Founded in 1979, Instituto Politécnico de Beja (Polytechnic Institute of Beja) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the large town of Beja (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants). Officially recognized by the Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Portugal (Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education of Portugal), Instituto Politécnico de Beja (IP Beja) is a coeducational Portuguese higher education institution. Instituto Politécnico de Beja (IP Beja) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. IP Beja also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.