University of Porto launches UPorto4Life with €11 million investment
New school will focus on professional reskilling and continuous education in areas such as health, science and engineering
University of Porto is preparing to launch UPorto4Life, a new continuous education and professional reskilling school aimed at mid-career professionals looking to update skills, gain new certifications or transition into new fields of expertise.
The first courses are expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026 and will initially focus on health, science and engineering. The project will be based at the renovated Abel Salazar Building, whose refurbishment represents an investment of more than €11 million.
According to António de Sousa Pereira, Rector of the University of Porto, "It is essential that Portugal creates the habit of returning to university midway through professional careers, to update knowledge and renew the certifications required across different sectors.”
The new school will bring together training programmes and postgraduate courses developed by the university’s faculties and schools, promoting lifelong learning and career adaptability in response to evolving labour market demands.
UPorto4Life will operate under a mixed ownership structure, with 51% of the capital held by companies, business associations and professional bodies, while the university will retain responsibility for scientific management and academic direction.
Beyond education, the Abel Salazar Building is also expected to host scientific, cultural and innovation-related events, further strengthening Porto’s position as a centre for knowledge, talent development and professional innovation.
