.org ↗

National rank

Ranked #29 nationally by uniRank 2026. Source: 4icu.org ↗

National rank

Ranked #29 nationally by uniRank 2026. Source: 4icu.org ↗

World rank

Ranked #4947 globally by EduRank 2026. Source: EduRank.org ↗

World rank

Ranked #4947 globally by EduRank 2026. Source: EduRank.org ↗

Incoming Erasmus

93+ Students/Year

Semester Dates

View Calendar▼

Autumn App Deadline

31 Mar

Autumn Term

14 Sept - 4 Jan

Spring Term

16 Feb - 24 May

Drinks

Pint 🍺: €2.00Wine 🍷: €2.80

Tuition (EU / Non-EU) (EST.)

697 € / 753 €

Monthly Rent (Est.)

280 €

On-Campus Housing

✅ Available

Erasmus student network

✅ Local student groups active

Affordability Score

9/10

Total Students

6,721

English Programs

✅ Courses AvailableOfficial Catalogue ↗

Official Portal

Visit University Site ↗