The aim is that by March 2026, 270 new accommodation spots will be added across three islands. The University of the Azores Rector Susana Mira Leal acknowledged that the number of available housing places is still not enough but explained that the project offers essential housing alternatives for the region’s 900 displaced students.

The Angra do Heroísmo residence, located on the university’s campus, will accommodate 100 students, featuring 48 double rooms and four single rooms for those with reduced mobility. Works will also begin on a 50-bed residence in Horta (Faial), and by the end of the month, construction will start on a 120-bed residence in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel). These facilities must be completed by March 2026 to secure Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) funding. Susana Leal hopes this expansion will help attract more students to the University of the Azores.

Beyond the new residences, the university has agreements with private entities to house scholarship students. Plans are also underway to introduce new undergraduate and technical-professional courses at Angra do Heroísmo, including a fully autonomous veterinary medicine program, requiring the construction of a veterinary hospital.

The total cost of the three residences exceeds 15.5 million euros (excluding VAT), with additional municipal support ensuring project viability. Despite a 20 percent funding increase from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, local municipalities contributed nearly 2.5 million euros to bridge the financial gap.